A Book A Week

I recently got to spend the better part of two weeks on vacation in London. Visiting the historic places in the city and the surrounding area really inspired me to pick up some new books and to revisit others. One set of books that have had a huge impact on the city is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The first book launched a worldwide phenomenon that inspired a seven book series, ten films, a two-part theatrical production, theme park attractions, and countless other media and products. I first read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as a kid almost twenty years ago. Like so many other readers of my generation, Harry Potter became a defining part of my childhood. As I visited locations like Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross and toured the studio sets where the films were made, I decided it might be time to give Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone a reread.

Summarizing the novel would be an unnecessary exercise at this point. Even if you've never read the books, odds are you've seen the films or at least have a basic understanding of the central plot. Rather than rehash the story, I think it is more pertinent to share some reflections on this read, especially on my perspective of it now as an adult. For starters, Sorcerer's Stone is undeniably a children's novel. As a young reader, I guess I never realized how much the novel was geared toward my reading. From pace to word choice, Rowling has clearly targeted readers who share the age range of her characters. I think that this is most apparent in the pacing. Reading the novel now, I realized how much plot was burned through each chapter, especially toward the book's climax. This really makes me appreciate the way in which Rowling grew her story and writing to coincide with the growth of both her characters and readers.

Despite being aimed at younger readers, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone still has a lot to offer adult readers. I was pleased to pick up on references that foreshadowed events to come in later books that I would never have noticed on my initial reads. It really shows how intricately plotted the series was from the very start. Rowling builds her wizarding world with rich detail that provides it with a sense of reality and history that many budding fantasy writers never fully achieve. Reading as an adult this time also gave me a better appreciation for the motivation of the adults in the novel. Specifically, I found myself relating more to the situation Dumbledore was placed in and even empathizing a bit with the Dursleys. Don't worry, I still hate them as much as I ever did. I just understand where they are coming from a bit more.

After all this time Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is as enchanting as ever. As a series opener, it establishes vast mythology and inhabits the world with instantly relatable characters, each as complex as the world they live in. Rowling deftly sets the stage for the larger story to unfold while also providing a satisfying conclusion to the novel. I feel very fortunate to have experienced these novels as they were published. I quite literally grew up reading these books. No doubt, a large part of my enthusiasm for the books seeps in nostalgia, but my reread has convinced me that anyone who reads them can find something to enjoy. If you've never read the series, I encourage you to pick the book up and give it a go. If you grew up reading the books like I did, go ahead and dust off your copy of the first novel. I promise you the adventures of the boy who lived are as good as you remember them.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2019, 17)

I'm back this week with another review for a fantastic new children's book. Lucy Loves Sherman, written by Catherine Bailey with vibrant illustrations by Meg Walters, is a love story of sorts. Our heroine, the young Lucy immediately falls in love with Sherman. She is certain the two will become best friends. The only problem. . . Sherman is a Lobster!

The fateful meeting occurs at the local fish market. Lucy is visiting with her Nana when she eyes the large crustacean. She begs Nana to allow her to take Sherman home with them. Lucy argues that the 18 pound lobster would be the perfect pet. "No shedding! No barking! No chewing on the furniture!" Naturally, Nana refuses. That's when things take a turn for the worse.

The chef from a local restaurant quickly purchases Sherman with the intent of featuring him as a special meal. The resourceful Lucy springs into action. When sabotage and deceit fail her, Lucy turns to peaceful and informative activism to save her strange friend.

Lucy Loves Sherman is a delightful tale of the unlikely friendship of a girl and a lobster and the power of celebrating friendship despite differences. Bailey's book teaches that anything is possible if you believe that it can be done. The resolution sees Lucy teaching her town about how important Sherman is. She uses the facts about him and her love for him to convince the town to rally behind his release. Walters fun illustrations bring the story to life with a colorful flair. Lucy Loves Sherman is sure to entertain your little ones and inspire them to appreciate all the creatures that fill their world.

For more information, visit the publisher's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 23)

As a twenty-six-year-old man with no children, I'm always a bit hesitant to review children's books. That being said, books occasionally end up on my desk that are either too creative or important to pass up. That is exactly the case with Touch the Earth. Written by Julian Lennon with the assistance of Bart Davis and illustrator Smiljana Coh, Touch the Earth combines interactive storytelling with an educational and vitally important message that kids, parents, and everyone in between will appreciate.

With a physical shake and a bit of imagination, the book is transformed into the White Feather Flyer. This magical vehicle is equipped with a compass, buttons, and other gadgets that aide in our adventure across the globe. In each place that we land, we learn of the natural resources that are vital to the lives of the people who live there. From the depths of a polluted ocean to the searing heat of a desert in need of irrigation, the book provides a fun and interactive look at the world we live in.

Julian Lennon, son of the famed Beatle John, along with Bart Davis take readers on a journey that is as educational as it is entertaining. Smiljana Coh's vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty that can be found throughout the Earth. The interactive elements that allow readers to steer the aircraft, irrigate land, clean litter, and control the environment is a unique feature that will surely add to the re-readability of this story. The end of the book features a poem by Lennon as well as information about his charity The White Feather Foundation. Portions from the proceeds of this book go towards that foundation. Touch the Earth is the planned start of a trilogy of books that entertain, teach a valuable lesson, and promote a worthy cause.

For more information, visit The White Feather Foundation's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 15)

I don't have any kids (unless you count my dog), so I wouldn't consider myself an expert on children's books by any means. That being said, I came across B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures recently and was so impressed by it that I had to write a review. Novak is probably best known for his role on the hit comedy The Office. In The Book With No Pictures, he uses his comedic abilities to create a bedtime story that both kids and parents are sure to enjoy.

As you probably guessed by the title, this children's book has no pictures. Instead, the book relies on the simple premise that whoever reads the book aloud is bound to say every word that is written...even if that word is something as silly as "Blork!" This soon creates a conflict as the reader does their best to avoid the crazy words, but they are bound by the rules to read them. There's nonsensical words, silly phrases, and even a song.

I really admire what Novak has done with this book. He breaks the fourth wall and creates a story that both kids and adults will get a kick out of. The publisher recommends the book for kids aged 4-8, but I imagine this could be enjoyed by kids who are a little younger. The book's premise truly allows for the reader to get creative in their delivery, allowing for endless variety from read to read. The Book With No Pictures is a unique offering in the crowded genre of children's books that is sure to inspire a life long love of reading in every household that it reaches.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2016, 26)

I'll preface this review by saying that I don't really read children's books. I'm a single guy, in my twenties, and have no real reason to pick up a children's book. As part of my blog, I receive various requests to review books, many of which I simply don't have time to read and review. When I was contacted about reading Candy and the Cankersaur by author Jason Sandberg, I figured I would at least be able to read the book quickly. And so I agreed, read the book in a few minutes, and my review is as follows.

The story is of a young girl, Candy, who lives in a large mansion. She has lots of toys, which she generously shares with other, and lives a seemingly normal life. But beyond the toys and material objects, Candy mostly desires more attention from her rich, busy father. As fathers often do in these types of stories, Candy's dad tries to occupy the void in his daughter's life with more stuff. In this instance, he buys her a rare dinosaur, Cankersaurus Rex.

Despite her initial fear of the creature, Candy trains the dinosaur, nicknamed Cank, to be a pretty good pet. When Candy's neighbor Chucky see's the animal, he is immediately filled with jealousy. He has a longstanding rivalry with Candy, and realizes that his parents will never be able to top the gift of Candy's father. He decides that if he can't have a pet dinosaur, then neither can Candy. Chucky proceeds to steel Cank and sell him to the circus.

As all good children's books must, this story does end with a happy ending. Chucky sees how Cank's disappearance makes Candy sad, and realizes his mistake. The two then enlist the help of Candy's dad, who realizes his own paternal mistakes, to help bring Cank home.

Despite not having any real authority on the genre, I do feel that children, especially younger ones will enjoy this book. Even better, the adults who read it to them won't feel tortured while reading it! As far as a kid's book is concerned, this one has every element that is needed to keep a child's attention. The bright pictures, reminiscent of those by cartoonist Syd Hoff (do a quick search of his name and see if nostalgia doesn't kick in), are both visually vibrant and a great visual aid to the words. The text is large and easy to read. Better still, the story teaches a lesson about the intangible things in life that are more important than material possessions. And finally, there is a dinosaur! What six-year-old boy doesn't like dinosaurs? Overall, this is a quick read that both kids and parents should enjoy.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 38, book 34)