Dad of Divas' Reviews: 2017

Friday, December 29, 2017

Book Review - Pug Pals: Two's A Crowd

Pug Pals: Two's A Crowd




About the Book
Two pugs. One beloved toy bunny. What could go wrong?

Sunny's new little sister, Rosy, is getting her paws into everything. When Rosy takes Sunny's favorite toy, Mr. Bunny, and loses him, Sunny is barking mad.

But when Rosy sets off on her own to find and rescue Mr. Bunny, Sunny starts to worry. Rosy's never been outside by herself before. Sunny will have to gather all the canine courage she has and go after them -- before Rosy and Mr. Bunny are both lost fur-ever!




My Take on the Book
This was a very cute story with some very fun pals that while they get into a bit of a spat over a favorite toy in the end they have to work together to get through the challenge. The book was a quick read that you will love to read together with your kids. There are some larger themes within the book in relation to friendship and more that as a parent I love to see in a book. This was a fun book for all!

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Book Review - Victor Shmud, Total Expert: Night of the Living Things

Victor Shmud, Total Expert: Night of the Living Things




About the Book
Fresh from his intergalactic adventure, Victor is casting about for something new to apply his formidable know how to. The obvious next step is cello-making. However, the not so mellifluous sounds that emanate from his creations are enough to wake the dead. That's right, there are zombies let loose and it's up to Victor, Patty, and the long-suffering, always faithful Dumpylumps to not get eaten.



My Take on the Book
This was a great book with a character that you will love to get to know. Victor is a character that you have to love. The author brings forward great artwork and a great story and you have to love that in this book you get living dead and some great characters fighting to send the dead back where they should reside. The book is a quick read and combined with great artwork and a compelling story I know that my daughter and I were completely engaged and drawn into the story from beginning to end and you will be too!

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Book Review - Smart Cookie

Smart Cookie




About the Book
Sometimes you need to keep a few secrets.

Frankie knows she'll be in big trouble if Dad discovers she secretly posted a dating profile for him online. But she's determined to find him a wife, even if she ends up grounded for life. Frankie wants what she had before Mom died. A family of three. Two is a pair of socks or the wheels on a bicycle or a busy weekend at the B&B where Frankie and Dad live. Three is a family. And Frankie's is missing a piece.

But Operation Mom is harder to pull off than Frankie expects. None of the Possibles are very momish, the B&B's guests keep canceling, Frankie's getting the silent treatment from her once best friend, and there's a maybe-ghost hanging around. Worst of all, Gram and Dad are definitely hiding secrets of their own.

If a smart cookie like Frankie wants to save the B&B and find her missing piece, she's going to have to figure out what secrets are worth keeping and when it's time to let go.



My Take on the Book
In this book you get a great main character but also a number of other characters that you will love to get to meet too. The main character is a very fun character that you can relate to as a reader. My daughter and I read this together and we loved how Frankie narrated the story and you are taken through all of the highs, lows and more when it comes to her world. Her friends and family are quite eccentric , but in the end you also get to see everything coming together. Frankie is a character that I know that we rooted for and I know that you will root for her too.

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Book Review - Wings of Fire Graphic Novel: The Dragonet Prophecy

Wings of Fire Graphic Novel: The Dragonet Prophecy



About the Book
Not every dragonet wants a destiny ...

Clay has grown up under the mountain, chosen along with four other dragonets to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and end the war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He's not so sure about the prophecy part, but Clay can't imagine not living with the other dragonets; they're his best friends.

So when one of the dragonets is threatened, all five spring into action. Together, they will choose freedom over fate, leave the mountain, and fulfill their destiny -- on their own terms.

The New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series takes flight in this first graphic novel edition, adapted by the author with art by Mike Holmes.




My Take on the Book
This was another great book that, as a graphic novel, really brings in some amazing art to the story that is being shared. This was a great story, with strong characters that is fully complete. The artists in this book did a great job to capture the story and the world behind the words. We really enjoyed reading this together and whether you usually would read a book about dragons or not, you will love this book!!

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Book Review - Ink

Ink



About the Book
There are no secrets in Saintstone.

From the second you're born, every achievement, every failing, every significant moment are all immortalized on your skin. There are honorable marks that let people know you're trustworthy. And shameful tattoos that announce you as a traitor.

