Calling All Penguin Fans {book list}

Penguins are a big deal over here.  When my youngest was a newborn I placed a penguin in her crib.  I thought the contrasting colors would be great for her little newborn eyes.  Little did I know that black and white penguin stuffed animal would start an obsession. 

I'm pretty sure we have an entire penguin herd in our home.  She has penguin hats, singing penguins, big penguins, small penguins, medium penguins, tiny penguins, Little People penguins, holiday penguins, penguin necklaces, and penguin clothes.  She loves penguins, and has a deep desire to go see the penguins in their natural habitat.

Since a trip to Antarctica is not possible right now for this little 4 year old we read books.  Lots and lots of penguin books.  Luckily, there are so many great penguin books that she only mentions going to see the penguins (no zoos don't fulfill this little bucket list item for her) about once every other day.

I know there are many people that love penguins, and so you get our favorite aka obviously the BEST PENGUIN BOOKS. These are definitely books to check out, and luckily The Curse of the Werepenguin is a new middle grade fiction.  We got an early read, and my kiddos are all enjoying the story about two awesome kids and a curse of a penguin like monster.  It's definitely a humorous fantasy juvenile/kids chapter book.   

THE BEST PENGUIN BOOKS   

  

Waddle! by Rufus Butler Seder

This scanimation picture book is so fun and full of actions kiddos can do as you read it aloud.  There isn't anything much better than watching your child waddle across the room and then "slip-slide-swoop!"  Teachers will love the fun action words making it a perfect for a Word Choice lesson. 

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

This book is the classic penguin chapter book with lots of fun, adventure, and silliness making it great for a classroom (2nd-4th grade) or family read aloud.  There's a reason it won a Newbery Honor; it's good.      

The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow

This newly published middle grade fiction is fun, and it is such a unique story.  Who would've thought to combine a penguin and a werewolf?!?  A fun and funny read aloud about friendship and a werepenguin, that kids in the classroom (3rd-6th grade) or your own kids will enjoy.   Fair warning, this book has monsters, aka a werepenguin or a penguin/werewolf, but it's a not-super-scary monster.  It's more like a funny monster.   

One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

Elliot, a very proper, tuxedo wearing, young man, politely asks his distracted dad if he can bring a penguin home from the aquarium.  The adventures that go along with caring for a penguin makes for some good laughs, and the ending is surprisingly fun. Not only is the story superb, but this Caledcott Honor book has the best pictures. Such a fun read aloud young kids and older elementary kids will enjoy it equally well. 

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester

Tacky, is an "odd bird but a very nice bird to have around."  This picture book series is the best!  It is loved by the young, but kiddos in 2nd grade through 5th grade will find themselves enjoying the silliness and fun of Tacky.  

Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups and Little Penguin and the Lollipop by Tadgh Bentley

Bentley has a few"Little Penguin" books, and they all are creative and fun.  It truly is hard not to love this fun little penguin that always gets in the silliest of predicaments.

Penguin Problems by Jory John

Being a penguin isn't all it's cracked up to be.  You may not know, but penguins have problems too. You'll enjoy their "problems" and will LOVE the walrus.  This book is not only fun, but it has a good message.  

365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental

This math nerd loves the combination of math fun and penguin silliness/craziness.  With this book you'll enjoy the craziness that comes when a penguin shows up on the same front porch every single day of the year.   It must be an Amazon Prime subscription thing. 😉 

Do you have any favorite penguin books we should add to the list? 

Thank you Penguin Random House for The Curse of the Werepenguin.  All thoughts on this book, and all of the books, are mine alone.  

National Pet Day aka Pet Book List {book list}

It's National Pet Day, and I'm so excited to share some fun "pet" books.  These books are hilarious, funny, and make awesome read alouds.  Some have won awards.  Some are great for beginning readers, and some are entertaining and better than I thought they'd be.  Definitely give them a check-out. 

Pet Books

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

This novel with illustrations is hilarious, but I know about an alien cat warlord that becomes a pet sounds awfully weird.  However, it's hilarious and fun and definitely worth a check-out.  I found myself laughing and enjoying it far more than I thought I would.  It'd make a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read.  The reading level is a little higher, but I think the interest is lower.  Therefore, a class read aloud in 2nd or 3rd would be awesome.    

Best for 3rd-5th grade.  

Flubby by J.E. Morris

Flubby is a pet cat.  He is your typical, lay around the house cat.  Tho, the endings of Flubby books have a surprise. The text is simple and short and perfect for the beginning reader, the pictures are fantastic, and the book series is all around fun!

Best for Preschool through 1st grade. 

One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

This picture book won a Caldecott Honor b/c the pictures are fantastic.  However, the text and story is super fun as well.  These pets are not your normal pets, and the ending will make you smile.  

Best for Preschool through 4th grade. 

Arnie, the Doughnut by Laurie Keller

I love Arnie; this book has been a favorite of mine for years.  Arnie is a doughnut, but he is also a pet.  This picture book is a must read, but it is a longer read.

Best for 3rd through 6th grade. 

Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin

Charlotte, like many children, just wants a pet to take care of.  However, her parents give her an unusual pet that becomes even more unusual.  Charlotte is fun, and finds the good in all things.  This would be a great picture book for a teacher to read aloud and complete a Venn Diagram to compare Charlotte's pet to the student's pet.  

Best for 1st through 3rd grade. 

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne

This interactive picture book is less about her pet dog and more about what happens to her dog, but it is funny.  Definitely a fun read for a classroom or with your child. 

Best for preschool through 1st grade. 

Too Many Moose by Lisa Bakos

If one moose is a good pet then many moose would be even better, right?! This picture book will answer that question in a fun way. 

Best for Kindergarten through 4th grade. 

Molly Mischief: My Perfect Pet by Adam Hargreaves

Molly is definitely silly, and it's quite obvious when she is trying to find the perfect pet.  

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Fairy Tale Pets  by Tracey Corderoy

What happens when a kid wants to earn a little extra money by pet-sitting?  It becomes quite the adventure for Bob when he pet-sits for fairy tale characters. 

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Hopefully today you give your pet some extra love and then enjoy snuggling in with some of these fun books. 

Happy reading!

Some of the books were given to me for my honest review.  All books, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King gets 4 Stars {fantasy, middle grade fiction, series}

I have a few main goals on my blog.  First, I aim to be honest.  Second, I aim for quality. Third, I aim to have fun and try and make it fun and doable whether it's baking or reading.  

Today, I am being completely honest with you.  I've never wrote this on the blog, but a handful of friends who know me know, that I wasn't the biggest fan of Fablehaven.   Maybe you're shocked.  Maybe your disappointed.  Maybe you never thought about it.  However, if you check the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads you will see I am in the minority.  Either way, if you look at the top of this book, Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King, you will see it is a Fablehaven Adventure book, and many of the characters in Fablehaven make an appearance. 

I've read both Dragonwatch books, and I will say I enjoyed them. {Gasps from the crowd.} Hence, the reason for the review today.  I have enjoyed Dragonwatch more than Fablehaven. 😮    

I, honestly, enjoyed Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull.  This book honestly earned 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it. I really did.  I thought the storyline was unexpected.  I thought Kendra and Seth's character development was good.  I enjoyed aspects like the Barrel that transports you to the other location/barrel b/c it reminded me of the Vanishing Cabinet in Harry Potter.  

The pace of the story is a little slow in the beginning.  It takes awhile to get moving; however, once you hit Stormguard Castle the pace definitely quickens.  I also felt the secondary characters were not developed fully even though they were introduced.  Sure, we may get more development of their cousins, Knox and Tess, as the series progresses (b/c this series is definitely set up to continue), but I felt their development was more than lacking.  In my opinion if you are going to introduce them and have them involved enough to have their own chapter(s) you need to develop them a bit more.  

Basically, Wrath of the Dragon King is a great book, but it is necessary to read the first Dragonwatch book.  Boys, and girls that enjoy fantasy, in 5th grade or up will enjoy this series. 

Happy Fablehaven Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction Fantasy Reading! Feel free to email me or DM me on Instagram/Facebook if you have any other questions. 

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 11+, 5th grade and up
# of Pages:  406
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If you love fantasy books, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, or Fablehaven, and you have read the first Dragonwatch.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you bought the Fablehaven books. 
Read Aloud: Yes, this could be a read aloud with a parent, but  it's rare for a teacher to read aloud a series.   
Lesson Ideas: Courage. Siblings. Dragons. Fantasy. Fablehaven. Cousins. Discover or Be Told. Good vs. Bad.  

Are you a Fablehaven or Dragonwatch fan?  I'd love to know what you think of the series. 


A few quotes from Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King that I had to share with you: 

"I'd rather not hold hands the whole night," Seth said. (pg 31)

"You don't become a champion by relaxing." (pg 139)

"Tough week," Seth said. "Lots of running for my life." (pg 229)


Thank you for Smith Publicity for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

My Favorite Books of 2017 {Picture Books, Middle Grade Lit, YA Lit, Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction}

I read or listened to a lot of books in 2017.  I'm super behind on writing reviews for them, but I wrote a review on all of these books here on my blog, Instagram @alohamroaopenabook, or my Goodreads Megan-Alohamora Open a Book.

