M. G. King

Full disclosure - I know the author via GoodReads, because she hosts the group Great Middle Grade Reads. However, I would have wanted to read this book anyway, because libraries are my favorite places and librarians are my favorite people.

The book did not disappoint. Pictures, story, and book design work together to make Miss RoseAleta's point that Respectable towns have libraries filled with children." It's a serious message, presented lightly, and will probably motivate readers to dare to make a change. That is to say, it'd be a funny and cute enough adventure if it were fiction, but the fact that it is a true story gives it real impact."… (mais)

Pathos and puns, wry wit and wisdom, all in a charming little picture-book. I really enjoyed it just on my own. But, if my boys were still young, we'd read this over & over again. Every time, we'd enjoy the pictures of the flying dragons, the intricate clocks, the beguiling village, and the dancing people. We'd also appreciate the theme about slowing down and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Disclaimer - I received a free PDF from the author, and I do consider her a 'friend' on goodreads. However, I vow this is an honest review and written without bias.… (mais)

Hard to rate, because I'm not the target audience. I mean, I love children's books, and can sometimes access my inner child to appreciate them in that sense. But this is def. aimed at the children themselves, and I somehow couldn't engage with it on the relevant level.

It's certainly a fun and clever adventure, with themes about such things as brotherhood, courage & loyalty, and some fresh ideas about such things as living with & loving a grandmother with dementia, and catering as a family business, and the effects of carbonated beverages and capsaicin on trolls.

And it doesn't have much need of an editor before a paper release, compared to some other e-books I've read.

I didn't feel any real resonance or enduring heart, or any reason to re-read or even to widely recommend. I do, however, recommend it to young readers who want a fresh, exciting adventure with interesting & empathetic characters. And I do like the cover.


… (mais)