First Five Chapters - Four Dead Queens

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nooooo ... you can't leave me hanging like this. I'm so glad my copy will be at my house in a few short days.

Okay, so here are my initial thoughts on Four Dead Queens, but just on the first five chapters because, that's all I've gotten to read so far (I'm dying here ... the end of five chapters came WAY too fast).

There are two main points of view in this story - that of Keralie and that of the four queens (so really there are five POVs, but that is splitting hairs). Keralie's story already has me so pulled in that I was holding my breath at the end of chapter five.

I'm getting some serious Kaz/Inej vibes from Keralie and Mackiel. They are like a younger version, the version that hasn't quite had as many adventures just yet to have them totally trusting each other. But I feel like they will get there.

I'm not into the story of the queens at all so far. But I've only had two chapters with them, so it's probably too soon to say that I don't care for their part of the storyline.

Alright, so if you liked Six of Crows, or if you like that quick paced fantasy book (okay, that's everyone, can I just say everyone will like this? No, okay fine), then you're going to love this. It's so hard to write a review when I've only had a little sneak at the story, but so far I'm totally sold. I know I'm going to love it, I just don't know where this story is going!

Is it Tuesday yet?

Preview of Four Dead Queens generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. They didn't ask me to gush, I just did #sorrynotsorry


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Book Review: Kingdom of Ash

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Five stars. All the stars. Let's borrow stars from other reviews ... they didn't deserve them. Am I gushing? Well, it is appropriate.

This book, the completion to this story, was beyond extraordinary. With the exception of Harry Potter, I really never stick with long series. But this, this was another story entirely.

Because I want to avoid spoilers in my reviews, let's sing the praises of Sarah J Maas instead.

Book Review: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

 Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well. Um. That wasn't as good as I'd hoped.

I wanted to read this because the MOVIE looks amazing. And I have a rule. You have to read the book first. So I did.

The premise is intersting - the cities MOVE. Like, they are on wheels and drive around. And eat other cities. Not literally (honestly, I didn't quite get that at first), but rather they overtake them and dismantle them. I'm not entirely sure what happens to the people who lived there. I feel like it was glossed over. Are they killed? Do they become prisoners? I don't get it.

Book Review: The Artful Parent 2nd Edition

Artful Parent - Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity by Jean Van't Hul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Because I adore Jean Van’t Hul and I was silently hoping the second version of The Artful Parent would contain thousands of ideas of awesome projects to do with kids. But, then I remind myself that isn’t the POINT of the book. Although there are dozens of amazing books full of ideas to do with kids, this one TEACHES parents and other adults about the why and the how.

I own the first iteration of The Artful Parent and it has served me well in two ways. First, I’ve used the information she provides as a resource when teaching parents the importance of creating art, being creative, and the general “why” art is important when you have kids. The second way I’ve used this book is as a resource of art projects to do with kids both in storytimes and in art classes I’ve been fortunate enough to teach the past several years.

Untitled: Book Review and Storytime Plan

Untitled by Timothy Young*
Five Stars

YES! There have been so few picture books to make me honestly laugh recently and this one had me cracking up. I can't wait for it to come out so I can read it during storytimes at the bookstore.

First, I love a book about the writing process - it makes a book have greater value. It is a funny story to read to preschoolers, but is a useful tool when teaching the writing process in grade school.

Carlos and Ignaz are hilariously confused in this delightful picture book by Timothy Young. A coatimundi and a capybara (who began the book as a porcupine until the illustrator changed his mind) are just waiting for the author to actually start writing their story. They dream about what might happen and when something FINALLY does, they are taken by surprise.

This story is hilarious for all ages and would be a fun tool when teaching the roles of author and illustrator.

Book Review: The Witch's Kind

The Witch's Kind by Louisa Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hello friends, it's time for another book review. This time I'm reviewing an ARC (that is an Advanced Reader's Copy) of The Witch's Kind. This book is released March 19th, 2019.


The Witch's Kind told a different story than I expected. Judging the book by the title and cover, I expected a story about witches ... and it might have had witches, but that simply isn't what the story was about.

I LOVED this book. Seriously, the pacing was slow and melodic (which isn't always to my taste, but it felt relaxing to read this story), the characters were interesting, flawed, and real. The story came alive on the page, which I think it really all you can ask for when reading a story.

Book Review: King of Scars

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. WOW.

First, I regret not re-reading all the previous books first. So, if you haven't read it yet, take a minute and reread at least the last book in both series first. I spent too much time not quite understanding what was happening at the beginning.

Okay, now for the book. Nikolai was always my favorite character in the Shadow and Bone series. I'm serious, go back and look at those reviews. I'll wait. Okay, believe me now? Let's continue.