Don't Feed the Coos

Don’t Feed the Coos--- Jonathan Stutzman

Illustrated by Heather Fox

Henry Holt & Co. Holt Books for Young Readers.

2020

From parking lots to sidewalks pigeons (coos) are everywhere and in great number. Their ubiquity is a fact of life that most overlook, except children. Every child I have ever met is fascinated by them. All three of my nephews were determined that they would one day have a pigeon for a pet…if only they could catch it.

The protagonist of Jonathan Stutzman’s Don’t Feed the Coos is able to experience the (short-lived) joy of having not only one but multiple pigeons as pets. After feeding the coos at the park, the pigeons follow the protagonist home! The coos are lot of work and messier than anticipated. The protagonist tries different strategies to get the pigeons to leave, though the coos don’t take the hint to leave when their messiness gets out of wing. When the protagonist takes the coos on a walk, she finds a way to return them to their own home.

Overall an amusing read with lovely art. Some of my favorite artwork from this book were the lovely endpapers featuring the coos, and the image of the coos on a walk at the park.

Friends and Relations of this book: For another cause and effect book try If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff  and Stop Feedin’ Da Boids by James Sage is for readers looking for another take on keeping pigeons as pets.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria.

The Runaway Princess

The Runaway Princess

Johan Troïanowski

Random House Graphic 2020.

One of Random House’s first children’s’ graphic novels published under their new imprint: Random House Graphic Johan Troïanowski’s The Runaway Princess is a delight with unexpected interactive elements.

Robin is a princess not content to stay home. Her explorations of the surrounding areas lead to encounters with a wolf, pirates, and a witch. Though Robin faces danger, she doesn’t do so alone with friends like Omar, Paul, Matt, Lee, and even the reader there to help her find her way back home. Troïanowski’s art accompanying the story is imaginative, odd, and a just a little spooky.  Each page is a wonder. Some favorite images were the button spiders and floating fishbowls.

Though The Runaway Princess has a lot to recommend itself what sets this graphic novel apart and made it engaging were the interactive elements. Troïanowski includes activities during the story to involve readers which allows them to be active participants like the characters.

Overall, a captivating graphic novel for those who like adventure, hints of danger and magic, and want to feel a part of the story they read.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria .

Argyle Fox

Argyle Fox 
Marie Letourneau
TangleWood Publishing Inc. 2017.


Argyle Fox just wants to have fun outside! Every game he tries to play is interrupted by the wind. What can he do when facing these setbacks to his fun? Mother Fox encourages him to think of a game that might work with the wind.

Though Argyle Fox faces some setbacks, I appreciated his calm response to each interference. He does not throw a fit, he tries something else when his play is interrupted. Mother Fox understands this is upsetting and uses gentle reminders and gives Argyle the space to think of a solution.

This book would be helpful in a classroom in which little ones need a reminder that it might not always be the right time for the game they want to play.

Letourneau has written and illustrated a cute reminder to children to keep trying to find a solution to their problem.

Until the next chapter, 

   Victoria

Personal Challenge ---Story of the Week (LOA)

Hey Everyone,

I’m not sure if I have mentioned this, but I love short fiction. There are abundant reasons why to read short stories. If you don’t have a lot of time to invest in a novel, try a short story. I f you want to try a new genre, try a short story in the genre first!

There are printed short story collections, but there are also a ton of websites where you can read short stories for free. One of my favorite websites that highlights short works Story of the Week is run by Library of America (LOA). They are a publisher that focuses on printing long-lasting copies of works that reflect literature (fiction and non-fiction) in America.  Besides highlighting what their published works, the LOA also has a Story of the Week feature on their website. Each week a new story from one of their books is made available on their website. The even send out an email to remind readers when a new story is up on their site.

Though I have read the short fiction they have published, I haven’t been consistent which is why I am challenging myself to read all the fiction the LOA has published on their Story of the Week site. This (as of now) comes out to a total of 458 works!

So if you want to read along, the first short piece is “The Cut-Glass Bowl” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria

In case the hyperlinks don't work, here are the URL's:

http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/p/stories-in-numerical-order.html

http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/2009/12/cut-glass-bowl.html

Bridal Boot Camp

Meg Cabot's newest work Bridal Boot Camp is on e-shelves at last!

This romance novella is set on Little Bridge Island, the setting of Cabot’s forthcoming romance novel, No Judgments. Fitness trainer Robbie is fresh out of a relationship that has left her a bit wary of falling in love again. During one of her fitness classes, bridal boot camp, sheriff’s deputy Ryan walks in. Though she is resolved to steer clear of dating, his perplexity over the differences between a spin-mat and a yoga mat endears him to Robbie.

While the pacing of the novella is quick, Robbie’s back story is covered, so that her reluctance to approach Ryan is convincing. Ryan’s backstory is not as detailed, though this being the start of a series set on the island, readers might learn more about Robbie and Ryan in future novels. 

Overall, a short fun read that was would be the perfect way to kick off someone’s summer romance reading.

Until the next chapter, 

   Victoria

Introduction Post (1)

Hi Everyone,

My name is Victoria, and I am an aspiring librarian. Though I work in library, I am still working toward earning my MA in Library Science so that I can be a full-fledged librarian. I love books, reading, and everything to do with words. My aspiration to be a librarian arises from a desire to help people discover their own connection to books, and the written word.

What I hope to achieve with this blog is what I have always wanted my blogs to do. I want whoever stops by this blog to find a book that they will enjoy, a book that sparks something within them.

I hope my blog helps you find reading material that inspires you in some way.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria