Review: A Snicker of Magic

First, let me say that if a cover has a large ice cream cone on it, dibs are I am going to pick it up. Period. I am a cover shopper, and nothing says, “Pick me up Hodgenator” like a giant ice cream cone.

Also, the title has the word “magic” in it. I am going to touch it.

In this case, I saw it on Netgalley and realized I needed this book in my life. Little did I know that while reading it, I did need this book in my life.

Title: ‘A Snicker of Magic’

Author: Natalie Lloyd

Pages: 320

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Introducing an extraordinary new voice---a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten…and your heart sing.

Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.

But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere---shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears---but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster.

Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town . . . and her mother's broken heart.

My Thoughts:

This book gives me all kinds of feels. Seriously. I read it while I was in the midst of a terrible shingles episode, and this book made me feel like hope existed in my life, that at the end of everything life would be okay.

That is powerful people. Power. Ful. And magical. If you’ve ever had shingles, you know why.

Midnight Gulch is a magical place full of hope—and this seems to be something Felicity has always needed in her life. And her mother’s. After all, she is a girl on the move.

She has a mother who is always on the move; she cannot stand to stay in the same place long. Is this a symptom of the ever-vanishing magic in Midnight Gulch?

It doesn’t matter because they are back. And Felicity wants to stay. This word collector feels the magic in the air, and she feels that this is the place that is meant to be her home. Her mom just can’t take that away from her. She just can’t.

But the question is this: can Felicity help restore the magic that has been lost? And if so, how will this restoration affect her life (and her mom’s)?

What I enjoyed most about this book is Felicity. Felicity’s character is nicely developed, she is the novel’s star and she remains so throughout. There isn’t a single secondary character that steals her thunder; but those secondary characters serve to support her. Each has a specific role in Felicity’s life, and each brings out the best in her.

A note about adults in children’s books: usually I find that adults in a child’s tale are tricky. A lot of the time I find the adult gets in the way of the storytelling, but that is not the case in this tale. They are there as guidance, which is what all children need in their life. While the novel is on the fantastical side, the role of Felicity’s mom and grandma add a realistic feel to the story, and at times I found myself lost deeper in the text because of it, believing that Midnight Gulch is real—and that I too want to live there. To experience the magic.

Or at the very least, eat a bit of ice cream.

The plot of this book is nicely paced, especially for younger readers. It is engaging from the first page, and it holds readers attentions until the conclusion.

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely. I recommend this to readers of all ages—and of all genres. This novel doesn’t just speak to a certain type of reader. It is for all readers.

Readers will connect with Felicity the word girl; they will be intrigued by Midnight Gulch; they will find themselves lost in the words, much like Felicity is when she is collecting them.

Have you read a great magical read lately, one with ice cream, cupcakes, cake? Comment below and let’s talk about books, especially those with sweet treats.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Knightley & Son

love this cover

It has been a while since I last blogged. A lot has happened, mostly of the shingles variety, so my time has been devoted to other areas, like napping. And itching. Let me not forget the non-stop itching.

But, I am happy to review this because this is a book that I think my own little man would enjoy.

Title: ‘Knightley & Son’

Author: Rohan Gavin

Pages: 320

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

The once highly in-demand detective Alan Knightley has just woken up after an unexplained incident kept him asleep for four years. While he was out cold, his son, Darkus, took it upon himself to read of all his dad's old cases, and he's learned a lot about the art of detection. It's a good thing too—because suddenly the duo find themselves caught up in a crazy conspiracy that involves a group of villainous masterminds (who keep appearing and then vanishing), some high-speed car chases (that will have everyone fastening their seat belts), and a national, bestselling book with the power to make people do terrible, terrible things. But because Alan is still suffering the effects of his coma, he tends to, well, fall asleep at the worst possible moments, Meaning that young Darkus might just have to solve this mystery . . . by himself.

My Thoughts:

When I am not reading tween and YA novels, I am reading mysteries. I love them. I always have, ever since I wanted to be Nancy Drew. I was excited to see that I found an adorable detective story aimed at children, and one that deals with a father-son team.

