Book Review: Snappsy the Alligator by Julie Falatko

Summary: 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.










Release Date: February 2016
Age Group: Children
Source: Publisher
Reviewed By: Nat

Review:
This is a unique children's book. When it came in the mail the boys thought it looked cool and immediately liked Snappsy because he didn't want to be in the book. From the cover Snappsy is already talking to you. This story has a twist to the narration that we didn't see coming. It really added to the fun of a character that you think is irritated with you. He clearly doesn't want to be bothered by a Narrator.

The illustrations are great and have a cartoon feel that young children will enjoy. This book kept the interest of my 5 year old and had my 7 year old asking me to explain narration. I liked that there were lots of onomatopoeia's in the text. {I know you are singing the song now "onomatopoeia's where a word makes a sound"}.

I really cannot divulge anything about the story itself or I will spoil the twist and RL Stine would be very upset with people ruining a well thought out twist.

Teachers:

• Recommended for young readers 
• Identifying the letter P
• Gives a great introduction to narration and onomatopoeia's

image source: goodreads.com

Reading Interrupted #Rio2016

I have been pretty much glued to my TV since the Olympics in Rio started. I mean, the first injury I saw was freaking crazy. And then I started to really LOOK at the athletes and holy cow, these are some of the best looking Olympians I've ever seen! #helloswimming

French Gymnast, Samir Ait Said

I knew I had to put the books down and be a devoted Olympian Watcher because lets face it, when you watch the gymnastics you want to attempt a handstand. {Don't lie, you know you have}. But when you watch Simone Biles you are proud to be a TEXAN! That's right, everything is better in Texas. Plus, she has good taste. #zacefron #nuffsaid

After watching Michael Phelps make history and witnessed that only lightening might be able to beat Usain Bolt, I am now reading to get back to a good book bender.

aka Professional Olympic Watcher

image sources: google.com

Book Review: Free Verse by Sarah Dooley

Summary: When her brother dies in a fire, Sasha Harless has no one left, and nowhere to turn. After her father died in the mines and her mother ran off, he was her last caretaker. They’d always dreamed of leaving Caboose, West Virginia together someday, but instead she’s in foster care, feeling more stuck and broken than ever.

But then Sasha discovers family she didn’t know she had, and she finally has something to hold onto, especially sweet little Mikey, who’s just as broken as she is. Sasha even makes her first friend at school, and is slowly learning to cope with her brother’s death through writing poetry, finding a new way to express herself when spoken words just won’t do. But when tragedy strikes the mine her cousin works in, Sasha fears the worst and takes Mikey and runs, with no plans to return. In this sensitive and poignant portrayal, Sarah Dooley shows us that life, like poetry, doesn’t always take the form you intend.




Release Date: March 2016
Age Group: YA
Source: Publisher
Reviewed By: Ms. Leger

Review: If you are a fan of Sharon Creech then you will love Free Verse. After a few chapters, I paused and checked the cover to make sure I hadn't made a mistake and picked up a Creech novel. The writing style is so similar and artfully written. I think it's important to know a little about the story to peak your interest but not too much.

The story starts off with Sasha a young girl who is suffering yet another loss, her firefighter brother. Set in a coal mining town of Caboose, West Virginia and left with no family Sasha is sent to live with a foster parent whereupon she meets the neighbors next door. Unbeknownst to Sasha she discovers a family connection. 

I enjoyed the first person narration and the places written in prose. Freeverse is a tender story about the struggles of loss, acceptance, friendship and family. There is also a little suspense that takes place and I had to fight the erg to skip ahead to find out what had happened. I highly recommend this book to all Sharon Creech fans. I would also recommend this book as a read-aloud for a younger audience. It would be a great way to introduce several themes in literature and definitely a beautiful example of poetry in prose.

Ms. Leger
      {lay-jay}