After her father dies, Leora finds solace in the fact that his skin tells a wonderful story. That is, until she glimpses a mark on the back of his neck . . . the symbol of the worst crime a person can commit in Saintstone. Leora knows it has to be a mistake, but before she can do anything about it, the horrifying secret gets out, jeopardizing her father's legacy . . . and Leora's life.

In her startlingly prescient debut, Alice Broadway shines a light on the dangerous lengths we go to make our world feel orderly--even when the truth refuses to stay within the lines. This rich, lyrical fantasy with echoes of Orwell is unlike anything you've ever read, a tale guaranteed to get under your skin . . .




My Take on the Book
This was a fascinating story. To think that the positive and negatives within my life could show up in ink throughout my body seems a bit scary in many ways. In reading Ink I have to say that the book was thoroughly entertaining. I loved the characters and the plot. The books' concepts really bring out some social mores from today's society that are also shown in the society in this book. It was interesting to see how society could be controlled by a mere few as they let people know about you through the ink that was placed on your skin. There were so many issues that were raised in this book that makes you think in so many ways. There were some great twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and the main character was one that I could connect with and feel empathy for too. This was a great book that all should read!


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Book Review - Bad Princess: True Tales from Behind the Tiara

Bad Princess: True Tales from Behind the Tiara



About the Book
Forget everything you thought you knew about princesses...

Welcome to Bad Princess by Kris Waldherr (author of Doomed Queens), where you'll discover what really happens after "Happily Ever After." From the war-torn Dark Ages of Medieval Europe to America's Gilded Age, and all the way up to Kate Middleton, Bad Princess explores more than 30 true princess stories, going beyond the glitz and glamour to find out what life was really like for young royals throughout history.

A mix of royal biography, pop culture, art, style, and pure fun, Bad Princess is a whip-smart, tongue-in-cheek spin on the traditional princess narrative, proving that it takes more than a pretty crown to be a great leader.




My Take on the Book
WOW, being a dad of girls you get to see the positive aspects of being a princess in real life and in make believe, but rarely do you see the reality of princesses that are not acting like princesses. This book changes this and allows the reader to see princesses not acting like princesses and for me this was an eye-opening experience. This was a quick read and definitely one that opened my eyes and it will do the same for you too!

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Book Review - Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!

Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!




About the Book
In this accessible guide with an introduction by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good. Drawing from her experience, Marley shows kids how they can galvanize their strengths to make positive changes in their communities, while getting support from parents, teachers, and friends to turn dreams into reality. Focusing on the importance of literacy and diversity, Marley offers suggestions on book selection, and delivers hands-on strategies for becoming a lifelong reader.



My Take on the Book
This is a very inspirational book that allows you to meet a girl that is doing so much and accomplishing what she is putting her mind to. I was very impressed by all that she has accomplished thus far, and to be honest I started to read parts of the book to both of my girls as I thought that they would be inspired to see someone not much older than themselves doing so much, and I was right. Marley is really a inspiration to so many and I would highly recommend this to all!

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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time: No Time To Lose

Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time: No Time To Lose



About the Book
New Mouse City is in danger! There is only one way to bring harmony back to the island. Geronimo and friends must travel back in time to retrieve King Solomon's Ring. Along the way Geronimo visits Napoleon, the Vikings, and the ancient Cretans!



My Take on the Book
This was another great story with fun characters, an exciting story and more. The book brings in adventure, mystery and more throughout the book and I found that this was a very quick read and you are transported into the story with each page that you read. These books are always so much fun and incorporate adventure, mystery and more and this book provides you all of this and more.

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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Spacemice: The Invisible Planet


Geronimo Stilton Spacemice: The Invisible Planet



About the Book
Geronimo discovers a planet on the radar that mysteriously appears and disappears. MouseStar 1 lands to investigate and they discover mysterious aliens who hide a secret!



My Take on the Book
This was an interesting story with fun characters throughout the book and the secret that they hold was a fun surprise. I really loved how quick the story progresses and as always the pictures make the book come alive for the reader. These books are always so much fun and incorporate adventure, mystery and more and this book provides you all of this and more.

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Book Review - Dog Man and Cat Kid

Dog Man and Cat Kid: From the Creator of Captain Underpants



About the Book
Hot diggity dog! Dog Man, the newest hero from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants, is back -- and this time he's not alone. The heroic hound with a real nose for justice now has a furry feline sidekick, and together they have a mystery to sniff out! When a new kitty sitter arrives and a glamorous movie starlet goes missing, it's up to Dog Man and Cat Kid to save the day! Will these heroes stay hot on the trail, or will Petey, the World's Most Evil Cat, send them barking up the wrong tree?


