Review: Nighty-Night, Sleep Tight by Jennifer Berne

Follow the setting sun and say good night to sleepy animals all over the world.

Say “nighty-night”—it's animal bedtime all over the world! From the moose in Maine to a Bahama iguana, from the kangaroos in Australia to the pandas in China, sleepy creatures everywhere are ready to rest under blankets of stars. But before they drift into dreams, they send a special kiss to an adorable child—“YOU”—curling up in bed, too. Written in lyrical, soothing rhyme, this endearing bedtime story will lull youngsters to sweet dreamland.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Journey around the world with this colorful and cute, rhyming book for children. It's time for sleep and a little tot and her puppy are tucking in other animals. From the moose in Maine to the tigers in Malaysia, the soft pastel colors and the whimsical characters on the pages will appeal to all. 
Stars shine above us,
we're cuddled and curled.
And it's animal bedtime
all over the world.
 The soothing cadence is a sweet addition to bedtime reads. I know the little ones in my family enjoyed it!
  Author
Illustrator

Thank you to Sterling Children's Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 3/5/13
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Pages: 24 (hardcover)
Type: children

Review: The Big Bad Wolf Goes On Vacation by Delphine Perret

The BIG BAD WOLF is back—and funnier (but not scarier) than ever!
 




Doesn't a wolf deserve a vacation, too? Bernard, the clever, cookie-munching hero of Delphine Perret's award-winning book, certainly thinks so. So when he learns that his pal Louis is vacationing by the sea with his grandpa, Bernard wants to go too. Soon they're off on a wacky road trip that ends with the perfect day on the beach. This much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning The Big Bad Wolf and Me is every bit as delightful as the first…and well worth the wait.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review

This story is just in time for warm weather and vacation season. Told in short chapters by a little boy who is taking a trip with his secret best friend (a wolf) and his grandfather. The Big Bad Wolf isn't quite so scary when he's going to the beach! In fact, in this book he's full of all kinds of surprises. Almost every page has multiple illustrations - line drawings in comic book style.  The text is fairly simple and silly describing their adventurous day. Somewhat long by children's book standards (64 pages) this book is enjoyable for the young and young at heart. It made my granddaughter and I both giggle!

Author Delphine Perret has numerous books published in France. Her first book in the U.S. was published seven years ago. I'm happy she decided to do a sequel!

The Big Bad Wolf and Me
 




Author-illustrator
Thank you to Sterling Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

Release date: 3/5/13
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Pages: 64 (hardcover)
Type: children

Review: The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck by Emily Fairlie

 

 Tuckernuck Cluckers, 

brave and true!

 




Tips for solving the treasure challenge created by your crazy school founder over eighty years ago

By Laurie Madison and Bud Wallace, Grade 6

1. Be suspicious of student journalists. And maybe janitors, too.
2. Make friends with your ancient school librarian. If her blue hair freaks you out, get over it.
3. Be prepared to sing like an angel or, at the very least, like a pirate.
4. Never underestimate the usefulness of furry rodents (especially flesh-eating ones).
5. Avoid the English wing. Seriously. You don't want to go there.

Using a unique blend of notes, lists, and classic prose, The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck tells the story of Bud and Laurie's quest to find the infamous Tutweiler Treasure. They're hot (or at least lukewarm) on the trail of clues, but time is running out—the school board wants to tear down Tuckernuck Hall. Can Bud and Laurie find the treasure before it's lost forever?

Emily Fairlie's memorable caper combines timeless mystery with humor in a treasure trove of wry wit, thrilling adventure, and undeniable heart.

(barnesandnoble.com) 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
This is an enjoyable middle grade read that includes humor and mystery. With a chicken for the school mascot (the Tuckernuck Cluckers!) you know there are going to be some funny moments. Laurie and Bud are new 6th graders at this unusual school and not off to a very good start.  In fact, Laurie is planning to transfer to another school as soon as possible but coming from a family of Clucker alumni makes that tough. When she and Bud as forced into an unlikely partnership they discover the first clue to the school's hidden treasure. As an exciting adventure unfolds, Laurie develops a new outlook on the school and their quest is off at a frantic pace with a deadline looming for demolition day. 

