Cool Zone with the Pain & the Great One by Judy Blume, illustrations by James Stevenson

Abigail and Jake are your normal sibling set. Abigail is in the 3rd grade and is known as the "Great One" by her younger brother Jake, who Abigail refers to as "the Pain."

In this second installment about this duo, the stories all revolve around school. The pair alternate telling stories, ranging from Jake's experience in being a waiter in his school restaurant experience to Abigail's determination to change her name to Violet Rose.

Through story after story readers will see that while sometimes siblings bicker and annoy each other, at the end of the day family sticks together.

What I Thought:
What a fun book, and one that so many families can relate to! I know that my brother and I would have loved these books as children, because we were just like Abigail & Jake! We may have picked on each other, but in the end we would have stuck by each other to the very end. (Still would!)

I love how each chapter alternates voices, giving each sibling their fair share. The stories are humorous, yet situations that happen in everyday life. I think this book, as well as the other books based around this duo, are bound to be hits for kids and families everywhere.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Cool Zone with the Pain & the Great One by Judy Blume, illustrations by James Stevenson

And while you are there, check out the other two books in this series, Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume, illustrated by James Stevenson and Going Going Gone! with the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume, illustrated by James Stevenson.





Also, check out the picture book Judy Blume wrote in 1985 that started in all: The Pain and the Great One, illustrated by Irene Trivas.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

This is the third installment of Bella's story in the Twilight saga. In this book, Bella is forced to make heartbreaking decisions as she comes to terms with her own emotions for two very important people in her life.

This book is stock full of excitement, drama, love, and everything a fan of this series wants, including lots of Bella, Edward, and Jacob!

What I Thought:
I think this is my favorite book of the series thus far. This book was so intense that I had to literally put it down every 10 pages or so because my eyes were reading the words faster than my brain could comprehend, and I didn't want to miss a word of this exciting novel.

Meyer has done a marvelous job setting up this story and giving the readers insight into Bella's mind. We suffer right along with her as she fights within herself.

An amazing read, and if you have read the first two books in this captivating series, you won't be able to put Eclipse down!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.

Now, onto Breaking Dawn! (Which I'm honestly a little sad to be starting, as I'm rather dreading finishing all the books in this series. What I am going to do then?)

Uh-oh Cleo by Jessica Harper, illustrated by Jon Berkeley

This is the story of Cleo's "Stitches Saturday," a day Cleo will not soon forget.

The day starts out normal, her family is eating breakfast, then her and her twin brother go to play in their room. When they decide to play Monopoly (as they do each Saturday), there is a little complication.

What I Thought:
A very cute book! Cleo is one of six kids, which I find fascinating, but most of this story revolves around Cleo and her twin brother.

I think this is a great story for kids who have had stitches, or known someone who had. It is not gory, and Cleo is the shining example of being brave. Mom makes up a lot of silly songs to help Cleo get through the ordeal with a positive attitude, which are just adorable!

A great book for young readers, probably in the 2nd-4th grades. A few black and white illustrations are scattered through the book.

A second book with this family is set to release in January 2009, Uh-oh, Cleo: Underpants on My Head by the same duo.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Uh-oh Cleo by Jessica Harper, illustrated by Jon Berkeley

Our Library by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Maggie Smith

When the local library has to close because of the deterioration of the building, or it is out of money, or the owner of the land wants to sell and they have to convince the town grump to let them move the library on his land, the community kids rally and overcome each obstacle to keep their beloved library. They learn how to do complete each task by reading library books!

What I Thought:
What a sweet book about how important a library is to a community! The "kids" in this book are depicted as a variety of animals: a raccoon, a squirrel, a beaver, etc. The setting is in a beautiful meadow. Wonderful illustrations! I especially loved how the kids took charge of saving their beloved library and use library books to learn how to complete a number of tasks, from roofing the building to earning money, even "How to Speak Wisely & Well to Grumpy Old Beavers."

A wonderful book to share when discussing libraries and communities.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Our Library by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Maggie Smith

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

A broken heart.

A budding friendship, or maybe more?

Life threatening, impending danger.

A terrifying trip to Europe.

These are just a few things to look forward to in New Moon, the sequel of Stephenie Meyer's book Twilight. Bella continues to live in Forks, Washington and encounter supernatural beings.

It's a book you won't want to miss!

What I thought:
This is probably one of the more difficult reviews to write because I did not want to give any part of the story away in the book! I know that Twilight fans cherish this story and would be disappointed if any part of the story was ruined. I know I would be!

I thought this book was a bit slow going in the beginning, but the end made the journey very much worth it.

I will not permit myself to say any more, only to say that this book is a wonderful addition to the Twilight story.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer.