TUESDAY: Hannah Montana The Movie

I hate to admit it, but I was intrigued by the hype for the Hannah Montana movie. But as a mother of a six-year-old boy, my chances of seeing the movie to satisfy my curiosity are slim. So, I read the book! (ages 9-12)

Hannah gets wrapped up in her rock star life and lets down her family and her best friend. So her dad takes her home to Tennessee for a couple weeks to get her priorities straight. The question is, will it work? Her double life has caused her so much trouble - is it still worth the hassle?

The story satisfied my curiosity and I think it will satisfy any Hannah fan!

MONDAY - Russell the Sheep

Russell the sheep can't sleep. He and his little frog friend try all sorts of things to help him sleep - the "really dark" (which scares Russell), a change of scenery, and counting things (like his feet - 1, 2, 3, 4 and still not asleep). What will Russell do to finally get some sleep?

The illustrations are probably my favorite part of Russell's books. The sheep are just darling! And kids will love to see what Russell does to finally get some sleep. Check out all of Russell's adventures (and other really cute books by Rob Scotton!)

FRIDAY: The Men I Didn't Marry

Hallie gets dumped for a younger woman - not an unusual tale. She wallows in self-pity for awhile and then goes on a journey to find the men she didn't marry. In the process, she finds herself. I enjoyed her voyage of self-discovery and the ups and downs along the way. You have to suspend some disbelief - the odds that she would find these guys and that they would want to be found, etc. As I said, it isn't a wholly unusual premise, but it was a lot of fun to read.

THURSDAY: Eat This, Not That

This is the sort of book you will want to keep in your car for those trips to the grocery store or when you are waiting in the drive through line. The advice is very practical. It does not assume that you will only eat vegetables in your efforts to be healthy. It assumes that sometimes you will eat out and helps you pick the healthier choices at various restaurants. It assumes that your kids will snack on things other than fruit, so it helps you pick the healthier choices at the snack aisle. There is a lot of information in these books - things about the food pyramid, ways to cook the less-standard vegetables so your family will eat them, and information on fruits and vegetables in the colors of the rainbow. You will want to read it several times to absorb all of the advice so that you can make your own healthy choices in the future.

WEDNESDAY: Deadline

The first book in a trilogy, Deadline is one of my all time favorite books. I re-read it every year or two. I have read the rest of the trilogy, but I never connected with the other volumes the way I connected with this one!

Three friends, close for years, but different in foundational ways when it comes to matters of faith. Finney loves Jesus and lives that love every day. Doc has no interest in matters of faith, and he doesn't always follow an ethical path. And Jake is in the middle. He does not have Finney's faith, but he doesn't try to challenge it like Doc does.

When tragedy strikes, Jake is literally stuck in the middle again - trapped in a car between his two best friends as they all fight for their lives. Jake walks away from the accident, but walks right into a mystery with implications he can't even imagine. Not only will Jake be fighting to find the truth, but he will be fighting for his soul.

I love the characters in this book, and the mystery and suspense kept me guessing when I read it the first time. My favorite thing to read now are the descriptions of Heaven; they are very moving and encouraging.

TUESDAY: Knights of the Lunch Table

I have not been much of a graphic novel fan - trying to follow the illustrations in some volumes have given me a headache. But the first book in this series called The Dodgeball Chronicles (for kids ages 9 to 12), was great fun to read.

The star of the story is Artie King, a student at Camelot Middle School.... [Do you see where this is going?] Artie opens the un-openable locker - 001XCL - and his adventures begin. With the help of his friends, Percy and Wayne, and his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn, he just might survive his dodgeball battle with Joe, the school bully, and his posse, "The Horde."

I am a big fan of re-imagined fairy tales and classic stories and this one did not disappoint. I have already put the sequel, The Dragon Players on my wish list for September 2009.

MONDAY: Duck and Goose

I am a huge fan of picture books, and these two are gems! In the first book, Duck and Goose discover an "egg" and each wants to protect it and teach its tiny occupant to be a duck or a goose. They fuss with each other about their differences until they discover that they have quite a bit in common.

In the second book, there is a new duck on the scene and she is a little... intense. And her intensity makes Goose feel so uncomfortable that he decides to leave. Can the friends learn to get along while not giving up who they are?

These stories are great fun to read out loud. I got them for my 4-year-old niece and she spent a week trying to hatch an egg of her own!

FRIDAY: Stamped Out

April Buchert has gone home for a job - at least, that's what she has told her family. In reality, her life has fallen apart and she needed to get away from her soon-to-be ex-husband and his tarnished reputation and start her life over again. So, she is working for her father on a restoration project. No one expected to find that skull.... well, no one except the murderer.

The stamping aspect of the story was secondary to the mystery - it was really a way to introduce some of the supporting cast for the series. Non-stamping mystery lovers will still be able to dig in to try to solve the mystery with April. The next volume will be Inked Up and it comes out August 4, 2009. The only caution I have is for more sensitive readers who might be distracted by the fact that April's father is gay. I found it to be a minor plot point in the description of the characters and their relationships to one another and it wasn't a distraction for me.

THURSDAY: Secrets of the Baby Whisperer

We have several friends/family members/co-workers who are pregnant or recently had a baby and this book has been my primary recommendation to each of them. This was the book I rush ordered in desperation when my son was around 9 weeks old. I adored him but I felt so lost. He would not sleep at night unless he was held and was fussy during the day. I was getting ready to go back to work and needed to get some rest.

This book is written in a very easy to understand way. The author is affirming yet firm about setting a reasonable routine - for mom and for baby. And the routine was just that - not a rigid schedule that exempts the family from a regular life or throws everyone into a panic if something unexpected comes up. This book helped me relax. I felt like I could implement the new routine and be more confident about what I was doing. The book helped me figure out why my son wasn't sleeping and helped us make some changes fairly quickly before habits where too well ingrained. I highly recommend it for every first-time mom!

WEDNESDAY: The Amber Photograph

This is one of those books where you start with a couple different story lines but they converge somewhere in the middle as you barrel on to the conclusion. In this case, one story involves Diedre, a young woman who has lost her mother. When she dies, she hints to Diedre that everything in her life is not what it appears. Diedre decides to follow her mother's hints to discover the truth. At the same time, another woman on the other side of the country is working through the secrets of her own past.

I tear up just thinking about the characters in this book and the journey they endure to find eachother and find themselves and find peace. There are some themes in the story that lead me to recommend this for high school readers or adults. Most readers will see the big reveal coming in the story, but the characters are compelling enough to be completely engross the reader in their journey.

Hmmm - now that I have talked about it, I am in mood to read The Amber Photograph again!

TUESDAY: Stink

Anyone who has talked to me about children's books will know I am a fan of Stink Moody (and his sister Judy). There are 4 books so far in the Stink series featuring Stink and his friends Webster and Sophie of the Elves. In the first, Stink thinks he is shrinking (not a good thing for a guy who is already frustrated about being short). In the second, Stink discovers the value of a well-worded letter... and the value of a good friend. In the third, Stink gets to be a professional smeller. And in the fourth, he and his friends help find homes for 101 guinea pigs. They are listed for grade 2 through 4.

Stink and his friends are a lot of fun for kids, but also for the adults who read to those kids. The sibling banter between Stink and Judy is realistic without being overdone. Stink makes an appearance in the Judy Moody series of books, and Stink and Judy also share some adventures. The first book featuring both characters was The Holly Joliday and the second will be The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt coming out August 11, 2009.

MONDAY: Ish

Another artsy bit of encouragement from Peter Reynolds that begins, "Ramon loved to draw." Ramon is going along, enjoying his art, when a critic causes him to second guess himself and give up. Encouragement to see his art in a new way comes from a source Ramon does not expect.

I think this is another beautiful little story about believing in yourself and about art for the joy of being creative. It is also a nice story about the power of family. If you are needing a little creative encouragement today, check out Ish.

FRIDAY: A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Read

Psych is one of my favorite TV shows. I own the DVDs and watch episodes over and over when I am looking for a good laugh. When I saw there was a book from the series, I snatched it off the shelf and trotted immediately to the check out. I was a little nervous, though, that it wouldn't live up to expectations; I haven't read books from favorite TV series before. I wondered if the author could pull off the relationships and banter I love from the show.

In the story, Shawn and Gus just wrap up a case when they find themselves being shot at and running for their lives. They are "rescued" by a woman who says Shawn is sending her psychic messages. Three different story lines take off from there and eventually converge in the climax of the story.

I enjoyed the book. I think the author captured the relationships and the banter that I love so much. I did have to take breaks from reading because the story was somewhat convoluted and my brain needed a rest from trying to figure out what was going on (I don't read mysteries without trying to beat the sleuths to the solution). I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the show, and I would buy another in the series from this author.

The next book in the series will be Mind over Magic and is due out July 7, 2009.

THURSDAY: Your Child's Strengths

I am hearing more and more about a philosophy switch from focusing on problem areas and trying to improve them to a focus on strengths. The idea behind it is that a person's weakness is not likely to ever become a strength, but we pour effort into making it mediocre or average when we could be building on the person's innate strengths instead.

In Your Child's Strengths, Fox talks about her experiences as the director of a New Jersey boarding school. She says the story of developing strengths in young people is "about igniting each child's individual potential and preparing him/her for successful, fulfilled lives in school and beyond."

This was a challenging and inspiring book. It includes exercises for children that can be started between the ages of 9 and 13. Even though my son is not that old yet, I still found suggestions and encouragement in this book that I can use now.

WEDNESDAY: Holy Discontent

Do you have an "injustice" that always stirs up your passions or your ire? For me it is a passion for the care of pastors. I get fired up when I hear stories of critical, complaining notes sent to pastors or pastors feeling beaten down by negativity and criticism or by a lack of support. Hybels would say that is my "holy discontent." The idea of this book is to help you pinpoint where your discontent lies and then to motivate you to engage with God to make a difference in that area. This was a fabulous and challenging book. I liked it so much, we bought copies for all of our pastors a year or two ago, hoping to encourage and stir them up in their individual areas of passion.

So, what is your "holy discontent?"

TUESDAY: The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy

In Superopolis, Ordinary Boy is the only citizen without a super power.... Or is he? O Boy has his own skill set that is needed in Superopolis to save the day. In the first book, The Hero Revealed, Ordinary Boy and his pals have to battle Brain Drain to save the

In The Return of Meteor Boy, Ordinary Boy looks into the mysterious disappearance of a hero from long ago. In The Great Powers Outage something strange is going on in Superopolis - all of the superheros have lost their powers. Who can save the town from rampaging super animals and the return of villains from the past? Once again, Ordinary Boy - the only person in Superopolis without a super power - will have to save the day.

I love this series of books. The plots are intricate and keep you guessing. It is complicated enough to hold an adult's attention, but kid-friendly for older readers. I also like how "O-Boy" deals with his status as the only one without powers. It becomes even more interesting in this book as everyone else becomes "normal." No one wants to listen to Ordinary Boy's questions about what causes the powers in the first place. At one point he "realized how upset people could get over the mere suggestion that something so key to their identity might actually just be a side effect of something else." This was a fascinating character development piece in the evolution of the story.

Great fun! I highly recommend the whole series! Recommended ages are 4th to 7th grade

MONDAY: The Dot

This is another favorite from Peter H. Reynolds. Young Vashti is struggling in her art class because she doesn't think she is good enough. Her art teacher encourages her to make her mark and claim it as her own. In the process, Vashti finds her artistic voice and then shares the gift with another young artist.

I love the message of this book that art is about creating from the heart - creating what is inside each of us - and claiming our art as our own. This is a message I want my son to learn and cherish in his own life.

FRIDAY: Paper, Scissors, Death

Kiki Lowenstein - wife, mother and scrapbooker - finds her life turned upside down when her husband is found dead - and naked - in a local hotel. Not only does she lose her spouse, but her comfortable life of wealth. Then she finds herself fighting her MIL for custody of her daughter and is suspected of murder. She has to piece the puzzle together just like her scrapbook layouts to solve the mystery.

This was a delightful book; I had a hard time putting it down. I have tried another scrapbooking series and I had to really work at them. I wanted to like them because they were about my hobby, but I finally had to give up. This new series by Joanna Campbell Slan is so easy to love. I enjoyed the characters, the evolution of Kiki, and felt inspired to scrapbook for the first time in almost a year. I can think of no higher praise than that!

(This review was previously posted on my Pizza Monkey blog which no longer exists)

THURSDAY: The Trouble with Boys

This was an interesting and informative read, although I don't feel like I know much more than I did before reading it.

The author was careful to keep balance regarding the needs of both boys and girls to succeed at school. I agree that we cannot sacrifice either group for the sake of the other. And she did not hesitate to call into question the statements of one of the "gurus" in the discussions of boys and their academic struggles. This "guru" seems to make leaps from actual research to his interpretations and Tyre questions this appropriately.

One thing I learned from this book is the effect that the struggle of boys is having on girls, specifically when it comes to college admission. Because of the large achievement gap between boys and girls, and because fewer boys are applying for college, some girls are denied entry to the college of their choice in favor of an equally qualified boy because some universities are trying to maintain a gender balance in their enrollment.

No one has the be-all-end-all solution to the problem, but at least the experts are starting to speak up about the problem and talk about how to help boys so that all of our kids can be successful in school and in life.

(This review was previously posted at my Pizza Monkey blog which no longer exists)

WEDNESDAY: How to Hear from God

I am a big Joyce Meyer fan. I find her speaking and her writing to be very accessible. She is easy to understand, she tells great stories, and she is "human." When she explains things, she tattles on herself, telling about times when she fell short in just the way she is talking about. It is comforting to hear, and read, encouragement from someone who has had to battle the same things you and I deal with day to day.

In this particular book, Joyce talks about all the ways God speaks to His people and she gives examples of things we can do to be more tuned into His voice. The chapters are broken down into smaller sections. This makes it an easy book to read when you don't have large blocks of time. You can pick up where you left off very smoothly. She doesn't offer magical formulas or legalistic rules to follow; I am wary of books that promise results only if I do things a certain way. She encourages you to spend time with God - quiet time of just listening, something some of us don't do easily.

If you are seeking God for something in your life, or just looking to be more connected, I believe you will be encouraged by How to Hear from God.

TUESDAY: Judy Moody Goes to College

You may recognize the illustrations for Judy Moody Goes to College from yesterday's review. Peter H. Reynolds illustrates this series by Megan McDonald.

I have liked Judy, and her brother Stink, since we first discovered their stories a year or two ago. In this story, Judy's substitute teacher thinks she needs an attitude adjustment - and tutoring. So Judy heads to college to build some better math skills and discovers she loves the college life. In fact, she loves it so much, she is wants to be in college permanently. Her new collegiate outlook on life has an interesting impact on her third grade classmates.

Girls will love Judy's no-nonsense approach to life. Judy's school buddies and her little brother, Stink, will give boys plenty of guy stuff to relate to also. This is the 8th book in the series.
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

MONDAY: So Few of Me

I am a huge fan of Peter H. Reynolds! I enjoy his illustrations in other books, and I have several of his picture books on my personal bookshelf. So Few of Me is a clever book for both adults and kids. It is about Leo, a boy with a to do list that will make yours seem insignificant. Some additional Leos come along to help him with his list, but instead of lightening his load, it makes Leo feel even busier than ever. Leo has to decide what is really most important in his life.

Kids will enjoy the extra Leos and the fun pictures of them working furiously. The busy among us might heed the message to step out of our busy lives and take a little time to dream.

Welcome to "Bring on the Books!"

Welcome to new friends and faithful followers of previous blogs! Let me introduce myself.

My name is Jaymie. I live in the Midwest with my family. I have worked in a variety of jobs with non-profits; I am currently working part time as an elementary teacher at my son's Christian school and I am self-employed as a writer. No matter what job I have been in, one thing that has stayed consistent is that I am crazy about books. I have three shelves of books waiting for my attention as well as notebooks of titles I want to read "someday." I love to recommend books to others, especially books for kids. I love to see a young person find a book they love that encourages them to pick up another book and try to find that magic connection again.

Every week day I plan to post a brief review/introduction to a book. Mondays will focus on books for the smallest "readers." These will be board books or picture books. Tuesdays will be for older children, from beginning readers to teens. Most will be for elementary age since that is the group I read for right now in my own life. Wednesdays will be for faith-related books, fiction and non-fiction, kids and adults. Thursdays are for other non-fiction. Fridays are general fiction for grown-ups (although some may interest teens). I like primarily cozy mysteries, so there will be a lot of those reviewed here. I also read some Urban Fantasy, paranormal, "chick lit," and science fiction as well as non-genre fiction.

If there are books with swearing or other material that might offend, I will try to note that in my review. I hope you will give some grace if I forget now and then.

I hope you will come back often, and leave comments on books you tried and what you thought of them or recommendations of books you have loved.

Now, let's bring on the books....