Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete by James Dean

Title: Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete

Author & Illustrator: James Dean

Length: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Source: Library Book

When Pete's friends don't want to play the same games as he does, Pete has a great idea—he'll build a robot that's just like him! But when Robo-Pete gets a little out of control, Pete realizes the best thing about his friends is that no matter what they like to play, it's always fun when they're all together.
This Pete the Cat 8x8 storybook by New York Times bestselling artist James Dean comes complete with stickers!

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

My Bookish Verdict #4: Read in March 2018

Sometimes I feel like I don't have enough words to write a review (or mini-review) for books. Which is why I have decided to share my thoughts on multiple books I've read during the month here. My Bookish Verdict will be really short reviews/thoughts about the books and my verdict on whether you should Buy it ASAP, Buy it, Buy it on sale, Borrow, or Skip it.

From My Notebook #5: Book Review -Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

When I read I write notes, thoughts, and quotes about the book in a notebook. I sometimes write drafts or full book reviews in my notebooks too. And sometimes I forget to write up a review from those notes. Or sometimes I would forget to type up and/or post those reviews. So From My Notebook will be the notes, thoughts, quotes, or full reviews that I had in one of my notebooks from other the past years that I forgot to share before. 

Title: Emmy & Oliver
Author: Robin Benway
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Source: e-book
Read: 2016

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?
Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.
She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.
Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.
He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.
Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?
Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

GoodReads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || Book Depository

Douglas, You Need Glasses! by Ged Adamson

Title: Douglas, You Need Glasses!

Author & Illustrator: Ged Adamson

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: May 17, 2016

Source: Library Book

Meet Douglas, a dog with a big problem: he needs eyeglasses but doesn’t know it, and his bad eyesight tends to land him in some pretty hairy situations. Readers will laugh along with the new picture book character Douglas as he chases a leaf that he mistakes for a squirrel, walks through wet cement because he can’t see the warning sign, and annoys the neighbor’s dog by mistakenly eating out of his bowl. And when Douglas’s owner Nancy finally takes him to what is clearly an eyeglass store and Douglas asks, “Why are you taking me to a shoe store?” everyone will be giggling.  After an eye exam confirms that Douglas needs glasses, and Nancy helps him find the perfect pair, readers will rejoice with Douglas as he sees all the amazing things he’s been missing! Both kids and parents will laugh out loud—and may even recognize themselves!—while reading this utterly irresistible, hilarious picture book. 

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

April 2018 Monthly Highlights

April just flew by quickly. I can't believe that this school year is already almost over. My girls have a lot of end of the year testing and other activities going on in May. Definitely going to be another busy month. I am happy with the books I read this month.

Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

Title: Song of Blood & Stone
(Earthsinger Chronicles #1)
Author: L. Penelope
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Classification: Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Source: e-galley via NetGalley 
(Thank you, St. Martin's Press!)
Read: April 2018

A treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers. 
Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart. 
Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagamiri is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and it's people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps. 
Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. 
The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war. 

GoodReads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || Book Depository

***I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

We Forgot Brock! by Carter Goodrich

Title: We Forgot Brock!

Author & Illustrator: Carter Goodrich

Length: 48 pages

Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Source: Library Book

The importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro! and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc.
Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock.
A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock!
Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday #63: Listen to Your Heart

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

From My Notebook #4: Book Review - The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

When I read I write notes, thoughts, and quotes about the book in a notebook. I sometimes write drafts or full book reviews in my notebooks too. And sometimes I forget to write up a review from those notes. Or sometimes I would forget to type up and/or post those reviews. So From My Notebook will be the notes, thoughts, quotes, or full reviews that I had in one of my notebooks from other the past years that I forgot to share before. 

Title: The Evolution of Mara Dyer 
(Mara Dyer #2)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Length: 528 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Classification: Young Adult, Paranormal, Mystery
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Source: Paperback
Read: May 2015

The truth about Mara Dyer's dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in the New York Times bestselling sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.She can't. She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren't. She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets. She's wrong. In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

GoodReads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million

*This is the second book in a trilogy, so this review may contain possible spoilers for the first book, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. This is your warning, if you haven't read the first book, then proceed at your own risk of any possible spoilers.*

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Title: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Author and Illustrator: Mo Willems

Length: 36 pages

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: April 1, 2003 

Source: Library Book

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday #62: Furyborn

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

From My Notebook #3: Thoughts - Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

When I read I write notes, thoughts, and quotes about the book in a notebook. I sometimes write drafts or full book reviews in my notebooks too. And sometimes I forget to write up a review from those notes. Or sometimes I would forget to type up and/or post those reviews. So From My Notebook will be the notes, thoughts, quotes, or full reviews that I had in one of my notebooks from other the past years that I forgot to share before. 

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems

Title: The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: April 1, 2008

Source: Library Book

He really, really, REALLY wants one. He'll take really good care of it! What's the matter--don't you want him to be happy? The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday #61: The Game Can't Love You Back

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Top Ten Tuesday #107: Books I Loved But Will Probably Never Re-Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in 2010. As of January 2018, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

April 10: Books I Loved but Will Never Re-Read (submitted by Brandyn @ Goingforgoldilocks)

From My Notebook #2: Thoughts & Quotes - How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

When I read I write notes, thoughts, and quotes about the book in a notebook. I sometimes write drafts or full book reviews in my notebooks too. And sometimes I forget to write up a review from those notes. Or sometimes I would forget to type up and/or post those reviews. So From My Notebook will be the notes, thoughts, quotes, or full reviews that I had in one of my notebooks from other the past years that I forgot to share before. 

