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Recommend this book:
Chermpf
William S. Russell III
2015 Honorable Mention
272 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Chermpf is a children's fantasy written and illustrated by William S. Russell III. Grace was busy drawing a flying tarantula when Grandpa Sal roared up in his Corvette. He was carrying a cardboard box when he walked into the house. Ann, Grace's mother, and Grace both wanted to see what was in that box, and it turned out to be a small tabby kitten. For some reason, that box signaled something momentous would be happening to Grace, and she wasn't quite sure how to reconcile that feeling with the small kitten inside that said, "Chermpf" when she asked its name. Then there was that strange sparkling in its mouth when it yawned. No one seems terribly impressed with Grandpa Sal's surprise, especially Roscoe, the house cat who just happens to be Grace's personal friend.
William S. Russell III's steampunk fantasy, Chermpf, is listed as a children's book, but don't let that stop you from reading this marvelous and original fantasy. It's got cats in it and a feline city called Nova, and the Ergasi, cunning little metal engineers who are mechanical marvels. I wasn't really sure what to expect from what appeared to be an animal-related children's fantasy, but Chermpf mightily exceeded any expectations I may have had. The characters quickly became friends, especially the little tuxedo cat, Mimyat, and Bear, but I'd be hard pressed to discount any character's part in making this book work so well. Russell's story-telling skills are honed well indeed if this ingenious metaphysical children's fantasy is at all indicative of them. I was also quite pleased to discover that this is just the first volume of a series. Chermpf is a first-rate steampunk fantasy and it's most highly recommended.
Chermpf is a children's fantasy written and illustrated by William S. Russell III. Grace was busy drawing a flying tarantula when Grandpa Sal roared up in his Corvette. He was carrying a cardboard box when he walked into the house. Ann, Grace's mother, and Grace both wanted to see what was in that box, and it turned out to be a small tabby kitten. For some reason, that box signaled something momentous would be happening to Grace, and she wasn't quite sure how to reconcile that feeling with the small kitten inside that said, "Chermpf" when she asked its name. Then there was that strange sparkling in its mouth when it yawned. No one seems terribly impressed with Grandpa Sal's surprise, especially Roscoe, the house cat who just happens to be Grace's personal friend.
William S. Russell III's steampunk fantasy, Chermpf, is listed as a children's book, but don't let that stop you from reading this marvelous and original fantasy. It's got cats in it and a feline city called Nova, and the Ergasi, cunning little metal engineers who are mechanical marvels. I wasn't really sure what to expect from what appeared to be an animal-related children's fantasy, but Chermpf mightily exceeded any expectations I may have had. The characters quickly became friends, especially the little tuxedo cat, Mimyat, and Bear, but I'd be hard pressed to discount any character's part in making this book work so well. Russell's story-telling skills are honed well indeed if this ingenious metaphysical children's fantasy is at all indicative of them. I was also quite pleased to discover that this is just the first volume of a series. Chermpf is a first-rate steampunk fantasy and it's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Rise of Agnil
Agnil's World Volume 1
Susan Navas
2015 Bronze Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Rise of Agnil is Book 1 in the Agnil’s World series, written by Susan Navas. Aggie, who is also called Agnil, is excited because her father is finally allowing her to go fishing alone. She falls into the water and is dragged away by a change-forming elf named Garallil. Aggie is shocked when Garallil tells her that her mother, Estil, isn’t dead and is a princess from the kingdom of Aberrian, where they are going. Aggie meets the king and queen, who are her grandparents. She is even more surprised to discover that she’s half mortal, so is the only one who can rescue Estil from the evil wizard Vedron. The bracelet Aggie’s mother left her has magical powers which will help defeat Vedron. Aggie is coached on how to accomplish this feat, but she must remember to follow all the instructions to succeed. If she fails, Vedron will destroy Aberrian and the elves who live there.
Susan Navas has written a very creative story which includes elves, wizards and magic. It also has a realistic side as it shows how Aggie copes being raised by her father, before discovering her mother is actually alive. This brings lots of mixed emotions and I understand why. The plot is very interesting and the writing is very descriptive, allowing me to watch the events in my mind's eye. The Rise of Agnil, Book 1 is an enchanting fantasy that will have preteens, especially girls, yearning to read more books from the Agnil’s World series.
