#MMBBR #FirstLine #Review #TheFlameUp by @megfuzzle #MeghanScottMolin via #partner #47North who provided a #free #reviewcopy

By day, MG Martin writes comic books; by night, she lives them. A refreshing, female-driven spin on the superhero comic book genre, THE FRAME-UP (47North; on sale December 1, 2018) is an adventurous new mystery novel that’s sure to entice lovers of geek culture and the Marvel and DC universes.

About the book:

Comic book editor MG Martin lives and breathes geek culture. So when someone starts recreating crimes from one of her favorite comic books, she becomes the LAPD’s mostly unlikely expert and begins working with the handsome Detective Kildaire to crack the case. But for every superhero, there’s a supervillain...and MG’s may be closer than she thinks...

Debut author Meghan Scott Molin comes to writing by way of a Masters in Architecture, a minor in Opera, a professional career as a barn manager, and three years’ crash course as a mother. She is an avid lover of everything nerdy, from Wars to Trek, Hobbits, Who, and beyond.

The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Instead of finalizing his coffee order, the schmo ahead of me in line is reading his iPad, the headline MYSTERY DRUG BUST AT THE DOCKS splashed across the screen.

A zany and entertaining read that will appeal to many self-proclaimed geeks and lovers of crime-fighting comic book drama. With compelling and pretty kick butt characters you will be swept up into a story that is innovative, captivating and original!

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#MMBBR #Review #ToughCookie by @EdwardHemingway via #partner @barbfisch @blueslipper who provided a #free #reviewcopy

TOUGH COOKIE: A CHRISTMAS STORY

Edward Hemingway

(Sept 11, 2018; Henry Holt; ages 4-8; 40 pages)

TOUGH COOKIE is a funny riff on The Gingerbread Man story. Cookie, the title character, runs through Christmastown shouting to Fox that he can't be caught, but Fox does indeed catch him and Cookie tastes terrible! It turns out that he's a hard, non-edible cookie ornament, not a sweet cookie, hence the Tough Cookie name.

Making these fun cookie-like ornaments is a wonderful family holiday craft. Eddie is the youngest grandson of Ernest Hemingway, and although his famous grandfather died before Eddie was born, Eddie has very fond family memories making gingerbread houses and these salt, flour, and glue cookie ornaments at Christmas.

Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is adorable! I loved it so much. It was a fun twist on a holiday story, with a little bit of the classic tale of the gingerbread man. I loved that this story taught the reader about self acceptance, group acceptance and understanding that each and every one of us has a skill or a gift we can use to make the world a better place! A great story to read in the classroom with little ones, with a great activity in the back of the book. Overall, it is just a really sweet, beautifully illustrated holiday story that both kids and adult will love!

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #BleakHarbor by @BryanGruley via #partner #ThomasMercer who provided a #free #reviewcopy

Bleak Harbor by Bryan Gruley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Danny sits at the end of the dock, watching.

This book was really great! I adored it so much. It was tense and original. It was one of those books where the characters were so real, flawed and human. You could not help but get caught up in the story and all the secrets the people and the town are hiding. I found myself so engrossed from cover to cover. I could see this book being made into a movie. It is really plays out like a movie in your mind as you read it. The story is very well paced and the characters are slowly fleshed out! You will also be kept on your toes and you won't see the ending coming. A must read for thriller lovers!

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  BLEAK HARBOR (Thomas & Mercer, on sale December 1, 2018), which #1 New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn calls “an electric bolt of suspense.”

When the brilliant but socially withdrawn son of a prominent Bleak Harbor family disappears, dark questions and long-buried secrets rise to the surface of the seemingly tranquil small town. Part Gone Girl, part The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, BLEAK HARBOR will keep readers guessing until the last page and asks the question: how far would you go to save someone you love?

Bryan Gruley is the critically acclaimed author of Starvation Lake: A Mystery and its sequels, The Hanging Tree and The Skeleton Box. He has been nominated for an Edgar Award and has won the Anthony, Barry, and Strand awards. Bryan is a reporter-at-large for Bloomberg News and previously wrote for The Wall Street Journal, where he shared in the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

#MMBBR #ReviewRoundUp #HolidayGiftGuide via #partner @NatGeo @NGKids @MediaMastersP who provided #free #reviewcopies

The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ "Cruz!"

