book reviews

Reviews of books that explore the complexities of family throughout history and across cultures.

Review: Angelina and the Princess
No burgeoning ballet career can be considered complete without reading through at least one of the Angelina Ballerina stories. That was true in the '90s when I first read the books, and it's still true today.
By Call Me Les5 years ago in Families
Always Reading
Joe's Alamo Unsung Lewis E. Cook 2017 ISBN: 978-1-5320-2070-4 (sc) iUniverse www.iuniverse.com 216 pages We all see our American history in different ways and 'Joe's Alamo Unsung written by Lewis E. Cook shows and tells the readers another view of this historical moment. This account of the Alamo is seen through the eyes of a slave/freeman. 'Joe's Alamo Unsung' is a novel about how Texas became a part of the United States. Joe, who is the main character who happens to be 'educated' and deal with characters like Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Santa Ana as well as others to be able to say "Remember the Alamo!"
By Mark Graham5 years ago in Families
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Themes Coming of age, Childhood memories, childhood trauma, repressed memories nostalgia, introspection, life lessons, growth & loss, acceptance, timeless & ancient things, fantasy, supernatural fiction, fiction
By Kayleigh Harrier5 years ago in Families
I Am A Bunny
This is the sweetest little storybook written by Ole Risom and illustrated by Richard Scarry. Written back in 1963 by Golden Books, Nicholas in his cute little red overalls analyzing the 4 seasons will always have a place in my heart. The seasons - always a perfect subject to write about in my opinion. I like to ask others "What is your favorite season?" My favorite part of this book has always been in the fall when he watches the animals get ready for winter. In the spring Nicholas enjoys the outdoors while picking flowers , makes friends with the frogs come summertime, and cozies up in the winter to watch the snow fall from the sky before falling asleep to experience the next years adventures.
By ClaireAnne Collins5 years ago in Families
Are Cancer and Aquarius a Good Match
Malignancy and Aquarius Nature and Nuances: Malignancy Aquarius similarity isn't just about as high as you would need it to be, however making this relationship work is additionally a lot of conceivable. In the event that these signs consolidate in the correct manner with the right perspective, they can prearrange a lovely fantasy for themselves.
By anny5 years ago in Families
"The Paper Bag Princess"
“Paper bag princess,” I could barely get the words out I was giggling so hard. On the screen, a boy with curly hair and dimples laughed along with me. “I’ve never heard of that,” he says. “It’s about a girl and a dragon and well, she’s in a paper bag,” I tell him. “That does not sound like a very good storybook in my opinion,” he says back to me. Still playful I retort, “Hey a better favorite than Ferdinand the Bull! That’s so basic.” He rolls his eyes, used to my antics at this point. I’m realizing I’m not doing the book any justice, so I quickly say, “Wait here.” I’m not sure where he would go. We’re in our nightly ritual, Facetiming after a global pandemic cut our relationship short. That particular night, I was having a hard time falling asleep, not that I was trying too hard considering we had been facetiming for nearly an hour. He and I are were talking about bedtime stories, which sparked the conversation of our favorite books growing up. Obviously not to be outdone by his love of the dear little gentle bull Ferdinand, I was convinced to share with him my favorite story of a fearless little princess.
By Amelie5 years ago in Families
Forever Stories
I come from a large family; my parents have five children. I am the middle child; I have always been the peacekeeper. I would prefer we all get along however, there were, and still are, not many times all of us can get along. One person would be angry with another for something as easy as sitting where the other wanted to sit at the dinner table or the couch.
By E. W. Lynn5 years ago in Families
Elephant in the Room
I was a really lucky kid. Every evening, my dad would settle down on the couch between my younger sister and I-- both of us clutching a sippy-cup of warm milk-- and read us a bedtime story. We had an impressive collection, thanks to a bountifully stocked, local, used bookstore. We were also privileged to attend children's night at the public library every week, where a friendly librarian entranced an entire crowd of youngsters with a story followed by a craft project, and returned home with two borrowed books apiece. My parents didn't give us the world; by inspiring a love of reading from a young age, they gave us worlds.
By Tiffany Mercer5 years ago in Families
A MISTY ISLAND BEDTIME STORY
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of oceans, islands, and ponies. To this landlocked animal lover, these subjects were magical. In her dreams an angry sea was churning, black clouds were hovering, and a wild stallion was screaming. On an ancient ship, the crew was too busy navigating the surging ocean to notice the screams of the stallion, or the rock shelf looming ahead. With a crackle of lightening, a thunderous clap of thunder, and an earth shattering shudder, the ship collided with the rocks. Spanish stallions bound for America were pitched into the raging ocean.
By Lisa Brasher5 years ago in Families
Wombat Stew
After years of moving and living in different locations, traveling here and there, I have somehow managed to hang onto some of my most beloved books from childhood, that my mum bought and so lovingly read to me, night after night.
By Suzie Steiner 5 years ago in Families
To Narnia, With Love
Lucy, Aslan, and Turkish delight, my favorite bedtime story from childhood through today is “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” First being enthralled by a cartoon film of it in school, I was given the entire seven-book Chronicles of Narnia series by a cousin and would read them over and over, never tiring of escaping to that fantastic world of heroism and delicious food, soaking up as much of it as I could before I grew up and couldn’t return like the Pevensies.
By Fili5 years ago in Families
Owl in a Towel
Owl and Baby have left the nest! To get your copy of Owl in a Towel, visit the website. It comes in soft, hard, or my personal favourite, e-book! Why is e-book my favourite? Well, like so many of us, I practice the "container method" so that I can live minimally. Review continues below.
By Call Me Les5 years ago in Families