The Rise of Agnil is Book 1 in the Agnil’s World series, written by Susan Navas. Aggie, who is also called Agnil, is excited because her father is finally allowing her to go fishing alone. She falls into the water and is dragged away by a change-forming elf named Garallil. Aggie is shocked when Garallil tells her that her mother, Estil, isn’t dead and is a princess from the kingdom of Aberrian, where they are going. Aggie meets the king and queen, who are her grandparents. She is even more surprised to discover that she’s half mortal, so is the only one who can rescue Estil from the evil wizard Vedron. The bracelet Aggie’s mother left her has magical powers which will help defeat Vedron. Aggie is coached on how to accomplish this feat, but she must remember to follow all the instructions to succeed. If she fails, Vedron will destroy Aberrian and the elves who live there.
Susan Navas has written a very creative story which includes elves, wizards and magic. It also has a realistic side as it shows how Aggie copes being raised by her father, before discovering her mother is actually alive. This brings lots of mixed emotions and I understand why. The plot is very interesting and the writing is very descriptive, allowing me to watch the events in my mind's eye. The Rise of Agnil, Book 1 is an enchanting fantasy that will have preteens, especially girls, yearning to read more books from the Agnil’s World series.
Recommend this book:
Xavier
St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys
E.M.Cooper
2015 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite
In this brilliant novel, Xavier: St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys, the story is told of thirteen-year-old Xavier Jones who seems to have a normal life with his parents and younger sister. But one day, for no apparent reason, his parents drop him off at St. Griswold College For Abandoned Boys. All Xavier knows is that there seemed to be some financial problems and his parents then made the decision to dispose of him. Now he clings to an old photograph of the four of them that becomes a reminder of simpler, happier times. This condition of abandonment pushes Xavier into a whirlwind of fear and a host of other negative emotions that threaten to destroy him. Sensing his vulnerability, bullies rush in and Xavier struggles to stay strong. And in so doing he discovers the voices, the Celestial Power, and strange encounters between forces. In the end, Xavier is caught in the middle of an adventure that turns into the timeless battle between good and evil.
E.M. Cooper is a superb writer who has mastered the ability to capture the reader’s attention and to deliver unpredictable plots. Cooper uses language that is appropriate and easy to understand for young and old. His knowledge of how a thirteen-year-old boy’s mind works adds credibility to the story. The characters are easy to relate to and one can easily visualise each one of them while reading. Cooper’s unusual plot relies on his ability to play with words in such a way that the reader can’t keep from turning the pages. The ending of this story leaves room for a sequel that will surely impress fans and leave them begging for more.
In this brilliant novel, Xavier: St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys, the story is told of thirteen-year-old Xavier Jones who seems to have a normal life with his parents and younger sister. But one day, for no apparent reason, his parents drop him off at St. Griswold College For Abandoned Boys. All Xavier knows is that there seemed to be some financial problems and his parents then made the decision to dispose of him. Now he clings to an old photograph of the four of them that becomes a reminder of simpler, happier times. This condition of abandonment pushes Xavier into a whirlwind of fear and a host of other negative emotions that threaten to destroy him. Sensing his vulnerability, bullies rush in and Xavier struggles to stay strong. And in so doing he discovers the voices, the Celestial Power, and strange encounters between forces. In the end, Xavier is caught in the middle of an adventure that turns into the timeless battle between good and evil.
E.M. Cooper is a superb writer who has mastered the ability to capture the reader’s attention and to deliver unpredictable plots. Cooper uses language that is appropriate and easy to understand for young and old. His knowledge of how a thirteen-year-old boy’s mind works adds credibility to the story. The characters are easy to relate to and one can easily visualise each one of them while reading. Cooper’s unusual plot relies on his ability to play with words in such a way that the reader can’t keep from turning the pages. The ending of this story leaves room for a sequel that will surely impress fans and leave them begging for more.
Recommend this book:
Cecile and The Future of Dragons
Mystic Heroine Adventures
Marilyn Churchill
2014 Honorable Mention
114 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Cecile and The Future of Dragons: Mystic Heroine Adventures by Marilyn Churchill is a fascinating tale filled with fantasy and adventure that will take readers on an enchanting journey of whimsy, wizards, new lands, a world of dragons and much more. Sixteen-year-old Princess Cecile is also known as 'Protector of Magical Creatures.' She finds a pair of dragon eggs, and ends up getting caught between two wizards in a life and death battle over their future. Written for a seven to twelve-year-old audience, Cecile and The Future of Dragons will enthrall readers with adventure and enchantment.
