Roscoe Riley Rules #3: Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs

What has Roscoe done to put him in time-out this time?

It all started with a trophy. Not his trophy, but his sister's trophy that she got in preschool. Roscoe had never won a trophy and wanted one very badly. When he meets his new neighbor Martin and dog Edward who can read from a book, Roscoe knows that he could win a trophy at the upcoming dog talent show.

First, he tries to teach his dog Goofy to read. But when that doesn't work out so well, he makes a deal with Martin: he will trade the sweater his grandmother made him for the opportunity to borrow Edward and perform the trick at the dog show.

But what Roscoe doesn't expect is how the whole experiences makes him feel like he is neglecting his own great dog.

What I Thought:
Another great book in the Roscoe series. This book reminds us to appreciate what we have, even if sometimes it may not seem as special as what someone else has. Roscoe is just a delightful character! I am looking forward to reading the fourth installment in this series, Roscoe Riley Rules #4: Never Swim in Applesauce.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Roscoe Riley Rules #3: Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs.

Over the River: A Turkey's Tale,based on the song by Lydia Maria Child, illustrated by Derek Anderson

In this fun book, Derek Anderson illustrates the story of a turkey family off to visit the grandparents house, to the text of the song "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Lydia Maria Child. While the text tells a story in itself, the illustrations provide a completely different version while offering much life and humor into the overall story.

What I Thought:
In honor of Thanksgiving, what could be better than a fun Turkey Day Book?

This book is absolutely adorable. It is nearly impossible to read this book (aloud or silently) without singing the song! It is great fun to follow the turkey's journey to their grandma's house and watch them overcome all of the obstacles they face. (It's hard being a turkey on Thanksgiving Day!) The illustrations are bold and colorful cartoons, with wonderful facial expressions.

I highly recommend this book, especially today, on Thanksgiving!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Over the River: A Turkey's Tale,based on the song by Lydia Maria Child, illustrated by Derek Anderson

Movie Review: Twilight

So I just got home from watching this movie:



What did I think?

"Eh."

I thought it was okay. I'm very much one who likes the movie to match the book and the "movie" that my imagination creates as I read the story. I understand that the book is very long and the movie would be ridiculous to sit through if they played out every detail, but that is what I wanted. (So there.)

Being that I had already (recently) read (well, listened mostly) to the first book, it was still very fresh on my mind. I wonder if the story made sense to those who had not read the book prior to watching the movie? (If this is you, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know!)

A lot was left out that I thought was so good in the book and important to the story, and some things were added that were unnecessary.

Parts of the movie were incredibly cheesy. ("Climb on spidermonkey?" REALLY??) I laughed out loud when Bella dropped the apple and Edward caught it (after it bounced off his shoe!) in the perfect pose of the book's cover. I thought some of the dialogue was lame.

I thought Robert Pattinson was good, I imagined Edward a little (but not much) more animated than he was portrayed. And I thought his hair was just horrible. Seriously bad. (And he is very, very good looking!) I thought Kristen Stewart did a great job portraying Bella, she was just like I imagined. Maybe a little more klutzy, but pretty spot on. (She is very pretty and I so want her hair.)

Some of the scenery is absolutely amazing and seeing Edward's speed come to life was pretty cool. The romance is there, I couldn't help but get lost a little in that "awwww, how sweet and I'm jealous" mind frame. (But my husband is WAY better than Edward Cullen!)

Overall, I recommend it to anyone who thinks they want to see it. However, if you REALLY want the story, you need to read the book. (It is WAY better!) You can check out my review of that here.

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex

In this parody of the beloved children's book Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, a little werewolf is ready for bed when a goon sneaks into his room and causes all kinds of mischief with the creatures that live in his room.

What I Thought:
This is a very fun and quite creative book! I love how the author stayed so closely aligned with the "original" book, yet made it unique just the same. The illustrations are dark (fitting with the style of the book), but fun and bright at the same time. Readers will laugh at the goon and the antics he does and sympathize with the poor werewolf who must banish him to his sleeping quarters, under his bed.

The book is full of recognizable characters, from a vampire and a witch, even bats and martians!

This book is sure to please kids desires for a "scary" book, yet it is not scary enough to cause nightmares. (Well, unless a child is super sensitive to these types of characters.) I think most kids who are familiar with Goodnight Moon will find this version humorous!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex.

Roscoe Riley Rules #2: Never Swipe a Bully's Bear By Katherine Applegate

Poor Roscoe. He's back in time-out.

Roscoe takes his beloved Hamilton (his stuffed pig) to school with him every day, and only a few people know about it. Hamilton hangs out in Roscoe's backpack while Roscoe does his schoolwork.

But one day Wyatt, the class bully discovers Hamilton and teases Roscoe. When Hamilton comes up missing, Wyatt is one of Roscoe's suspects.

So Roscoe swipes Wyatt's stuffed bear. (Which Wyatt also brings to school daily.) But did Wyatt really take Hamilton?

What I Thought:
I love Roscoe Riley. This is the second book in this series. Each book begins with the premise that Roscoe is sitting in time-out and the reader learns the story of what offense was committed for him to be there.

This story is funny, while teaches a few good lessons! We learn to never take other people's property, that teasing hurts feelings, and what happens sometimes when we jump to conclusions.

I think this is a great book, and a great series! Get your family together and read it aloud, everyone will enjoy it! I highly recommend this series for a fun time.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Roscoe Riley Rules #2: Never Swipe a Bully's Bear By Katherine Applegate.