This novel had me from the start. From the moment Mr. Knightley awoke in his hospital room until the very end, I was hooked into the plot. It was like a young Indiana Jones and his dad hunting down the bad guys, just without the craziness that usually accompanies those films. Actually, I take that back. There is a touch of craziness happening in this book too.

Darkus is his father’s son. He keeps the faith that his father will wake up eventually. In the mean time, he is reading and memorizing his father’s journals. There must be a clue to help him uncover why his father is in an unexplained sleep, there just has to be. But then his father wakes up, sometimes steals the journals, and Darkus is back at square one. Or is he? This kid has a lot invested in helping his father, and now that the journals have been stolen, this piques Darkus’ curiosity and proves to him that indeed, there is something in those journals to lead him to the right conclusion.

Father and son reunite and head out to stop the bad guys. But, who are the bad guys, and why are there children committing unexplainable crimes? Can a simple book unlock this mystery, and how much help is Mr. Knightley when he cannot stay awake?

The development of Darkus’ character is spot on—this is his story, and the author lets us know that. He is the only character to truly receive page time, and he is the only character we see evolve. All of the adults in the novel are pretty stagnant, and at times I felt they got in the way of the plot, which is one reason I feel a lot of writer’s try to keep adult interaction on the page to a minimum.

With exception to Mr. Knightley. He seems to get his son—and he is off the page enough to give Darkus just the support he needs to solve the mystery without interfering in Darkus’ development.

While the plot itself was simple—and yet complicated enough to keep readers guessing—the execution of it was a little slow-going. It’s the only complaint I have. I felt like the pace could have been faster, especially since this is aimed at younger readers.

Do I recommend this book?

For readers of mysteries, absolutely. I don’t think this is a good novel for the novice mystery reader because the plot is a little slower than most mysteries. I think readers of the Geronimo Stilton series will especially enjoy this novel. They have the same feel to them.

My little man loves reading and watching Geronimo Stilton, and when I brought up this novel and its plot, he said, “That sounds like a cool book mommy.” I think he secretly wants to be a detective himself. He loves watching ‘Jesse Stone,’ ‘Murder She Wrote,’ and ‘Matlock.’

Kids like these are the ones I think will really embrace Darkus and his dad into their reading lives.

Have you read a great tween/YA/adult mystery lately? Comment below and leave me suggestions. I am always looking for new mystery series.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

After seeing that cover—and that title—I knew I needed this novel in my life. I mean, with a character named Ophelia, what could go wrong, right?

I am glad I read this. I devoured the story.

Title: ‘Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy’

Author: Karen Foxlee

Pages: 240

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Available: January 28, 2014

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

My Thoughts:

The plot of this novel is simple, and yet not so simple at all. Ophelia spends time with her father at his new job, working in a strange museum. As young children are apt to do, Ophelia feels this place is one worthy of exploration.

This is how she encounters The Marvelous Boy. Except, what is so marvelous about him?

This is what the reader discovers as he/she devours this exciting tale. There is much to discover about The Marvelous Boy, the predicament he is in, and the time that is ticking away.

Can Ophelia save him? Or will she find herself another victim of The Snow Queen?

Oh sweet Ophelia, how do I love thee? No really, I absolutely adored her character. This was her story to tell, but Foxlee did a terrific job of balancing the development of Ophelia and her cause with the past of The Marvelous Boy and how he came to be in the clutches of The Snow Queen.

The story of the Marvelous Boy is what readers will devour as they race to the finish line of the novel with expectations of discovery of the true identity of The Snow Queen.

After all, throughout the reading I was questioning whether the Marvelous Boy was a real person or just a figment Ophelia dreamt up to pass the time.

And the Snow Queen? There is nothing I can say about her character without a revealing any kind of plot line. I will say this—it’s good.

As a whole, I enjoyed taking the journey with Ophelia. It was fun to run throughout the museum, searching for the best time to rescue the Marvelous Boy, hiding from the Snow Queen, and delving into a magical world that is nothing like my own. I felt like I was Ophelia, experiencing all the magical wonder that was that magical museum.

Goodreads says this novel will appeal to fans of Dahl, and I completely agree. I also believe this novel will appeal to those who enjoyed ‘The Apothecary’ by Meloy. It has the same feel for world-building.

I definitely recommend this novel to all readers/enjoyers of children’s lit, but most especially those aged nineish and above.