A perfect story book for children, the plot will leave them spellbound. With all the twists and turns, the story is fast paced. The illustrations are beautiful black and white sketches, and they make the scenes more effective and real. Readers can connect well with the characters. The narration is detailed and descriptive and there is never a dull moment in the story. All the characters are well developed and they complement each other and the plot superbly. The plot is easy to follow, despite being intriguing, and it is a must-read for those who love dragons and dragon tales. It is also a good addition to one's personal collection of dragon stories.
Cecile and The Future of Dragons: Mystic Heroine Adventures by Marilyn Churchill is a fascinating tale filled with fantasy and adventure that will take readers on an enchanting journey of whimsy, wizards, new lands, a world of dragons and much more. Sixteen-year-old Princess Cecile is also known as 'Protector of Magical Creatures.' She finds a pair of dragon eggs, and ends up getting caught between two wizards in a life and death battle over their future. Written for a seven to twelve-year-old audience, Cecile and The Future of Dragons will enthrall readers with adventure and enchantment.
A perfect story book for children, the plot will leave them spellbound. With all the twists and turns, the story is fast paced. The illustrations are beautiful black and white sketches, and they make the scenes more effective and real. Readers can connect well with the characters. The narration is detailed and descriptive and there is never a dull moment in the story. All the characters are well developed and they complement each other and the plot superbly. The plot is easy to follow, despite being intriguing, and it is a must-read for those who love dragons and dragon tales. It is also a good addition to one's personal collection of dragon stories.
Recommend this book:
The Last Akaway (Brody Boondoggle)
A Spirit Animal Adventure
Gary Karton
2014 Bronze Medal
274 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Eleven-year-old Brody Boondoggle is walking in the woods with his hard-of-hearing Grammy when they discover an animal track of an Akaway – one of the rarest creatures in the universe that nobody has ever seen before. Before they can catch the animal, it bites Brody and something strange starts to happen. However, Brody’s friend Rudy and 13-year-old brother Jake do not believe him. Meanwhile, the Akaway gets weaker and weaker after a hunter hits it. Brody has to do everything in his power to rescue his animal friend even if it means making a journey into the spirit animal world. The Last Akaway by Gary Karton is a story that will certainly hold any child's undivided attention.
The author successfully creates a magical world that children will truly love. Gary Karton knows how to tell his story not only to children but also to young adults while preventing boredom. The main character, Brody, is such a lovable kid. At his young age, he knows what is the best and right thing to do when you are in a challenging situation, especially if it involves an animal friend. Every chapter is certainly interesting to read and it gets a hold of you even at the very start when the strange animal bites the little boy. It is interesting to note how Karton uses it, enough to intrigue his readers to continue reading.
The adventure of Brody, his brother Jake, and Grammy is not about fun but it provides a wonderful message of love and friendship. The Last Akaway and the entire magical world is fresh and wonderfully written. Thumbs up to the author!
Eleven-year-old Brody Boondoggle is walking in the woods with his hard-of-hearing Grammy when they discover an animal track of an Akaway – one of the rarest creatures in the universe that nobody has ever seen before. Before they can catch the animal, it bites Brody and something strange starts to happen. However, Brody’s friend Rudy and 13-year-old brother Jake do not believe him. Meanwhile, the Akaway gets weaker and weaker after a hunter hits it. Brody has to do everything in his power to rescue his animal friend even if it means making a journey into the spirit animal world. The Last Akaway by Gary Karton is a story that will certainly hold any child's undivided attention.
The author successfully creates a magical world that children will truly love. Gary Karton knows how to tell his story not only to children but also to young adults while preventing boredom. The main character, Brody, is such a lovable kid. At his young age, he knows what is the best and right thing to do when you are in a challenging situation, especially if it involves an animal friend. Every chapter is certainly interesting to read and it gets a hold of you even at the very start when the strange animal bites the little boy. It is interesting to note how Karton uses it, enough to intrigue his readers to continue reading.
The adventure of Brody, his brother Jake, and Grammy is not about fun but it provides a wonderful message of love and friendship. The Last Akaway and the entire magical world is fresh and wonderfully written. Thumbs up to the author!
Recommend this book:
The Fairies of Turtle Creek
Jill K. Sayre
2014 Silver Medal
322 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
In The Fairies of Turtle Creek, Jill K. Sayre has cleverly painted Claire Collins as a little girl on the threshold of something new. She is in the hiatus between girl and womanhood, in that last summer before high school and at her most impressionable. Life experience has taught her that emotions are dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. In Claire's life, science and logic have replaced fanciful imaginings. With her older brother away serving his country, Claire sees emotion leaking out of her frantic parents and she chooses to immerse herself in her sketching and time spent with her good friend Lacey. Until the arrival of her Grandma from England. There are many unknown factors surrounding the old lady's visit - how long will she stay? Why is she coming? Will Claire be expected to interact with her? With the old lady's arrival comes the dawning of something new for Claire, opening her up to a different way of thinking about her world and herself, especially the completely non-scientific notion that fairies may actually exist. There are mirrors between Claire's life and her Grandma's, which are both intriguing and enchanting. But her Grandma has come home for two very specific reasons and Claire will be forced to struggle with both, until she learns how to deal with the depths of her own heart.
I adored the character of Claire. She is both plausible and yet quirky, childlike, and scientific. Jill K. Sayre has cleverly given us an inside view of a child’s dilemma and resolution. Immediately we are ‘part’ of the action rather than casual voyeurs. This novel is delightful, flawlessly executed and beautifully presented. The chapter breaks with their detailed embellishments and poetry are a joy to look at, even before the quality of the story is experienced. The descriptions of the natural world are detailed and interesting, betraying how much thought has gone into this novel, and the characters are both endearing and charming. This novel has a wide range of appeal, able to be enjoyed by an advanced primary reader, right through to older teenagers (who may not admit to reading it, but would thoroughly lose themselves in it) to adults, looking for something less cynical to get stuck into.
In The Fairies of Turtle Creek, Jill K. Sayre has cleverly painted Claire Collins as a little girl on the threshold of something new. She is in the hiatus between girl and womanhood, in that last summer before high school and at her most impressionable. Life experience has taught her that emotions are dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. In Claire's life, science and logic have replaced fanciful imaginings. With her older brother away serving his country, Claire sees emotion leaking out of her frantic parents and she chooses to immerse herself in her sketching and time spent with her good friend Lacey. Until the arrival of her Grandma from England. There are many unknown factors surrounding the old lady's visit - how long will she stay? Why is she coming? Will Claire be expected to interact with her? With the old lady's arrival comes the dawning of something new for Claire, opening her up to a different way of thinking about her world and herself, especially the completely non-scientific notion that fairies may actually exist. There are mirrors between Claire's life and her Grandma's, which are both intriguing and enchanting. But her Grandma has come home for two very specific reasons and Claire will be forced to struggle with both, until she learns how to deal with the depths of her own heart.
I adored the character of Claire. She is both plausible and yet quirky, childlike, and scientific. Jill K. Sayre has cleverly given us an inside view of a child’s dilemma and resolution. Immediately we are ‘part’ of the action rather than casual voyeurs. This novel is delightful, flawlessly executed and beautifully presented. The chapter breaks with their detailed embellishments and poetry are a joy to look at, even before the quality of the story is experienced. The descriptions of the natural world are detailed and interesting, betraying how much thought has gone into this novel, and the characters are both endearing and charming. This novel has a wide range of appeal, able to be enjoyed by an advanced primary reader, right through to older teenagers (who may not admit to reading it, but would thoroughly lose themselves in it) to adults, looking for something less cynical to get stuck into.
Recommend this book:
, who sees the moon over one of the high mountains and ...){kind=link}
James Saves the Moon
Wendy Nystrom
2014 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
“James Saves the Moon”, written by Wendy Nystrom, is a delightful children’s picture book that combines a child’s imagination with Icelandic mythology. The illustrations by Jim Weidman, in a blue tone with colorful characters, lend a mythological feel to the story of a young boy (James), who sees the moon over one of the high mountains and decides that if he climbs to the top of the mountain he can reach out and touch the moon. Slipping quietly out of his bedroom window, he sets out on his journey. On his way up the mountain he stumbles over some rocks and disturbs one of Iceland’s mythological figures (Syvok), who joins him on his journey. They suddenly realize that unless they move faster, the moon will leave before they make it to the top of the mountain. In order that they can move faster, Syvok summons a dragon (Matthias), who allows them to ride on his back. They discover that the moon is stuck on the mountain and they will have to help get it unstuck. The three work as a team to set the moon free and while doing so, James truly does touch the moon.
The color of the illustrations by Jim Weidman and the very well-written story by Wendy Nystrom make “James Saves the Moon” a rare treasure for a children’s picture book. Its simplicity combined with the kind of story that stirs the imagination of a child make it something that will stick in the mind of the reader for a lifetime. This book gives a little bit of a taste of the colorful and flavorful history of Iceland and its traditions. It is highly recommended for its ability to help stir a child’s imagination. A wonderfully simple and delightful tale.
