This post is about animals all around us, and in the wonderful world of books as well.
Mrs. Noodlekugel
Mrs. Noodlekugel by Daniel Pinkwater with illustrations by Adam Stower (Children’s Fiction | 5 – 9 years, and up)
Book Description
With signature wit and whimsy, the inimitable Daniel Pinkwater introduces an eccentric, endearing babysitter every child will wish they could have.
Welcome to the world of Mrs. Noodlekugel, where felines converse and serve cookies and tea, vision-impaired mice join the party (but may put crumbs up their noses), and children in search of funny adventures are drawn by the warm smell of gingerbread and the promise of magical surprises.
My Thoughts
A quick and easy read which could have packed a little bit more than it does. Two children discover a charming home in the middle of where they least expected it – right in the middle of a whole block of high rise buildings. The kids find out that it belongs to Mrs.Noodlekugel, a kind old woman who lives there with a talking cat along with not three, but four blind mice.
The story moved and ended rather abruptly for me and was a little confusing and not seeming so right as well at a few points of this story.
That said, it is still a quick and easy read with entertaining characters, and is the first of a series. The cat was truly the favorite character with both me and my (then) nine-year old son. One line I liked reading in this: “Cats have trouble with consonants, you see.”
A Secret Keeps
Book Description
Before a weekend visit to his grandparents’ farm, a little boy discovers that his grandpa has a secret waiting for him. “Grampa, what’s the secret,” he asks, but all Grampa will say is, “Finders keepers.” Is the secret in the barn? With the chickens? Hiding in the corn? When the boy finally discovers the answer, he realizes that a secret is indeed for keeping.
My Thoughts
A cute book with wonderful illustrations and story told in verse. The story gives the reader a peek into life on a farm while keeping it modern and current. The illustrations are used well to show farm
life as well as to highlight the imagination of the child’s mind – you will love this when you see it.
The little boy is told by his grandfather that there is a secret for him when he comes to the farm for a visit. The boy tries to find the secret, asking everyone (thing) and looking everywhere and when he discovers it, it is delightful and he learns that the secret can be kept!
My favorite lines: “Could it be in Grampa’s cornfield? It must have heard the secret you know it is all ears.” And “A secret is for keeping.” (in this book, definitely, a delightful secret kept)
Rating: B
Reading Level: 4 – 7 years
Publication date: April 1, 2012
The Bremen Town Musicians
The Bremen Town Musicians – a fresh take on a classic – this story tells the story of the four friends teaming up to find a better life for themselves in Bremen – the twists in this story are all in the journey to Bremen. The illustrations are vivid, colorful and bright. I especially loved the butterflies that stand out even brighter than the rest of the illustrations
on most of the pages.
A charming retelling overall and love the illustrations
Rating: B-
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
Publication date: April 15, 2012
Valentino Finds a Home
Valentino Finds a Home – I loved this story – Valentino is super cute and I would definitely adopt him as a pet (but don’t let my kids know yet!). Valentino seeks to find a secure home for himself where he will not be eaten and his attempts to do that lead him across oceans and on adventures (for him).
My favorite lines:”Valentino jumped and danced and whistled loud with glee. “At last! At last!” he cried, “Someone recognizes me!!””
Rating: B+
Reading Level: 4 – 7 years
Publication date: April 15, 2012
Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital review copy of all the four books reviewed above. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read this book.All four books go toward the Read-to-Me Picture Book Challenge
Monday Memes
What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.
It is a time when we share what we’ve read, currently reading, or what is up
next on our reading list.
Completed reading:
Books reviewed here today
Last Man in Tower by Aravind Adiga
(review coming soon)
Healthy in a Hurry (review and
giveaway coming Tuesday 3/6)
Mr.Darcy Forever (review and
giveaway coming Wednesday 3/7)
The Hundred Penny box
Currently reading:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
The Lilac House by Anita Nair
(digital ARC)
Feast of Roses
Wonder
Next to read:
Lots to pick from…