Of all the books I read to this year, these 15 are my favorite.  What are some of your favorite books you read in 2017?  

My 15 Favorite Books of 2017

Picture Books

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Inspiring. Educational. An all around fantastic book. 

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford

This Caldecott Honor book has gorgeous pictures, and a beautifully educational book. 

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt

Such a sweet story story about friendship and giving. 

Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steve Goetz

This is one of my absolute favorite books to read aloud, and my very favorite version of this story. 

Middle Grade Fiction

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Fantastic book!  This quick read provides a valuable new perspective on the experiences of refugees. 

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This Newbery Medal winner writes a beautiful and magical story. 

Young Adult

March Book Three by John Lewis

I love all three March books.  These non-fiction graphic novels about the civil rights movement are so well done.  

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern

The follow-up book to the Flawed series is fast paced and a great addition to this dystopian series. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Fast paced mystery like novel with a strong female character.  Basically, a really fun read. 

Adult Fiction

The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis

This mystery may be my favorite James Patterson book.  Well paced story leaves you guessing until the end. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I'm not sure if I can say this is my favorite Moriarty book, but I did love it.  I also loved that the story was unpredictable. 

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Picoult did it again.  She wrote a great book about a controversial yet relatable topic. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

This historical fiction is fantastic.  It's heart warming, emotional, and powerful. A definite favorite this year. 

Non-Fiction

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Amazing!  Definitely listen to this one (Chip and Joanna read it).  This book is inspiring, hilarious, and 100% enjoyable. 

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

If you love sports, athletic shoes, or own your own business then you should definitely give this book a read.  Excellent book! 

These are my favorites. Do we have any in common, or do you have some to add to my TBR list? 

Happy Fantastic Book Reading in 2018!

Stalking Jack the Ripper gets 4.5 Stars {mystery, historical fiction, ya lit, teen}

Murder. Surprise. Suspense. Unpredictable. Historical fiction. Mystery. Romance. Girl Power. Family drama. Fast read.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is the first book in a new series that seems perfect for this time of year.  Though, honestly it'd be a fun read anytime of year.  Definitely check this one out.   You may be grabbing for the second (Hunting Prince Dracula) book sooner than you realized.

This new teen/young adult read was so very close to a perfect rating.  Though, 4.5 out of 5 stars is pretty darn impressive, and is definitely worth a read or listen (audiobook) to. Maniscalco truly wrote a unique and fun story that keeps you guessing until the very end.  I loved the story line, and I loved that a historical fiction type story to be inspiring.  I love seeing strong female characters, and Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a girl that is smart, pushes herself to learn and grow, and not afraid to go after what she wants.

This book is fantastic.  It has some language and deals with murder, but overall it's a really fun read.  The only reason Stalking Jack the Ripper didn't get the perfect 5 stars is because of the romance.  At times the love story was cheesy and a bit over the top in my opinion, but otherwise this book is fantastic.

Definitely check this book and enjoy your reading time.


Happy Bone Chilling Fun and Fascinating Mystery/Historical Fiction Reading!

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 14 years old and up, 9th grade and up. 
Clean Read: Language
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Buy it if you have a young adult or find this time period fascinating.
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: The beginnings of forensic science. If you were in Anna's situation with her family, what would you have done? Jack the Ripper, what do you know about him?

The Beauty of Darkness gets 3.5 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, series: remnant chronicles #3}

With  Kiss of Deception and Heart of Betrayal read I, of course, had to finish off the Remnant Chronicles by reading The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson. 

This third book in the series gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.  It's a good story, though it does drag a bit more than the others.  The writing of the many action parts of the story felt choppy.  Overall, the writing was good, but it wasn't Pearson's best writing for the series.  Books one and two were far more engrossing with their writing even with the incredibly predictable and sort of annoying love triangle.  

In regards to characters, I felt Lia was a different person in this last book; she was too hardcore and cruel so the change/development wasn't for the better. I was frustrated that in 3 books Lia and Rafe still couldn't communicate and express their true feelings and thoughts.  I thought Kaden made a quick jump to team Lia and it would've been nice to see more struggle.  All in all, the characters were weaker and less developed in this last book.  
There are things I liked about the book.  I liked that it was a clean read.  I  liked that the main character is a strong girl.  I liked her brother's unwavering trust in Lia.  I liked the happy ending the minor characters received, but I was frustrated by the abruptness of the ending for Lia and Rafe.  

