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.

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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. 

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver & Illustrated by Jean Claude

Title: Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies

Author: Carmen Oliver

Illustrator: Jean Claude

Length: 33 pages

Publisher: Capstone Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: March 1, 2016

Source: Library Book

All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies. Except for Adelaide. She already has one. A bear! And Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher, Mrs. Fitz-Pea, and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies. They sniff out good books. Their claws are just right for turning pages.

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The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

Title: The Watermelon Seed

Author: Greg Pizzoli

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: May 2013

Source: Library Book

With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny crocodile who has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. What will he do when his greatest fear is realized? Will vines sprout out his ears? Will his skin turn pink? This crocodile has a wild imagination that kids will love. With bold color and beautiful sense of design, Greg Pizzoli's picture book debut takes this familiar childhood worry and gives us a true gem in the vein of I Want My Hat Back and Not a Box.

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The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Title: The Start of Me and You

Author: Emery Lord
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2015
Source: e-book
Read: 2016 

Following her pitch-perfect debut Open Road Summer, Emery Lord pens another gorgeous story of best friends, new love, & second chances.
Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.
It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

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Piglet and Mama by Margaret Wild and Illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Title: Piglet and Mama

Author: Margaret Wild

Illustrator: Stephen Michael King

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: April 1, 2005

Source: Library Book

In the tradition of the children's classic "Are You My Mother? ", a heart warming story by a breakout team Speaking to every child who has ever been lost, this warmly illustrated book is perfect for bedtime and story hour. Poor Piglet has lost her mama! All the other mother animals offer help, the duck with a cuddle, the sheep with a daisy chain, the dog with a roll in the mud, but nothing will do for Piglet but to find her mama. OIIIIIINK! she cries finally in despair, and OIIIIIINK! There you are! cries her mama. Reunited, they cuddle, make a daisy chain, roll in the mud, all the things the other mothers offered, but now, with her mama, Piglet laughs and joins in. 

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A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohmann

Title: A Kitten Tale

Author: Eric Rohmann

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: January 8, 2008

Source: Library Book

Once there were four kittens who had never seen snow. The first three kittens are wary—snow is cold, it’s wet, it covers everything. As the seasons pass and winter begins to loom, the three skittish kittens worry. But the fourth kitten is getting excited. Snow will cover everything! “I can’t wait!”

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Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse by Meghan McCarthy

Title: Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse

Author: Meghan McCarthy

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book /  Simon & Schuster

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: October 28, 2008

Source: Library Book

It's Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral in the race of the century! 
Seabiscuit was the grandson of one of the greatest racehorses of all time, but he'd lost practically every race he'd ever run. Who would want a funny-looking racehorse on a losing streak? Enter Charles Howard -- automobile tycoon, risk taker, and racing aficionado -- who scooped up Seabiscuit for a bargain price. 
With the support and care of a clever new trainer and a loving jockey, 'Biscuit began winning bigger and bigger races. Then came the biggest race of all. As Seabiscuit prepared to face War Admiral, the top racehorse in the country, the entire nation was on the edge of its seat: Could Seabiscuit really beat the Triple Crown champion? 
This true story of hope and determination will inspire readers of all ages!

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My Latest Binge #12: Heartland + The Wrath & The Dawn

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! 

Duncan the Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll

Title: Duncan the Story Dragon

Author: Amanda Driscoll

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: June 9, 2015

Source: Library Book

A charming story about the joys of reading that is perfect for fans of Dog Loves Books and Stellaluna.
Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire! Unfortunately…so does his book.
Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake: The End. Will he ever find out how the story ends?
This bright, warm tale champions determination, friendship, and a love for books. And milk shakes.

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DNF Review: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Title: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Author: Rosamund Hodge
Length: 448 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Classification: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy
Release Date: September 27, 2016
Source: e-galley via Edelweiss (Thank you, Balzer + Bray!)

Sabriel meets Romeo and Juliet in this stunning and atmospheric novel—the first in a duology—from the author of Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound.
When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.
The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.
Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.
Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.
Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . 

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

Land of the Pilgrims' Pride by Callista Gingrich & Illustrated by Susan Arciero

Title: Land of the Pilgrims' Pride

(Ellis the Elephant)

Author: Callista Gingrich

Illustrator: Susan Arciero

Length: 28 pages

Publisher: Regnery Kids

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: October 1, 2012

Source: Library Book

In the New York Times bestseller, Sweet Land of Liberty, Ellis the Elephant sets off on a quest to find out how America became a free and exceptional nation. Now Ellis is back and ready to learn about the birth of our great nation in Land of the Pilgrims' Pride. Written and illustrated by Callista Gingrich and Susan Arciero, Ellis once again educates and entertains as he discovers America's thirteen original colonies. Starting in Virginia, Ellis journeys through each of the colonies and learns about their unique characteristics. From Pocahantas to Benjamin Franklin, Ellis experiences life in Colonial America. Perfect for children ages 4-8, Land of the Pilgrims' Pride will delight young and adult readers alike while exploring how America began.

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Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes & Illustrated by Doris Barrette

Title: Thanks for Thanksgiving

Author: Julie Markes

Illustrator: Doris Barrette

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: August 17, 2004

Source: Library Book

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks - the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.

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10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston & Illustrated by Rich Deas

Title: 10 Fat Turkeys

Author: Tony Johnston

Illustrator: Rich Deas

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: October 1, 2004

This silly rhyming story about ten turkeys teaches children how to count backwards.
"Looky!" says a silly turkey swinging from a vine.Gobble gobble wibble wobble.Whoops! Now there are nine.
Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious story about ten goofy turkeys and their silly antics: swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noodle dance, and more. Veteran author Tony Johnston has written a joyful text, which first-time illustrator Richard Deas brings to life as wild and wacky fun!

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The Silly Turkey Party by Steve Metzger & Illustrated by Jim Paillot

Title: The Silly Turkey Party

Author: Steve Metzger

Illustrator: Jim Paillot

Length: 30 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: November 2008

Source: Paperback

Oh No! Farmer Joe is Sick! Cassie, Wing, and Ollie will have to keep quiet during Thanksgiving dinner so they won't disturb his nap. But when uninvited guests crash the party, the turkeys wonder if they'll be kicked off the farm for good...

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The Leaves on the Trees by Thom Wiley & Illustrated by Andrew Day

Title: The Leaves on the Trees

Author: Thom Wiley

Illustrator: Andrew Day

Length: 24 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (Imprint of Scholastic)

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: July 1, 2011

Source: Paperback

THE LEAVES ON THE TREES revels in the sights, sounds, smells, and general feeling of the autumn leaves. 
Based on the classic song, "The Wheels on the Bus," THE LEAVES ON THE TREES explores all types of trees making the magical transformation from the green leaves of summer to fascinating foliage of fall. 

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Sparky! by Jenny Offill and Illustrated by Chris Appelhans

Title: Sparky!

Author: Jenny Offill

Illustrator: Chris Appelhans

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: March 11, 2014

Source: Library Books

The ingenious author of 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore and a brilliant illustrator and production designer of the Coraline movie have created a hilarious, touching picture book perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible.

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Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems

Title: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: February 28, 2006

Source: Library Book

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Rose & Thorn by Sarah Prineas

Title: Rose & Thorn 

(Ash & Bramble #2)
Author: Sarah Prineas
Length: 416 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Classification: Young Adult, Retellings, Fantasy
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Source: e-galley via Edelweiss (Thank you, HarperTeen!)

This beauty isn’t sleeping! Discover the true story of Sleeping Beauty in Sarah Prineas’s bold YA fairy-tale retelling filled with thrilling adventure and romance, perfect for fans of The Lunar Chronicles and The Girl of Fire & Thorns trilogy.
After the spell protecting her is destroyed, Rose seeks safety in the world outside the valley she had called home. She’s been kept hidden all her life to delay the three curses she was born with—curses that will put her into her own fairy tale and a century-long slumber. Accompanied by the handsome and mysterious Watcher, Griff, and his witty and warmhearted partner, Quirk, Rose tries to escape from the ties that bind her to her story. But will the path they take lead them to freedom, or will it bring them straight into the fairy tale they are trying to avoid?
Set in the world of Sarah Prineas’s Ash & Bramble fifty years later, Rose & Thorn is a powerful retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale where the characters fight to find their own Happy Ever After.

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

Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!) by Julie Falatko & Illustrated by Tim Miller

Title: Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!)

Author: Julie Falatko

Illustrator: Tim Miller

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Source: Library Book

Snappsy the alligator is trying to go about his very ordinary day when a pesky narrator steps in to spice up the story with slanderous claims. Is Snappsy making crafty plans? Is he prowling for defenseless birds and soft, fuzzy bunnies? Is Snappsy a big, mean alligator who’s obsessed with snack foods that start with the letter P? It’s no wonder Snappsy won't invite the narrator to his party! 
Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) is an irreverent look at storytelling, friendship, and creative differences from a pair of rising stars in the picture book world.

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