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Title: The Book With No Pictures

Author: B.J. Novak

Length: 48 pages

Publisher: Dial Books

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: September 2014

Source: Library Book

A book with no pictures? 
What could be fun about that?
After all, if a book has no pictures, there's nothing to look at but the words on the page. 
Words that might make you say silly sounds... In ridiculous voices...
Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?
At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, The Book With No Pictures inspires laughter every time it is opened, creating a warm and joyous experience to share--and introducing young children to the powerful idea that the written word can be an unending source of mischief and delight.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

My Latest Binge #13: This is Us and Firebird Trilogy

I really like to binge watch and binge read series! It is so easy to do. And so I want to share all my latest and current binge watches and binge reads with all of you! Sometimes it might just be something I'm watching or something I'm reading or both! 

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz

 Title: Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Length: 225 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Classification: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Retelling, Holiday-Christmas
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Source: Library Book
Read: January 2018

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe, from New York Times bestselling author, Melissa de la Cruz, is a sweet, sexy and hilarious gender-swapping, genre-satisfying re-telling, set in contemporary America and featuring one snooty Miss Darcy.
Darcy Fitzwilliam is 29, beautiful, successful, and brilliant. She dates hedge funders and basketball stars and is never without her three cellphones—one for work, one for play, and one to throw at her assistant (just kidding). Darcy’s never fallen in love, never has time for anyone else’s drama, and never goes home for Christmas if she can help it. But when her mother falls ill, she comes home to Pemberley, Ohio, to spend the season with her family.
Her parents throw their annual Christmas bash, where she meets one Luke Bennet, the smart, sardonic slacker son of their neighbor. Luke is 32-years-old and has never left home. He’s a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture, and is content with his simple life. He comes from a family of five brothers, each one less ambitious than the other. When Darcy and Luke fall into bed after too many eggnogs, Darcy thinks it’s just another one night stand. But why can’t she stop thinking of Luke? What is it about him? And can she fall in love, or will her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls stand in their way?

GoodReads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday #60: Love & Luck

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

March 2018 Monthly Highlights

I can't believe it is already April! I know I say that every month, but it is true. Time has been flying by so quickly. I didn't read that many books in February (a total of two) and between the lack of reading and being super busy, I didn't post a Monthly Highlights for February. I was still quite busy during March, (which is why I had no blog posts), but I am happy with all the reading I did get done. I had fun spending time with family and friends. We did a lot of fun things during the girls' spring break from school. 

January 2018 Monthly Highlights

Wow, January flew by quickly. And here I am still thinking about how it is already 2018 and now it is February. I am still in my funk, (grieving and not wanting to do much of anything) but I have been trying hard to keep busy. I am happy with the amount of books I read in January and I have been busy sewing and crocheting different things. Which really helps keep my mind from wandering. I also have been slowly working on blog posts. I am looking forward to seeing what all will happen in February. 

Top Ten Tuesday #106: Books That Have Been On My TBR the Longest and I Still Haven’t Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in 2010. As of January 2018, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

February 6: Books That Have Been On My TBR the Longest and I Still Haven’t Read

Dragon was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Title: Dragon Was Terrible

Author: Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrator: Greg Pizzoli

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: August 23, 2016

Source: Library Book

We all know dragons are terrible, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that's who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it's up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen

Title: Woodpecker Wants a Waffle

By: Steve Breen

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: June 14, 2016

Source: Library Book

One day Benny the woodpecker awakens to the best tummy-rumbling smell ever and discovers it’s something called waffles. He must taste them!
He pecks on the door of the waffle house, but he gets the boot.
He tries to sneak in, but he gets swept away.
Each time Benny tries, he just can’t seem to get to those delicious waffles. The other forest animals laugh at him: “Woodpeckers don’t eat waffles!” they say. But Benny has a brilliant plan. . . .
Steve Breen has created a delightful picture book with pitch-perfect humor and tons of visual gags that will keep readers coming back for more! Now a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of 2016!

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday #59: By A Charm and A Curse

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Top Ten Tuesday #105: Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Much About

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in 2010. As of January 2018, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

January 23: Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About

18 Retellings I Will Finally Read in 2018

One of my Bookish Goals for this year is to read at least 10 Retellings. One day when I was thinking about what I wanted to start reading and books that I have been meaning to read, I decided to make a list of some Retellings that I have bought over the years but haven't read yet. Which led to me deciding to challenge myself and pick 18 of those retellings to try and read this year.

Let Me Finish! By Minh Le and Illustrated by Isabel Roxas

Title: Let Me Finish!

Author: Minh Le

Illustrator: Isabel Roxas

Length: 20 pages

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: June 7, 2016

Source: Library Book

When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story.
But ruin it they do. 
And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all. . . . This silly, timeless picturebook with a clever meta twist introduces debut author Minh L 's witty text and Isabel Roxas's eye-catching illustrations.

GoodReads ||  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || The Book Depository

From My Notebook #1: Book Review - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

When I read I write notes, thoughts, and quotes about the book in a notebook. I sometimes write drafts or full book reviews in my notebooks too. And sometimes I forget to write up a review from those notes. Or sometimes I would forget to type up and/or post those reviews. So From My Notebook will be the notes, thoughts, quotes, or full reviews that I had in one of my notebooks from other the past years that I forgot to share before. 

Book Review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Read: May 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #58: The Queen's Rising

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Top Ten Tuesday #104: My 2018 Bookish Goals

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in 2010. As of January 2018, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

January 16: Bookish Resolutions/Goals

Goodbye 2017. Hello New Year!

I really can't believe that it is already about the middle of January 2018. I haven't been around the blog and reading community much last year. I could give you a lot of different reasons as to why I wasn't around much, but I won't do that.

But I will update you on parts of my life from these past few months and update you on how I did with my 2017 Reading Challenges.