The details of the treasure hunt are quite interesting and the characters begin to adapt and grow. The more they learn about the history of Tuckernuck Academy the more their priorities change and the less selfish their motives become. The references to famous authors and artists, as well as the illustrations and copies of notes and emails, were a fun addition. The quirky humor was my favorite element. This is an enjoyable story for adults as well as young readers! 

Author
Publisher 
Thank you to HarperCollins for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 9/25/12
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 256 (hardcover)
Type: Children's fiction/middle grade

Mailbox Monday (late)

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at chaotic compendiums this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here I go complaining again but I can't get rid of this damn snowy mailbox. It's snowing right now! It sure is great reading weather though. 

Last week was all about children's books and we are loving them already. There's nothing better than snuggling with the little ones and enjoying a story or two - or three! I hope you have some great reads and warm weather at your house!

*(I was having internet issues yesterday and couldn't post this so I'm doing it today.)

Lisa Loeb's Songs for Movin' & Shakin' by Lisa Loeb
For review and tour from Sterling Publishing

The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation by Delphine Perret
For review from Sterling Publishing

Nighty-Night, Sleep Tight by Jennifer Berne
For review from Sterling Publishing

Itch by Simon Mayo
For review from Sterling Publishing (arc)

Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Unabridged Chick this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Brrrrrrr! It's another cold day. With the wind chill it's -14! Last week it was in the 40s for a few days so it's not too bad if it doesn't stay this way. It's great weather to curl up by the fireplace and read. I hope you are warm and cozy and enjoying some great books at your house.

(On a very happy note we finally heard test results for our grandson, Monkey Boy. His EEG came back normal! Hopefully the seizure was just from the fever. )

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Bought used from library sale shelf (paperback - I must be the only person who hasn't read this series - yet.)

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Bought used from library sale (paperback)

I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde
For review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers (paperback)

How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde
Free from Barnes & Noble (ebook)

Sofa Boy by Scott Langteau
Free from B&N (ebook)

The Question by Scott Langeau
Free from B&N (ebook)

Review: My Robots by Johan Olander

Discover these amazing inventions and form your own theories about what really happened to Lady Bonquers.

In this intriguing volume, noted monstrologist and alienologist Johan Olander reveals the works of the talented inventor Lady Regina Bonquers III, a genius recluse who mysteriously disappeared in 1972. The collection includes some of the most fascinating robots ever seen ? and some never before seen. Shown here are Lady Regina's own sketches and personal notes, as well as marketing brochures, newspaper articles, and other artifacts relating to these machines.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
A few years ago I reviewed the children's book A Field Guide to Aliens by Johan Olander. I loved it and was also lucky enough to win these terrific prints! When the author contacted me recently asking if I would like to review his newest release I was happy for the chance to read it. 

I have always Enjoyed this type of book. Not only is there an interesting story but the illustrations are in a variety of media and are amazing. Even inside the cover the images of assorted tools and supplies scattered on graph paper that's covered with notes, sketches and smudges introduces the reader to a mechanical delight. Each page gives the appearance of a bulletin board, the borders are trimmed with gears and grommets. Sketches and notes are attached to the board complete with tattered edges, wrinkles, thumbtacks and tape. It's such a creative design with so many fun details!

The work belongs to Lady Regina Bonquers III, the world's greatest robot maker.  Apparently she disappeared in 1972, leaving behind an empty castle in Scotland. Two young relatives eventually found her sketchbooks, diaries and notes and gave them to the author to compile into this book. The notes describe the different robots she created. The Chore Master X2000 had a variety of attachments (including the Flexgripper robot hand) to make it easier to help around the house. The Babysitter Bot was programmed to be a friend and babysitter and had an extra set of arms. The Auto Clown was designed to be an entertainer complete with magic tricks and multiple skills. Unfortunately, an unexpected mean streak took this model out of commission.

