MADreads

The haunted is being haunted
A review of Ghoulish Song by William Alexander

 Kaile’s shadow separates from her while playing a bone flute gifted to her by a traveling goblin. Superstition says that once a person loses their shadow, they are really dead. So to everyone in her city, even her family, Kaile is now a ghoul. Kaile and her shadow, Shade, seek out to find the origin of the flute and to prove to everyone she is still alive. Their adventures lead to a music audition, saving the city from an impending danger, and a ghoul made of thousands of drowned bones. Even ...read more

Reviewed by Jody on May 31, 2013 | 0 comments

Lessons from an elephant
A review of Masterwork of a Painting Elephant by Michelle Cuevas

 Birch, a former circus elephant, has been raising Pigeon Jones since he was abandoned by his parents. While the two live a happy life together, they both want more -- Pigeon to know about his parents and Birch to gain fame as an artist and find his lost love. Beautiful storytelling combines the wisdom of Pooh, experiences of The Little Prince, and the lessons of Aesop all  into one. This one's not just for children. ...read more

Reviewed by Jody on February 22, 2013 | 0 comments

What friends are for
A review of A Home for Bird by Philip Stead

The story begins on the copyright page as an overstuffed moving truck bumps along the road. Vernon the toad meets a silent Bird. Vernon and friends quickly deduce that Bird is homesick, and Vernon makes it a mission to find Bird's home. Through land, water and air, they venture to homes of all sorts, until one morning Vernon finally hears Bird 'speak.' The colorful watercolors exude the warmth and richness of what having good friends in life should feel like. Those who take the time to ...read more

Reviewed by Jody on November 9, 2012 | 0 comments

Read-read-read this book
A review of Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig

 The farm animals are unable to go to sleep ‘cause they got that beat! This story provides a fun way to introduce rhythm. This lyrical book allows interaction and would not only be a great read-aloud, but also as a call-and-response story. You will be peeping, purring and howling like never before. Beware though, you may get carried away, and the short, simple phrases will get stuck in your head. Marc Brown, the creator of Arthur, star of picture books and the PBS show, creates ...read more

Reviewed by Jody on December 2, 2011 | 0 comments

How Are Your Manners?
A review of Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst

 A whimsical, redemptive story about how good manners can make all the difference. Lulu, a spoiled only child, wants a pet brontosaurus for her birthday. She screeches and flails to no avail when her parents adamantly say, “No.” Lulu packs a suitcase and runs off into the big forest to find her pet. She encounters and even brawls with bigger, scary animals, but she proves to be tougher and meaner. That is, until she meets the brontosaurus and finds herself unable to go back home. The short ...read more

Reviewed by Jody on May 4, 2011 | 0 comments

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