My Take on the Book
The following review was written from my daughter who was very excited to read this new book!

I thought that Dog man and Cat Kid was funny and there where some times that you felt scared too. You don't know what is going to come next which makes it adventurous. Petey the evil cat makes Dog Man's sidekick feel like he is doing everything wrong. I think this book was great and I got through reading it in about 45 minutes so it was a very easy and fun book to read!

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Book Review - Goosebumps SlappyWorld: Please Do Not Feed the Weirdo

Goosebumps SlappyWorld: Please Do Not Feed the Weirdo




About the Book
Robby and his sister Karla beg their parents to take them to a big carnival that has opened on the other side of town. When they arrive, the two kids are delighted by the rides, the sideshow, the interesting displays, and the great food booths.

They wander away from their parents and find themselves at a less-trafficked area at the back of the carnival. Inside a large penned-in area, they see a dejected-looking boy about their age sitting on the grass. A sign on the tall metal fence reads: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE WEIRDO.

The kids are reluctant to disobey the sign, but the boy seems really nice. Karla hands him her cone through the fence. He thanks her very politely. He eats the ice cream, delicately at first, then ravenously, noisily-and as Robby and Karla stare in horror, he transforms into a raging, hairy beast.



My Take on the Book
This was a great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The book brings in the great writing of R.L. Stine and not only introduces you to new characters, but it also brings in some scary points throughout the book too. What will happen when they feed the weirdo and will they survive?

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Book Review - Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army

Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army




About the Book
Your mission: Find Victor Dowd’s missing sketchbook. And discover one of the most unusual stories of World War II.

Meet the 603rd Camouflage Engineers, better known as the Ghost Army. This group of artists and sound engineers were trained to deceive the Germans in World War II with everything from fake tanks to loudspeakers broadcasting the sound of marching troops. And meet Victor Dowd, a real-life sergeant who with his fellow Ghost Army troops fought his way from Normandy, through France, and eventually across the Rhine.

Second in the Spy on History series, it’s a compelling story of a little-known chapter from the war—and a mystery to solve. Using spycraft materials included in a sealed envelope, readers will discover and unravel the clues embedded in the book’s text and illustrations, and uncover the mystery of Victor Dowd’s missing sketchbook.



My Take on the Book
This was a fascinating book that really allowed you to better understand a point in history and a group of amazing people that did amazing things during the war. You get to learn about this group of people but you also are brought into the story and are given some tasks yourself. You also are taught some great spy techniques to be able to solve and find Victor Dowd's sketchbook!

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

Book Review - A Girl Named Hillary: The True Story of Hillary Clinton

A Girl Named Hillary: The True Story of Hillary Clinton




About the Book
The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. It took a lot of determination, courage, and confidence to become the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party. A Girl Named Hillary tells of the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to stories and facts about Hillary's upbringing and accomplishments, the book includes a timeline and a glossary, plus a profile of a noteworthy and contemporary American girl following in Hillary's footsteps to break the glass ceiling and show girls everywhere that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to!



My Take on the Book
This was an amazing book that really allows you to get to know Hillary Clinton in a brand new way. The book is written to really allows a younger reader to understand the life and contributions to the world of this amazing woman. The book was an easy read but a powerful one. I highly recommend this book to all!

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Book Review - A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks

A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks




About the Book
The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, but how did she come to be so brave? A Girl Named Rosa describes the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to stories and facts about Rosa's upbringing and accomplishments, the book includes a timeline and a glossary, plus a profile of a noteworthy and contemporary American girl following in Rosa's monumental footsteps to stand up for equal rights, even in the face of adversity.



My Take on the Book
This was an amazing book that really allows you to get to know Rosa Parks in a brand new way. The book is written to really allows a younger reader to understand the life and contributions to the world of this amazing woman. The book was an easy read but a powerful one. I highly recommend this book to all!