This book is so great for kids. It is a wild and action-packed adventure that kids (and parents) will love. I adore that The Nebula Secret is book one of seven to be released in this series brand new Explorer Academy Series. The book is based on real-life science, exploration and mission of the National Geographic Society. This is what sets Nat Geo apart from others. With the action packed adventure, code breaking and exploration this group of students will attend the Explorers Academy and get to really dive into a thrilling quest. All kids will be able to relate to the characters, will get immersed in the science and will love traveling the world. This series will be a hit and we cannot wait to continue on the adventures.

Ultimate Predatorpedia: The Most Complete Predator Reference Ever by Christina Wilsdon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is quite speculator! Within this amazing book there are hundreds of photos of some of the coolest things about predators. In addition to all the fabulous photos, there are facts and tidbits galore. While you peruse the book you can look through the chapters and read things that interest you the most. The chapters are: Discovering Predators, Predatory Mammals, Predatory Birds, Predatory Reptiles and Amphibians, Predatory Fish and Predatory Invertebrates. When this book arrived my son was instantly reading it bouncing from topic to topic...all I heard was "Did you know that...." followed by some amazing factoids and "Wow, look at this..." followed by me looking at some crazy cool things. These are the type of books that capture the attention of young readers because they have amazing vibrant photos and fun facts. I love that I can trust that my child will be learning interesting and important facts and that their attention will be captured over the winter with this book. Every time you open it up you read you learn something new. This will be a staple read for my boys over the winter!

Weird But True 10 by National Geographic Kids
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is FANTASTIC. I could not stop reading it and both my boys thought is was super cool too! Did you know that it's illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub in Arizona, USA and opossums are about the size of a grain of rice at birth and that 14 babies can fit in a teaspoon?!?!!! So cool right! In this book you will read about 350 outrageous wild, and out of this world weird but true facts. This book has all the things that I love about National Geographic...the amazing photos, great tidbits and facts, as well as the well written factfinder located in the back of the book. 5 stars

National Geographic Kids Why Not?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why can't planes hover like helicopters? Why don't we have robotic buddies yet? Why isn't Donkey Kong a donkey? All the answers to these questions and hundreds more are contained in this AMAZING book that is a must for all children that are curious and want to know the answers to WHY or Why Not??? My kids are going to love this book and I am sure that I will get quizzed on many of the questions inside this book! It will be awesome to learn about all these things along side my children. This will be a memorable gift for the kids for Christmas! 5 stars

Fly with Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories by Jane Yolen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Any child that has any interest in poetry, pictures, stories and loves birds (which let's be honest, that is everyone) and appreciates the beauty of nature needs this book! It book has both breathtaking photos and the poems and stories are just stunning! I don't think that I can truly capture the absolute beauty that is in this book! The photos...seriously...I can get lost inside them. I love the accompanying information that takes you further into the beauty and splendor of nature and the completely breathtaking beauty of birds! 5 stars!

To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure by Buzz Aldrin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so excited to work through this book with my kiddos. What makes this book so cool is that it is SO different than other books. You will find the pop-up pictures to take your imagination to the next level, but there is more...lots more. There is information on the Apollo 11 crew and everything you ever wanted to know about the first humans on the moon. This book is filled with pictures, stories and so much more. I am always looking for ways to keep the learning going over the winter months. This book is going to be a HUGE hit! It is a super interactive and engaging book and has bright and colorful photos that literally pop off the page. Adults and kids alike will get lost looking at the pictures and learning so much cool and interesting information. So awesome!!! 5 HUGE stars

The Poetry of Us: More Than 200 Poems That Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States by J. Patrick Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book poem is AMAZING...the pictures, the words dancing along the pages allowing the reader to be introduced to so many parts of the US in this reading sensation. This book is sheer joy, love and smiles from cover to cover!!! This book focuses on the need to understand the diversity of the US, to embrace the all the people and to take care of the country we live in. This book highlights every part of the US...let that sink in...that is no small feat. This book is such a gift to the world to showcase and highlight this amazing country for future generations to see. With 200 poems and pictures to see within this book and they are all stunning, vibrant and awe inspiring. I have never really seen a book like this before and that is what makes it so special. This book is a MUST for everyone to own a copy...it is really that wonderful. Buy it, you won't regret it...I PROMISE!

Solve This!: Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You by Joan Marie Galat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book so much because not only does it cause the reader to learn to problem solve, but it does so in such a fun and innovative way. It has super funny, entertaining and wacky challenges that puts your mind to the test. You will have hours of fun coming up with ways to solve the challenges. This book makes an amazing gift and is one of those books that is wonderful for kids and parents to work their way through together. I cannot wait to give this book to the boys for Christmas. I see lots of fun in our future as we put our minds together and make some amazing memories.

Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to Do with Your Canine Companion by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My dog is seriously my favorite ever. I loved this book so much and I cannot wait to work my way through the 22 activities with my pup! I am constantly wanting to know what she is thinking, feeling and why she acts the way so does. I want to really understand her so that her life can be the best. She has brought me so much joy and I want nothing more than to give her back all the joy she has given me. I know that every dog lover will want this book. It allows the reader to understand our canine companions through activities, information, additional reading suggestions and research revealed. A total hit!

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #TheWhiteChristmasInn by #ColleenWright via #partner @AtriaBooks who provided a free #reviewcopy

ABOUT THE WHITE CHRISTMAS INN

A New England inn seems like the picture-perfect place to spend the holidays. But when a snowstorm shuts the roads and keeps all the guests inside, they find themselves worrying that this Christmas may not be exactly what they dreamed.

Hannah has plans for a picturesque winter wedding, but they come crashing down when her fiancé calls everything off.

Jeanne and Tim don’t know how they’re going to keep the inn open another year – or how to bridge the distance in their marriage. With a flurry of unexpected guests, they’ll have to work together to fix all the problems that crop up. But will it be enough to rekindle their relationship?

Molly just needs to finish her latest book, but her writer’s block is crippling. And the arrival of Marcus, a handsome widower with two young girls, is exactly the distraction she doesn’t need.

As the characters’ stories intertwine, they discover that with faith, and a little bit of Christmas magic, they just might find hope where they thought it had been lost.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

COLLEEN WRIGHT was raised in snowy towns in Michigan, where she loved curling up by the fire with a good book at Christmas. She now lives and works in Brooklyn.

THE WHITE CHRISTMAS INN

by Colleen Wright

Atria/Howard Books

On Sale: October 23, 2018; ISBN: 9781501180606; $15.99

 ORDER:

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Barnes & Noble

Books-a-Million

IndieBound

The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ As the inn appeared on the crest at the end of the snowy drive, nestled in the folds of the gently rolling Vermont foothills, Molly Winslow actually laughed out loud.

I loved this book. It reminded about everything I love about Christmas books. I loved how each of the characters lives intersected. I loved the feel good nature of this story. I loved the characters and setting. I truly loved it all. I could see this book being made into a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie because that is how the story played out in my mind! If you love Christmas books and love stories that you feeling happy and content, this book is for you! A must read holiday story that will get you into the Christmas spirit.

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #TheEnchantedSonata by @Story__Monster #HeatherDixonWallwork via #partner #TheWallworkshop and #SmithPublicity who provided a free #reviewcopy

In The Enchanted Sonata, 15-year-old Clara Stahlbaum has her future perfectly planned: marry the handsome pianist, Johann Kahler (ah!), and settle down to a life full of music. But all that changes when Clara receives a mysterious and magical nutcracker. Whisked away to his world—an enchanted empire of beautiful palaces, fickle fairies, enormous rats, and a prince—Clara must face a magician who uses music as magic...and the future she thought she wanted.

Dixon Wallwork is a musician, animator and author. Working under Disney Interactive, she has illustrated for many popular franchises including Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar, and was the story lead for the Moana playset. She is the author of two novels published by Greenwillow Books – HarperCollins: Entwined and Illusionarium.

For more information visit Dixon Wallwork at www.story-monster.com. Say hello and see more of her gorgeous illustrations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Prelude: What makes magic...magic?

The Enchanted Sonata was brilliant. It was a beautiful and inventive way to retell the story of The Nutcracker. It was magical, musical and very mystical. I adored the characters, the setting and the story. It was such a delight from cover to cover. I think it was the perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit. I love when writers bring to life a story in a new way but still capturing the things we loved about the original, which was done flawlessly here. This book captures so much adventure, romance, and fun! It is a must read!

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#MMBBR #ReviewRoundup @HolidayHouseBks #HolidayBookGiftGuide

I love Holiday House because there is something for everyone! In this post you will see I Like to Read books and Guided Reading Level books, as well picture books and a chapter books.  