A brochure for the Auto Clown

The Personal Porter and Transport Robot

Firefighting Robot

While designated as a children's book there is something for everyone here. If the text is a bit complicated for the little ones the drawings are sure to get their attention. And as a grown up, I like it all! I know my nine year-old nephew will really enjoy this book but he will have to read this one at my house. Quirky, charming and clever - it's a keeper!

Author
Publisher

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.

Release date: 10/9/12
Publisher: Amazons Childrens Publishing
Pages: 61 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction/ Sci fi

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Dear Reader,

It is with great pride and joy that I present to you the amazing robotic creations of Lady Regina Bonquers III, who was perhaps the world's greatest robot maker...

 ...In this volume I have collected the most fascinating robots ever seen and some never before seen. Many of the images in this book are from Regina's personal notebooks and research documents. 

~page 6 (hardcover)

My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III by Johan Olander

  

Blog Tour - Horten's Incredible Illusions

Sterling Publishing is doing a blog tour of Lissa Evans second book in her Stuart Horten series. I was thrilled to participate since I loved these books!

My review Horten's Incredible Illusions (book #2)
My review Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (book #1)




The characters are so much fun! Horten is a ten year-old boy who moves to a new town. He discovers his next door neighbors are ten year-old triplets who are junior reporters for their own newspaper and appear very odd. Before long, April becomes a good friend and a loyal and valuable sidekick. Her sister also become assets in Horten's adventures to discover the secrets of his great uncle's (Teeny Tiny Tony Horten) illusions.

Triplets -

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is back at Mailbox Monday this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last week was all about children's books. Those are just as much for me as they are for the kids in my life! What goodies came your way?

Oddkins by Dean Koontz
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Deanna McFadden
For review and giveaway from Sterling Children's Books
(I also received seven other fairy tales in the Silver Penny Series)

Yalu and the Puppy Room by Brain T Yates
For review from Bookmasters

Review and Giveaway: The Elves and the Shoemaker told by Deanna McFadden

Elves make magic for a poor shoemaker and his wife in this much-loved tale originally told by the Brothers Grimm. 







Review
 This is the classic retelling of the popular fairy tale The Elves and the Shoemaker. Author Deanna McFadden keeps the story simple but true to the original theme using 40 pages in a cute, little book (5"x7"). The characters convey the importance of hard work, helpful hands and gratitude. There are enough details to delight every age but it is also short enough for little ones to relate to and enjoy.

Marcos Calo has added beautiful illustrations to every page. The soft hues, clothing choices and architectural detail add to the old fashioned style of the book. This charming story has always been a favorite at our house and now I look forward to sharing it with the grandchildren!
  
Author
Illustrator
Thank you to Sterling Children's Books for a book to review.

Release date: October, 2012
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Pages: 40 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction
 
From the adorable, little Silver Penny Series, a set of eight fairy tales from a variety of author and illustrators.
Puss in Boots

Rapunzel





 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Giveaway
Thanks to the publisher I have one copy to give away!

Rules:
- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
- U.S. and Canada only (sorry everyone else!)
- Extra entries available
- Ends 10/26/12, 11:59 pm EST


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner!

Congratulations

Kathy at Bemudaonion

(entry #1)

For winning an autographed copy of Horten's Incredible Illusions! Yay, Kathy! Please reply to my email with your mailing address.

*New giveaway coming right up!*

Giveaway: Horten's Incredible Illusions

Thanks to Sterling Publishing I have one signed book to give away!