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DVD Review - The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature

The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature
Surly and his friends are back in the action-packed animated adventure, The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature, coming to Digital on October 31, 2017 and on Blu-rayTM, DVD, and On Demand on November 14, 2017 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Filled with heart and animal hijinks, this family-friendly comedy introduces new fan-favorite characters including Mr. Feng (Jackie Chan, Kung Fu Panda), the adorable but deadly city mouse, and Frankie, the love-struck bulldog (Bobby Canavale, Ant-Man). The film also features an incredible voice cast including Will Arnett (Lego Batman), Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”), Isabela Moner (Transformers: The Last Knight), Jeff Dunham (Smurfs: The Lost Village) and Gabriel Iglesias (The Fluffy Movie). The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature comes packed with exciting bonus content including deleted scenes, special animation and art reels as well as a feature commentary with the filmmakers, giving viewers a peek inside the making of the film and how the characters were brought to life.

Surly Squirrel (Arnett) and the gang are back, returning to Liberty Park after they are forced to leave their easy life at the nut store. Getting back to nature is the last thing Surly wants to do, but when a greedy mayor decides to destroy the park to build an amusement park, Surly and his ragtag critter friends must band together to save the place they call home.

BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:
  • Deleted Scene
  • Animation Progression Reels: Watch as two key scenes are brought to life, from storyboard and pre-visualization, to final animation, lighting and effects.
  • Concept Art ReelSee the concept art that inspired animators to create the world of The Nut Job 2.
  • Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Cal Brunker and Producer/Co-Writer Bob Barlen

My Take on the Movie

The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature was a great follow up to the first movie. You bring back the characters that you loved in the first movie for a whole new adventure. My girls love how adventurous Surly was and while he may come across as a bit self-centered at the beginning, he redeems himself throughout the movie and you come to love him and the all of the rest of the characters in this film, or at least we did.

In this movie, Surly and his friends all live in the Nut Factory after hitting the jackpot, but unfortunately they are a bit too complacent and end up losing it all. They have to work as a team to re build and figure out where they will fit in while also fighting a new enemy, the mayor and his cronies.

This movie was fun, with great characters, plot, action and more. There also was humor and even drama mixed in which made the film a ton of fun to watch as a whole family. This is a great movie, and I highly recommend it.

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Book Review - Sticky Facts: Construction

Sticky Facts: Construction




About the Book
A totally new idea in sticker books, combining the joy of learning with the joy of stickers.

It’s an innovative, kid-friendly approach to beloved topics for ages 6 and up, featuring a cutting-edge sticker sheet design that allows for text and color images to appear underneath the sticker. Here’s how it works: Read a question, then peel off the corresponding sticker to reveal the answer underneath. The fun doesn’t stop there—place the sticker on the facing activity page to create a book of facts and images that can be enjoyed again and again. Once all the stickers are peeled, kids are left with a beautifully designed, information-rich book full of diagrams, facts, and personalized pages to read again and again.

Sticky Facts: Construction features dozens of stickers of sky-high cranes and earth-scraping excavators, monster trucks, and clattering power tools. It shows how to create a construction site—and lets kids learn all about the special tools and vehicles we use to build.




My Take on the Book
This is a truly unique book that allows for any child to have fun not only with stickers, but also allows them to learn along the way. In this book, kids that jump into this will learn about construction. The stickers relate to building and constructing things and anyone interested in things like this will love to place the stickers in so many places as it does allow you to read and interact with this book in so many unique ways, I know that we did!

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Book Review - Sticky Facts: Animals

Sticky Facts: Animals




About the Book
A totally new idea in sticker books, combining the joy of learning with the joy of stickers.

It’s an innovative, kid-friendly approach to beloved topics for ages 6 and up, featuring a cutting-edge sticker sheet design that allows for text and color images to appear underneath the sticker. Here’s how it works: Read a question, then peel off the corresponding sticker to reveal the answer underneath. The fun doesn’t stop there—place the sticker on the facing activity page to create a book of facts and images that can be enjoyed again and again. Once all the stickers are peeled, kids are left with a beautifully designed, information-rich book full of diagrams, facts, and personalized pages to read again and again.

In Sticky Facts: Animals, with its pygmy marmosets and the deadly black mamba, meerkats, orangutans, and the giant squid (with eyes as big as a soccer ball!), here are some of the most fascinating animals in the world—tundra to savanna to rain forest to the desert—along with a new world of information.




My Take on the Book
This is a truly unique book that allows for any child to have fun not only with stickers, but also allows them to learn along the way. In this book, kids that jump into this will learn about a ton of great animals and also allows you to place the animals in different situations. You will love reading and interacting with this book in so many ways, I know that we did!

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