These books are all 5 star reads and books I seriously loved!! 

Remember books make perfect gifts, so get shopping and fill those stockings with adventures thought the pages of books!

I Like to Read® Books:

NOTE:  About the Series

I Like to Read® books are picture books written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

"These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers."—School Library Journal

"This series dares to make entertaining reads from short texts and familiar vocabulary"—Kirkus Reviews

"Each one makes the hard world of learning to read enough fun to encourage children at this critical developmental moment to try another one."—Vicky Smith, Children's and YA Editor at Kirkus Reviews

I Like My Car by Michael   Robertson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who would think that a few simple words could create such a wonderful story? I Like My Car captures your imagination through the the gorgeous illustrations and simple text as you get to meet drivers in the cars they love. It is such a delightful and wondrous adventure on the road, that is sure to entertain children and kids alike.

Can You Find Pup? by Vincent X Kirsch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love that this book has simple words, but a glorious and delightful story. Children will love reading this story and will be inspired to draw pictures themselves. I adored the seek and find portion of this book. It will keep kids engaged both by reading and by spotting the pictures.

Min Makes a Machine by Emily Arnold McCully
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great book about learning to be inventive and to do kind things for others, and possibly a lesson about not being so quick to give up and go home. With easy word and colorful pictures kids will have success in reading at their "just right" level.

BOARD BOOKS:

Boat Book by Gail Gibbons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading this book will teach kids that different kinds of boats are moved differently. Some are moved by oars and paddles, while others are moved by wind or engines. This book is made of sturdy cardboard and will last through all the reading the kids will surly do because they will love this book so much!

Pirate Boy by Eve Bunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Danny imagines what would happen if he were to hop on a pirate ship and take off! When his mother explains that she would do anytime to find him including riding a dolphin, battling a sea monsters, and wielding a bottle of spray to do it! Kids will be caught up in the wonderful story and the stunning illustrations. This is a perfect book for kids to snuggle up with their mothers and go on a wild adventure! 

I Will Eat You! by Giada Francia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing double-gatefold book that bring a fun touch to learning about the food chain in different habitats.
Kids will love reading "I will eat you," and see who will eat who. It is such a delight and kids will love opening the gate-fold pages and see the beautifully illustrated pages to reveal both predator and prey.
Amazing and so fun!!!

Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who doesn't love Tedd Arnold. He is a master of his craft. He casts a spell over his young readers and creates children that love to read due to his hilarious stories and zany illustrations. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy is another zany installation in the Noodlehead series. A fun read, that both my son and I enjoyed immensely! My son and I have read this numerous times and have laughed each and every time. I always looking for books that keep my son's interest. He struggles with reading, so finding books that capture his attention and create a desire to read is any mother's dream come true. Noodehead Find Something Fishy is one of those books my son is happy to read/reread. These Noodleheads are a creative duo and this comic book style read is one both my son and I adored.

Picture Books:

D Is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an ABC of fun about so many cool things about the Chinese New Year. I adored learning so much about a holiday I know very little about! A is for Acrobats. B is for Balls. C is for Calligraphy. D is for Dragon Dance. The amazing illustrations capture the wonders of this very special holiday!

The ABCs of What I Can Be by Caitlin McDonagh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great book that engages both the imagination, the alphabet and the concept of professions. We all have spent time dreaming of what we want to be when we grow up. I love the illustrations because they really capture the joy of so many jobs...jobs from A-Z. It captures how the imagination takes over and how fun adventures can take place within every job, as wild as our imagination. It was, for me, a fantastic way to expose kids to all types of jobs and a great way to expose kids to the ABC's. A delight!

Chapter Books:

News from Me, Lucy McGee by Mary Amato
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Surprises are my favorite things in the whole world unless it's a bad surprise.

A fantastic book about realizing that you have been tricked and doing something about it! I adored Lucy so much. She was a spitfire, spunky and insightful. I adored how she worked her way through her struggles and setbacks. It has great themes that are perfect talking points for parents and their children. I cannot wait to see where else Lucy takes us in the next installment of this series.

Very Rich by Polly Horvath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
#FirstLine ~ Rupert Brown came from a large family.

A wonderful story that has stayed with me for quite sometime. I cannot stop thinking about everything that happened within the pages. There are so many wonderful and heartwarming things that happened, so many lessons learned. I adored the characters, story and settings. It was original and sweet. A great holiday read!

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