My review of Horten's Incredible Illusions

Rules:
- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
- U.S. only (sorry everyone else!)
- Extra entries available
- Ends 9/30/12, 11:59 pm EST
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Horten's Incredible Illusions by Lissa Evans

Magic, mystery and a 

very strange adventure

This magical follow-up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms continues Stuart's amazing adventures--with more enchantment, more surprises, and more thrills. When we last left 10-year-old Stuart, he had just recovered his great-uncle Tony's long-lost magic workshop. Now all the priceless tricks are on display in the Beeton Museum--and Stuart is junior curator of the exhibit! But another mystery awaits Stuart: Where did the great magician hide his will? Only by entering the magic world of the workshop can he find the answer. But as the mechanisms whisk him off on increasingly incredible adventures, the puzzles become harder and harder to solve…and the stakes higher. With even more page-turning action, this second book in the exciting middle-grade series does a magic trick of its own: it's even better than the first!

(Goodreads.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Review

This sequel was another delightful journey into the magical world of Stuart Horten. I was so impressed with the first book and was thrilled to see the creativity continued here. In Stuart's previous adventure he was able to discover the location of his late uncle's magic tricks but now he is trying to uncover how they work and where the will is hidden. His neighbor and friend, April, is again his loyal sidekick. And he is lucky to have her because he cannot solve these mysteries alone. The puzzles are complicated and dangerous. Stuart has more to learn but more to lose. 

As Stuart becomes more acquainted with his new home the reader also discovers more about his new surroundings. All of the characters are quirky and interesting. Stuart's parents are a bit odd but loving. The triplets are very odd but much more likeable and involved in this book. And of course, every adventure needs a villian! This one has a few and they keep our heroes on their toes. The mysterious magic tricks are another character all by themselves. With names like the Cabinet of Blood, the Reappearing Rose Bower and the Book of Peril the reader knows that Stuart and friends have a rough journey ahead. 

Filled with action, intrigue and more danger than the first book, this story is sure to challenge the mind of young readers and provide entertainment for all ages. I truly hope this charming series continues! 

My review of Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (Book 1)
Thank you to Sterling Publishing for an ARC to review.

Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Release date: 9/4/12

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books

Pages: 352 (hardcover)

Type: middle grade fiction

Winners!

Congratulations to:

Cheyenne Teska
winner of my arc Of Poseidon byAnna Banks
 

and to:

Jess (The Cozy Reader)

winner of autographed copy Poopendous! by Artie Bennett

I have sent emails to the winners.
Please send me your information so I can get these books to you.

*More giveaways coming right up!*

Review: Poopendous! By Artie Bennett

The inside scoop 

on every type and 
use of poop!

Rhyming couplets feature Professor Poopdeck and two young friends as he takes them on a type of poop safari. Words for poop (i.e. guano, number two, ca-ca), its forms and styles (cubes, tubular, wet and dry), and myriad of uses (i.e. souvenirs, a means of tracking and marking, housing insulation, food, fertilizer, fuel) are all conveyed with humor and a certain demand for respect. It's a book that says: Don't just flush this stuff away! While it may dismay and stink, there's more to this stuff than you might think!
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I was lucky enough to have children's author, Artie Bennett, send me The Butt Book to review last year. The grandkiddos loved it so of course I said yes when he asked if I would like to read and review his new book! Poopendous! is another delightfully silly (yet tasteful) book that is entertaining as well as educational. Professor P. Poopdeck is our narrator and teaches us that different animals make different shapes and there are even a variety of uses for poop. All of this and more are described in rhyming text. I didn't expect to learn so much myself! I've read it with my four year-old granddaughter several times and she asks questions and makes intelligent comments every time. 

Mike Moran has added comical illustrations sure to charm children and adults. His work perfectly compliments the story. While the topic could easily have been handled poorly, author and illustrator have made this an enjoyable adventure. I look forward to more from Artie Bennet. Fans for life at our house!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.

Author
Illustrator
Publisher

Release date: 3/27/12
Publisher: Blue Apple Books
Pages: 36 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were -
Flopsy,
Mopsy,
Cotton-tail,
and Peter.
They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree.
"Now, my dears," said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden: your Father had an accident there; he was put into a pie by Mrs. McGregor."

