Book Review

The library has compiled a large variety of Book Reviews from staff and through programs such as Read It & Rate It. These reviews are available to you to help you make an educated decision on titles you’d like to read.

You may search reviews by title using the search function, browse via genre using the category list provided or look for random reviews in the list below that are sorted by newest to oldest.

Would you like to submit a review? Use the Read It & Rate It form on the right side of the page.

Robin Where Are You? – book review

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Robin Where Are You? by Harriet Ziefert illustrations by Noah Woods Picture Book In this picture book, a birdwatcher grandpa and his beginning birdwatcher granddaughter go birding together. Grandpa explains how to use binoculars to spot birds and helps his granddaughter find and identify the different species they encounter. Cleverly constructed foldouts allow readers to peer into trees, bushes, and brushy areas and discover the birds as the characters do. Descriptions of the birds, their … Read more

Raining Cats and Detectives – book review

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Raining Cats and Detectives Guinea PIG #5 by Colleen AF Venable illustrated by Stephanie Yue Funny Mystery Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) Sasspants and Hamisher have finally committed to being “real” detectives – by getting a desk and a cup of pens – when Viola’s (Mr. Venezi’s newest employee) efforts to sell pets (it is, after all, a pet store!) begin to pay off. Sasspants is adopted by the perfect owner – … Read more

Anna Dressed in Blood – book review

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Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake Audio edition Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Cas is a professional teenage ghost hunter. He uses his father’s athame (specially blessed – or possibly cursed – knife) to send harmful, destructive, dangerous spirits to their eternal rest. His father was killed several years ago, and while Cas is following in his footsteps, he’s also amassing the knowledge, experience, and power he will need … Read more

Me Want Pet! – book review

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Me Want Pet! by Tammi Sauer illustrated by Bob Shea Picture Book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Cave Boy really wants a pet, but none of the animals he brings home to the family cave is acceptable. They all hang around, however, and when a stampede threatens the family’s home the animals save Cave Boy from certain death! After that, they are welcomed with open arms – despite size, allergies, and house-breaking issues. Cute … Read more

Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas – book review

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The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson illustrated by Sue deGennaro Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Prince Henrik wants to fall and love and get married, but he’s not really sure how to choose the perfect princess. When he asks his brother for help, he tells him how he picked out his own perfect princess – with the pea hidden under the multiple mattresses method. Princess Eva, his … Read more

Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket – book review

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Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket by Tatyana Feeney Picture Book * * * * Stars (Great!) Small Bunny is very attached to his blue blanket – they do everything together. When Small Bunny’s mom decides blue blanket needs a (gasp!) bath, Small Bunny is skeptical – he likes blue blanket the way it is. Anxious about blue blanket, Small Bunny watches the entire cleaning and drying process. Blue blanket is not the same afterward, but Small … Read more

Confusion of Princes – book review

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A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix Science Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) In a future where a confusion of princes rules the stars, millions of princes (specially augmented humans with all different kinds of tek built into their bodies and psionic powers) selected for their superior genetics are specially trained to rule, duel, and – if they’re chosen – compete for the honor of becoming the Emperor. Prince Khemri has just finished … Read more

Honeybee Man – book review

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The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi Juvenile Fiction/Non-fiction Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Fred the Brooklyn beekeeper loves his bees. He climbs up to his rooftop apiaries every morning to greet his colonies with a “Good morning, my bees, my darlings.” And addresses an individual greeting to each of his bee queens (Mab, Nefertiti, and Boadicea). This is an excellent, accessible introduction for younger children to what bees and their keepers do. … Read more

Dragonbreath – book review

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Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon Fantasy * * * Stars (Pretty good) Danny Dragonbreath is a dragon, but so far he’s not a very good one – he can’t even breathe fire, no matter how much he practices (and he’s getting tired of his dad’s long-winded lectures on the subject). He goes to a school for reptiles and amphibians and his best friend, Wendell, is an iguana. When Danny receives a failing grade on his report … Read more

Mr. & Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! – book review

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Mr. & Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Mrs. Bunny translated from the Rabbit by Polly Horvath Fantasy Funny Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Mr. & Mrs. Bunny have just decided (one of Mrs. Bunny’s many whims) to become detectives when Madeline’s parents (humans) go missing. Madeline is a responsible young girl, who is about to graduate from the 5th grade, and she’s accustomed to taking care of her folks. When they are abducted … Read more