bugabusu's reviews
248 reviews

Another great mystery chapter book for early readers! This little story was an fun read. The illustrations were a wonderful addition to the plot line. The talking dog adds a nice touch of fantasy. I enjoyed how Detective Nosegood explained the clues he found, what they meant, and how he tied them together. As an avid mystery reader I can say that I would have absolutely eaten this book up as a young reader.

I want to send a postcard to Milk. This is a very cute book with lovely illustrations about a Polar bear postman. The drawings are wonderfully done and a good addition in the telling of the story. I enjoyed that the proper name of animals were used and in a way may introduce new animals to the young reader. The story could be a little scary for young readers but it has a happy ending.

As always the Ames do not disappoint. I have to agree they are very much like the other great murder-caper duo Nick and Nora. I thoroughly enjoy reading these mysteries. There is always an element of surprise. The humorous dialogue between husband and wife is wonderfully wicked. The description of the clothes Amor wears makes me dream of having a 1930s wardrobe. The character of Winnelda adds these little bits of situational amusement and in this book who could forget the monkey. I absolutely enjoyed reading the latest installment of this series.

Humor and romance. Two short romances in one book that also are witty. Who could ask for a better fast read. If you want something for the beach or airplane, this is your book. Just a warning though you'll be laughing at loud and totally crushing on the two leading men.

Howl, dance, sing, hop! This book definitely will motivate a child to move around and explore. The descriptions and information on all the different animals is amazing. I think the animals chosen and the details are ideal for young readers. The illustrations reminded me of Gustaf Tenggren’s illustrations for Little Golden Books. They were brightly colored and helped explain the facts. I think this book would be great to read out loud, especially in a group setting.

I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. This book would be helpful to a lot of children I know as well as adults. I like that it includes self-care as a topic. The explanation of what emotions look like physically is very important, it helps a child/young adult understand not just know what they’re feeling but what others are feeling as well. This is important later on in adult life, when you are in many different types of situations. Knowing and understanding what you and others are feeling and how to deal with those feelings is huge advantage. The illustrations are very cute and cartoony and work well with the language of the book. The examples of mindfulness exercises and how they are explained is dead on. They are easy to understand, not overwhelming for even younger children, and accessible to adults as well. Overall, I think this book is a great tool for anyone’s “how to deal with life” toolbox.

Wow! Great story for any age. The history of World War 2 told in this book is amazing. I enjoyed the details and the drawings that went along with the story. I appreciated the authors leaving in details about the darker side of war like death and the affect it had on civilians in Europe. Parts of the story made me so proud I had goosebumps. I think overall this book does a great job of telling a story not often learned about in school and making it interesting.

A small New England town where lobster and murder is on the menu, yes please. The characters are fun, friendly, and quirky. The descriptions of the lobster rolls made my mouth water. A strong female character who has zero background in crime solving figures out who-done-it makes for a deliciously, cozy murder mystery book. And yes, while it might be possible for the reader figure out the murderer, there is still a great twist at the end. Hopefully there will be another book in this series. This is a wonderful quick, entertaining read to distract you from life.

Fully Scooby! Not partial or half but full. This murder mystery was amazing light and humorous with just the right amount of sadness. The two individual tales in the story come together with a fun, Full Scooby Doo twist. Having not read previous books in this series and I think Ms. Ross has done a wonderful job introducing a new reader to the main characters, their back stories, and how their relationship works without a lot of retelling. The author did a great job describing the scenery, whether it was the woods, the viking ship, or the portrait painting, the reader is transported there. Any reader who enjoys a cozy mystery with some romance and humor will definitely be entertained by this book.

And the Oscar goes to Flavia de Luce for Best Actress!  She could act her way into or out of any possible scenario with her face contortions and ability to size up a person's reactions.  And in this book it happens constantly.  Alan Bradley has penned another absolutely cozy, wonderfully witty and chillingly dark, Flavia de Luce murder mystery.  The reader joins the de Luces and Dogger in their mourning while drifting down a river, shortly followed by our heroine humorously catching a dead body.  Through Flavia’s hilarious descriptions, newly introduced characters jump off the page.  While we enjoy again, the sisters’ tit-for-tat, the death of their father has matured all three.  Feely and Daffy, for their own reasons, are more than happy to assist Flavia.  Once more the heroine uses her chemistry background and daringness along with assistance from Dogger, who plays a greater role, to solve the mystery.  Bradley again captures a picturesque, quaint, English town and the characters that live there in such a manner that you cannot put the book down.