~page 8 "The Tale of Peter Rabbit"
Giant Treasury of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Review: The Butt Book by Artie Bennett

Eyes and ears are much respected,
but the butt has been neglected.
We hope to change that here 
and now.
Would the butt please take a bow?

Did you ever notice that, no matter where you sit, you're sitting on the same seat? You can thank your butt for that and more, as you'll see in "The Butt Book" by Artie Bennett, illustrated by Mike Lester.
You might call your butt by a different name. It might be a tushy to you, or a tuchus, bottom, rear-end, heinie, backside or something else very different. In other countries, it might be called a derriere or a keister. Don't be confused, but in England, your butt would be called a "bum". No matter what you call it, it's still the same thing.
So why do you have a butt? Well...it's a good place to put your underpants. It's a great place to sit. You can shake it when you dance. Without it, you wouldn't be able to ride your bike or sit on a seesaw or swing or do anything! Butts, as you can see, are as important as your eyes or ears, your head or your heart. In fact, in the end, your butt is probably one of the most useful things you've got.
Does your child have a bookshelf all his or her own? You can forget using it for awhile if you bring home this hilarious book. "The Butt Book" is going to become the most-read thing in your house.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Coming from a family of all males I've heard a lot of butt jokes over the years. Both boys and girls will giggle over this silly, yet tasteful read. Adults will chuckle too! From the first pages delightful rhymes take you on a tour of a variety of butt facts. The colorful illustrations are silly with wonderful details. They are the perfect compliment to the words on the page.

Informative and easy to read, you are likely to find yourself enjoying this again and again. Sure to be a favorite for your kids (and the kid in you!).

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.

Author's site
Illustrator's site
Publisher

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Release date: 12/22/09
Pages: 32
Price/format: $16.99/hardcover
Type: Childrens fiction (ages 5-7)

Review: Dragonbreath Attack of the Ninja Frogs by Ursula Vernon

Danny Dragonbreath is back...
and kicking it Kung Fu style

Danny Dragonbreath knew girls were trouble. But the new foreign exchange student, Suki the Salamander, is beyond trouble. Not only has she reduced his best friend, Wendell, to a blithering, lovesick tadpole, but she’s apparently the object of an elaborate ninja frog kidnapping plot. Danny is never one to pass up an adventure (especially one involving ninja frogs), and so he and Wendell and Suki set out on a dangerous quest through the mythical Japanese bamboo forests to find out what these fearsome frogs want. Danny may not be able to breathe fire like a normal dragon, but he and Wendell have watched lots of kung fu movies and can totally take on a bunch of ninja frogs. Or, um, so he hopes . . .

Using her trademark hybrid style of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon has packed this second book in the hilarious Dragonbreath series with lots of kung fu, a little bit of loooove, and plenty of everyday school drama.

This book got my attention because my nephews are five and ten years-old and love to read. Although this is just the book for them, I enjoyed it too! Danny is a typical boy with a vivid imagination, a love of kung fu movies and he happens to be a dragon. When his best friend Wendall falls for the new girl Suki, Danny is more than a little annoyed. But she's not like the other girls and when an attempt is made by ninja frogs to kidnap her Danny and Wendall jump into action.

Whimsical cartoons fill this adventurous chapter book and are on almost every page. I liked the combination of text and comic book style illustrations and found it very entertaining. It certainly holds your attention as it's an important part of the story. The humorous situations at home, school and on their adventure appeal to adults as well as children, especially boys. It's been (more than) a few years since I've had to deal with cooties, protractors and writing on bathroom walls but it still made me grin. I also got quite a ninja education! This was a clever story with adorable characters and I look forward to the next book coming soon in this series Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Weiner.

Thank you to Dial Books for providing an ARC for review.
www.penguin.com/dragonbreath

Publisher: Dial Books
Release date: 2/4/10
Pages: 208
Price/format: $12.99/hardcover
Type: Children's fiction
Age: 8-12, grades 3-7

Review: Billy Bones The Road to Nevermore by Christopher Lincoln

Will skeleton boy Billy Bones
be brave enough to face
the dangers of Nevermore?