“James Saves the Moon”, written by Wendy Nystrom, is a delightful children’s picture book that combines a child’s imagination with Icelandic mythology. The illustrations by Jim Weidman, in a blue tone with colorful characters, lend a mythological feel to the story of a young boy (James), who sees the moon over one of the high mountains and decides that if he climbs to the top of the mountain he can reach out and touch the moon. Slipping quietly out of his bedroom window, he sets out on his journey. On his way up the mountain he stumbles over some rocks and disturbs one of Iceland’s mythological figures (Syvok), who joins him on his journey. They suddenly realize that unless they move faster, the moon will leave before they make it to the top of the mountain. In order that they can move faster, Syvok summons a dragon (Matthias), who allows them to ride on his back. They discover that the moon is stuck on the mountain and they will have to help get it unstuck. The three work as a team to set the moon free and while doing so, James truly does touch the moon.
The color of the illustrations by Jim Weidman and the very well-written story by Wendy Nystrom make “James Saves the Moon” a rare treasure for a children’s picture book. Its simplicity combined with the kind of story that stirs the imagination of a child make it something that will stick in the mind of the reader for a lifetime. This book gives a little bit of a taste of the colorful and flavorful history of Iceland and its traditions. It is highly recommended for its ability to help stir a child’s imagination. A wonderfully simple and delightful tale.
Recommend this book:
Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village
Jason and Lizzy's Legendary Adventures - Book 1
Charity & Ryan Kountz
2013 Gold Medal
118 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
In Charity Kountz's book Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village, Jason and Lizzy are homesick for their friends and life in Chicago. Their family recently moved to Texas and they want something of their old life back; so they wished upon a star for snow. The next morning the ground was covered with a thick blanket of beautiful white snow. While playing in the snow, Jason and Lizzy wandered away from their home and into a special place where snowmen are alive; it is a place where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus live along with Jack Frost, Morty the Snowman, Jonah the Penguin,and Gary the Turkey. Jason and Lizzy accept a special task that could save Christmas for all the girls and boys of the world.
I love this story. Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village is a delightful read for preschool and early elementary students. Author Charity Kountz offers readers a delightful tale that will be enjoyed by children for years to come. The pace is brisk, the plot is imaginative, and the characters are endearing. It is very difficult to write children’s books because the author must write on the audience’s level, which in this case is between the ages of 2 and 8. The author has successfully written a book that will entice younger children and elementary children. Many adults will also enjoy reading this book. I suspect this book will become a Christmas tradition in many families. The theme of forgiveness is perfect for the Christmas season. Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village is a breath of fresh air in the genre of children’s literature.
In Charity Kountz's book Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village, Jason and Lizzy are homesick for their friends and life in Chicago. Their family recently moved to Texas and they want something of their old life back; so they wished upon a star for snow. The next morning the ground was covered with a thick blanket of beautiful white snow. While playing in the snow, Jason and Lizzy wandered away from their home and into a special place where snowmen are alive; it is a place where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus live along with Jack Frost, Morty the Snowman, Jonah the Penguin,and Gary the Turkey. Jason and Lizzy accept a special task that could save Christmas for all the girls and boys of the world.
I love this story. Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village is a delightful read for preschool and early elementary students. Author Charity Kountz offers readers a delightful tale that will be enjoyed by children for years to come. The pace is brisk, the plot is imaginative, and the characters are endearing. It is very difficult to write children’s books because the author must write on the audience’s level, which in this case is between the ages of 2 and 8. The author has successfully written a book that will entice younger children and elementary children. Many adults will also enjoy reading this book. I suspect this book will become a Christmas tradition in many families. The theme of forgiveness is perfect for the Christmas season. Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village is a breath of fresh air in the genre of children’s literature.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/patalosh&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hKCpLvVpL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Patalosh: The Time Travelers" is about Orion Spence, a ten-year-old boy who lives with his parents on Earth in Antarctica. His parents are gone, his home is destroyed and the HMS Exploricus airship is crashed. Orion knows it was "Red Eyes" who took his mom and dad; the horrible Emperor Daaggerd outside his window during the storm. He finds out tha...){kind=link}
Patalosh
The Time Travelers
Z Altug and Tracy Gensler
2013 Bronze Medal
414 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
"Patalosh: The Time Travelers" is about Orion Spence, a ten-year-old boy who lives with his parents on Earth in Antarctica. His parents are gone, his home is destroyed and the HMS Exploricus airship is crashed. Orion knows it was "Red Eyes" who took his mom and dad; the horrible Emperor Daaggerd outside his window during the storm. He finds out that only he has the key to stop Red Eyes and rescue his parents. Orion begins his journey with his friends, to unravel the clues to the seven keys on each continent needed to open the Ancient Book of Spells and save his family.
What a way to revisit my childhood. Despite it being a children’s book, it is fun to read and I have no doubt that young readers will find it fun as well. The short chapters are well-suited for impatient kids. The story is lively with an amazing, cool plot of time travel, magic and adventure and visiting different continents on Earth. On top of that, the illustrations are fun and marvelously done. Authors Z Altug and Tracy Gensler know how to entertain and engage young readers with their descriptive writing. There is even a Patalosh pumpkin pie recipe for readers to try. Moreover, Orion’s favorite training programs and food list are a cheeky way to highlight Altug and Gensler’s background as a fitness consultant and a dietician. Parents wouldn’t want to miss this well-written book; it is a great reading material for middle school kids.
"Patalosh: The Time Travelers" is about Orion Spence, a ten-year-old boy who lives with his parents on Earth in Antarctica. His parents are gone, his home is destroyed and the HMS Exploricus airship is crashed. Orion knows it was "Red Eyes" who took his mom and dad; the horrible Emperor Daaggerd outside his window during the storm. He finds out that only he has the key to stop Red Eyes and rescue his parents. Orion begins his journey with his friends, to unravel the clues to the seven keys on each continent needed to open the Ancient Book of Spells and save his family.
What a way to revisit my childhood. Despite it being a children’s book, it is fun to read and I have no doubt that young readers will find it fun as well. The short chapters are well-suited for impatient kids. The story is lively with an amazing, cool plot of time travel, magic and adventure and visiting different continents on Earth. On top of that, the illustrations are fun and marvelously done. Authors Z Altug and Tracy Gensler know how to entertain and engage young readers with their descriptive writing. There is even a Patalosh pumpkin pie recipe for readers to try. Moreover, Orion’s favorite training programs and food list are a cheeky way to highlight Altug and Gensler’s background as a fitness consultant and a dietician. Parents wouldn’t want to miss this well-written book; it is a great reading material for middle school kids.
Recommend this book:
Mousenet
When Mice Do More than Point and Click
Prudence Breitrose
2013 Silver Medal
416 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Ten year old Megan Miller and her mother have just spent a wild time on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. They now return to Cleveland, Ohio, where Megan has a very tough adjustment to school. To make matters worse, her mother gets an unexpected job in Australia and Megan is sent to Seattle to spend six months with her father and his new wife. Megan's adjustment there is even worse than in Ohio. She is teased unmercifully and has no motivation to try to fit in. But then, she discovers a community of friends in the most unlikely of places. The Mouse Nation has come across the miniature computer made by Megan's uncle and they develop a plan to have Megan lead the push to get "a computer in every mouse hole." When you add talking mice and a nosy neighbor boy, you have the making of a nifty little adventure story for mid-grade readers.
The characters in this adventure are believable and true to character. They have age-appropriate thoughts, emotions and actions. When called upon to assist humankind, they are up to the cause. When faced with adversity, they fail to yield. They are sturdy and loveable children! In an age in which sci-fi characters and violence are commonplace, it is refreshing to read a story about real people and real issues. At times, I did feel the environmental issue became a bit pushy, but overall, this novel was both a delight and a welcome addition to the world of child literature.
Ten year old Megan Miller and her mother have just spent a wild time on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. They now return to Cleveland, Ohio, where Megan has a very tough adjustment to school. To make matters worse, her mother gets an unexpected job in Australia and Megan is sent to Seattle to spend six months with her father and his new wife. Megan's adjustment there is even worse than in Ohio. She is teased unmercifully and has no motivation to try to fit in. But then, she discovers a community of friends in the most unlikely of places. The Mouse Nation has come across the miniature computer made by Megan's uncle and they develop a plan to have Megan lead the push to get "a computer in every mouse hole." When you add talking mice and a nosy neighbor boy, you have the making of a nifty little adventure story for mid-grade readers.
The characters in this adventure are believable and true to character. They have age-appropriate thoughts, emotions and actions. When called upon to assist humankind, they are up to the cause. When faced with adversity, they fail to yield. They are sturdy and loveable children! In an age in which sci-fi characters and violence are commonplace, it is refreshing to read a story about real people and real issues. At times, I did feel the environmental issue became a bit pushy, but overall, this novel was both a delight and a welcome addition to the world of child literature.
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