I really did like The Beauty of Darkness, but I don't think I would've been disappointed had I not read it.  I may have enjoyed the series more if hadn't b/c the ending left me with a bitter taste in my mouth for the series.  

Did you read the series?  What were your feelings of the last book? What would you rate the entire series?  I  think I'd give the series 4 stars, but that third book may have to lower that score. 

If you do pick up this book, and the Remnant of Chronicles series, Happy Fun Young Adult Fantasy reading!


The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 8th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: No, unless you really need complete series in your life and you bought Kiss of Deception and Heart of Betrayal
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: Lia ran from her fate of an arranged marriage, but did she stay true to herself when it came to her fate with the Book of Venda? Did you like or dislike Kaden's ending?  Lia and Rafe, good or bad ending?  

The Heart of Betrayal gets 4 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, series: remnant chronicles #2}

The Kiss of Deception, Book 1 in the Remnant Chronicles didn't leave me, as the reader, hanging for the next book, but it did grab my attention and make me want to read the next book.  I quickly requested it from the library.  Personally, I feel it is a sign of a good book when it makes me want to read the next one in the series, or it makes you sad the book is over.  I personally think a good author doesn't need a major cliff hanger to bring readers back.  Cliff hangers are cheap to me.  

The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson is Book 2 in the Remnant Chronicles series.  Overall, this book and the series is fun, and it causes the reader to not want to put their book down.  

This clean read would be best for 8th grade and up.  

4 out of 5 stars is what The Heart of Betrayal earned.  It's a fun book where Lia still grew as a character with her gifts and her confidence.  I loved that Lia did some of the really hard things, and that she was able to treat the people with love.   There were parts of the story that I truly did not see coming, especially when it came to her dealings with the Komizar. (Wow!) The writing and the story line were good, and in my opinion it was a solid 2nd book for the trilogy.  

However, not everything was fantastic for me.  There were parts of the story that were a little convenient.  The Komizar not know Rafe was the Prince was a bit too convenient for me.  Lia, able to sneak around the castle, learn the language so perfectly and become the leader and person the people of Venda adored and needed also seemed a little too perfect.  The pace of the story dragged on a bit in Venda too. To be honest, it wasn't painfully slow, but it was a touch slow in parts.    

As I mentioned above, a major cliff hanger at the end of the book seems like a cop out for the author.  Sure, it's easier and can get your readers back, but it seems sloppy to me b/c you don't tie things up.  The Heart of Betrayal has a major cliff hanger, and I was frustrated by that.  Obviously, my review for Book 3: The Beauty of Darkness will come this week.  

All in all, The Heart of Betrayal is a great book, and a good 2nd book in the series.       


Happy Fun Young Adult Fantasy reading!

The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 8th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes, if you bought Kiss of Deception
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: Did you think the storyline was well crafted, or were there too many convenient aspects to the story?  What is the benefit for a society ran like Venda?  Do you think there are no rules when it comes to survival?  Did you like book 1 or book 2 better, and why? 

What did you think of The Heart of Betrayal? 

Kiss of Deception gets 4 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, series: remnant chronicles #1}

On Instagram there is a pretty cool #bookstagram community.  It was in that community that I was introduced to The Remnant Chronicles.  This YA (young adult) fantasy series is fun and enjoyable.  I flew through all three books. 

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.  I'm not a high fantasy (like Book of Three) fan.  Kiss of Deception had the perfect amount of magic with just a touch, fun story, likeable characters, relatable, and even a bit inspiring.   This clean read, with just a touch of violence, was well done.  I loved seeing Lia grow as a character in who she is and what she's capable of; the character development was well done.  I also feel Pearson did a great job helping you truly feel for the characters and their struggles.  I was happy and excited for Lia, but sad at times too.  Overall, the writing and story well done.  

This book had a few areas of disappointment.  There were parts of the story that were completely predictable.  When her brother showed up I knew exactly the issues that would come from that.  However, there were a couple parts of the book that surprised me as well.

My only other qualm with Kiss of Deception is the fact that some of the action and intense parts of the story seemed rushed.  Action is tough to write, but it's frustrating for a reader to have to go back and read a section over b/c the author rushed through.  

Kiss of Deception was a great first book to a fun series, and I always love a good strong female character.  I find reading about women doing cool things is inspiring to the teenagers as well as adults.  

Besides Harry Potter, do you have a favorite series? 


Happy Fun Young Adult Fantasy reading!

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 8th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes, if you are a fantasy fan
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: Arranged marriages, good or bad? As a princess is your obligation to your heart or your kingdom?  Was the story too predictable, or did you just enjoy the ride?  


As always, I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on this read. What did you think?