Billy Bones and his cousin Millicent are ready to explore the world beyond the Biglum mansion. When Uncle Grim and Millicent are captured and taken to the hidden world of Nevermore, Billy begins an adventure bigger than even he could have asked for. As Billy searches for his loved ones, Millicent discovers that some secrets are too big for any Secrets Closet to hold-and may be too dark for any skeleton to overcome.

This sequel offers another spooky romp in the tradition of filmmaker Tim Burton, where friendships grow, betrayals linger, schemes entangle - and heroism appears in the most unexpected places.


Another book I'll be sharing with the nephews! I didn't read the prequel yet and I would have preferred to read them in order. While this story is easy to understand and there are plenty of references that help you catch up, I like to start at the beginning. It didn't distract me from enjoying this story though.

Billy is a human boy but he had once been turned into a skeleton by an evil skeleton uncle and was subjected to many otherwordly events. He was transformed back and saved from the Afterlife. Now he lives happily in a mansion with his cousin Millicent and her grandmother Mum Biglum. His skeleton parents also live there in a special closet where they are the Keepers of Secrets. When Gossip, an evil snoop, overhears and repeats important secrets, Billy is once again turned into a skeleton and is sent to Nevermore. Once I got all of that straight we were off and running into Billy's next adventure!

The characters were so interesting and quite humorous. There is plenty of action and while it may seem like a scary setting it's not a scary story. It's a very clever twist on a tale of a young boy fighting evil and trying to do the right thing. Occasional black and white illustrations within the chapters enhance the story. I hope there will be more adventures with Billy Bones.

Highly recommended, Book 2 in the series.

Thank you to Hatchette Books for a review copy of this book.

www.lb-kids.com

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 8/09
Pages: 208
Price/format: $10.99/hardcover
Type: Children's fiction
Age: 8-12

Review: A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons by Cressida Cowell

It's Hiccup's birthday,
but that's not going to keep
him from getting into trouble.

To save his dragon, Toothless, from being banished, Hiccup must sneak into the Meathead Public Library and steal the Viking's most sacred book. But the Vikings see books as a dangerous influence and keep them locked up and under heavy guard. To save his friend, Hiccup must brave the Hairy Scary Librarian, his dreadful army of Meathead Warriors, and the formidable Driller Dragons. Will he make it out and live to see his next birthday?

I adored this book! I haven't read any of the other Hiccup books but I will be now and I'll be sharing these with my nephews. This had a comical story about a young Viking boy, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, the Hope and Heir to the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, who is in his first year of the Pirate Training Program and isn't really turning out like the HERO he is expected to be much to the dismay of his father, Stoick the Vast, O Hear His Name and Tremble, the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans. And this is a time where you weren't allowed to be anything less.
Imagine a time of VIKING HEROES, in which men were men and women were sort of men, too, and even some babies had chest hair.
Poor Hiccup is off to a miserable start for his twelfth birthday but it does make for a hilarious adventure.

Almost every page had wonderful illustrations, hand drawn sketches of Vikings and dragons. There were also excerpts from the Hero's Guide and they looked like drawings from a book. And all throughout there were different interesting fonts that added to the fun. It's not just a good story it's also fun to look at.

In the back of the book at the end of the story were some great additions.
Dragon Profiles - names, drawings, statistics and notations of each of the dragons Hiccup has experience with.
Dragonese Dictionary - important terms for the reader
all right - okey dokey
bad mood - thunder puffs issa zapping
chair - bum support
Dragonese colors and numbers
yellow - butter color
1,2,3 -oos, doos, twa
Conversations with Toothless the Dragon - get to know Hiccup's cute little dragon (the littlest ever and he has no teeth but very hard gums) even better.

Highly recommended. Book 5 from a series.

Thank you to Hatchette Books for a review copy of this book.

www.lb-kids.com

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 8/1/09
Pages: 256
Price/format: $10.99/hardcover
Type: Children's fiction
Age: Middle grade