Have you read anything magical lately? If so, comment below and let’s talk about books.

                                                                                          

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: A Summer of Sundays

When I saw in the description that this novel would appeal to fans of ‘The Mother Daughter Book Club’ AND ‘The Wedding Planner’s Daughter’ series, I knew I had to read it because, of course, I love both of those series.

Let me tell you, ‘Sunday’ is such a delightful, feel-good read wrapped in mystery.

And how adorable is that cover? That cover alone would make me pick this book up off the shelf.

Title: ‘A Summer of Sundays’

Author: Lindsay Eland

Pages: 336

Available: July 9, 2013

Source: Requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Fans of The Mother Daughter Book Club (Heather Vogel Fredericks) and The Wedding Planner's Daughter (Coleen Paratore) series will fall in love with the humor, classic charm, and very determined heroine of Lindsay Eland's sophomore novel.

When you're the third of six kids, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, but Sunday Fowler is determined that this summer she'll find the one thing that makes her stand out from her siblings.

And when she discovers a silver box in the basement of the library her parents are renovating, she might just have found something to gain her the attention she so craves. Inside is a series of letters addressed to "The Librarian" and a manuscript. But who wrote them? With the help of annoying neighbor-turned-new-friend Jude, Sunday is determined to track down the author. And when she unveils this novel to the world, she'll be famous!

But uncovering this manuscript means stirring up secrets that some people in the town hoped to keep buried. And Sunday must decide if some things—loyalty, trust, friendship—are worth more than her name in the headlines.

My Thoughts:

As the novel opens, we meet Sunday Fowler, one of six who just wants to be noticed. When her parents stop at a gas station and leave her there, I was convinced I was going to read a ‘Home Alone’ type of story. Instead, I found this to be an endearing tale of an almost twelve-year-old little girl looking for her family to notice her.

Sunday is the “go to” child in the family, the one her parents know they can count on. While this is admirable, it is also tiresome to her. She wants more than just being Sunday.

When her father decides to bring the entire family in on his latest job—restoring a library—a new adventure in Sunday’s life begins. She discovers a locked box in the basement, and curiosity getting the better of her, opens it to discover mysterious letters written to “Librarian.” This sets into motion a summer Sunday soon won’t forget—and quite possibly a summer where she will make her mark. After all, what if these letters are a lost legend of a famous local writer? (I felt a bit like this element was paying homage to Harper Lee.)

The plot is solid storytelling—a family of six with two parents who love their children and are doing all they can to be there and provide. I found the book to have a nice pace to it, especially for young readers, and for once the parents enhanced the story instead of getting in the way.

Mom seems to always bake something scrumptious, and there’s always more than enough for her family of eight. Dad is a genius at remodeling and his current project is the local library, a project that the entire family pitches in to help restore and repair for a reopen. Really, I want to hang out with the Fowlers for the food alone. And the company. But really, for the food.

With a family this large, everyone has to do their part—but it seems like Sunday does more than her fair share. Of course, she is the story’s star and the focus is on her, but really there should be more equality among the kids. But isn’t this how it is in families? This is the realistic element that I felt a lot of young readers could connect with.

There are a lot of characters to contend with, which might become a bit much for younger readers, but the way the author has them step in and out of the story allows readers to keep up with them (instead of easily becoming confused, and with this many characters, it’s a risk the author pulls off).

My favorite character is Jude. He is not one of Sunday’s siblings, just a friend who wants to help her make her mark—and make the right decision. He is there every step of the way, and he knows the true meaning of friendship. His mother is a bit over-bearing with her “organic” kick (sometimes kids just need to be kids), but overall Jude stole the show a bit from Sunday with his good manners and level head.

With six children, a mom and dad, a best friend, and a local recluse who is rumored to eat small children, ‘A Summer of Sundays’ will keep young readers engaged with love, friendship, and the meaning of honor as well as engage them in a mystery. Who did write those letters?

I recommend this book for readers age 9+. It really will appeal to those tween readers who enjoy Candy Apple books and fun family reads. But this is not just a book for girls. While the main character is a girl, she has three younger brothers and a male friend that will appeal to the young male reader in your life as well.

What is the best “family” oriented book you’ve read?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator