3 stars Another fun, fast-paced adventure featuring Claudette, Marie, and Gaston (and Valiant, of course!). With all new villains and some return favorites, this was a great continuation of the series. I loved seeing how the side characters were progressing. It’s always fun to check in on the band of Marie-obsessed princes and the Apple…
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3 stars A lovely picture book that goes beyond Aretha Franklin’s career as a singer and delves into her activism and faith. Abdurraqib’s text is lyrical with some lovely images created. He focuses not just on Franklin’s most well-known song, but how it inspired others to act and its continued effect in bringing people together…
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3 stars A fun, fast-paced adventure, filled with giants, magic, humor, and even some culinary tips. I was instantly pulled in by this cast of characters. Claudette dreams of being a monster slayer and isn’t afraid to bend the rules. Her brother, Gaston, isn’t quite as brave, but has a real talent in the culinary…
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3 stars A fun follow-up in the fast-paced Chronicles of Claudette series. This one continues the overarching story, branching off into the reference to the escaped Calavera Island prisoner mentioned in the first one. I love how this book plays off of Giants Beware!. The characters continue to grow, their dynamics ever changing. Gaston has swore…
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5 stars A beautiful celebration of the similarities and differences that make us who we are. I loved the positive message of the story. At no point is the narrator upset that she has the eyes she has. She does not wish them to be a different shape or color. She loves them and their…
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4 stars A sweet story that takes an unexpected turn. Freda doesn’t want to lose her favorite things. So she keeps them unused, preserved in jars. The story takes on a fantastic twist as she collect everything from rainbows to the moon to her favorite people. But as she navigates the darker, quieter world, she…
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3 stars Nice read for those who enjoy realistic fiction graphic novels. This one follows Maggie, who after begging for a pet for years, finds out she is allergic to fur and feathers. Based on the cover, I thought the dog would be more of a focus. I was actually a bit thrown off when…
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4 stars A fantastic read with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. This was especially fun to read having grown up in Wisconsin and currently living in Milwaukee. Always nice to see a Wisconsin author. I’ll admit, it took me a little bit to get into the style of this book….
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3 stars A fun, spooky story about a girl who tries to tell her family about the wolves living in the walls. Delightfully creepy, at times nonsensical, this was an interesting read. Inspired by Gaiman’s daughter having a nightmare about wolves in the walls, this is a darkly humorous tale that is sure to make…
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4 stars A lovely illustrated edition of Neil Gaiman’s poem, “Instructions”. First published in A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales, “Instructions” provides the reader with tips, tricks, and reminders pulled straight from fairy tales, myths, and other stories. The illustrated edition adds even deeper meaning to the poem, incorporating further references into…
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