Book Review - William Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream; retold by Georghia Ellinas

A Midsummer Night's Dream; retold by Georghia Ellinas 

(Illustrations: Jane Ray)

Candlewick Press - 2021

(Ages 4-8)

Oh my goodness, I fell in love with this magical, charming story that takes a comical look at love gone wrong in the fairy tale kingdom. Told from the POV of Robin Goodfellow, the one everyone calls Puck, the one who has the ability to make himself invisible and play tricks on both fairies and mortals.  

Even though the story is abbreviated and retold for kids, there are original quotes peppered throughout and the gorgeous illustrations on oversized quality pages that really seemed to make this story come alive and jump off the pages.  Personally,  I think the older children (ages 6-8) in the targeted range would be more enthralled by this one.

This is the second book in the retelling series. I missed The Tempest (2020) but, now have a need to check that one out as well.  A lovely book, be sure to check it out. 

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending this gem my way in exchange for my unbiased review.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild; Peter Brown

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild; Peter Brown

Boston Globe Horn Awards  Books

Little Brown and Co - 2013

"It's okay to be different", is the message conveyed by this lovely book.  

Poor Mr. Tiger, he lives his life with the prim, proper and stuffy crowd. Fine clothes, top hats and proper teas. Although he tries to go with the flow and be a proper tiger, he is very unhappy and bored. His bright orange color makes him stick out among the others and when he begins to "show his stripes", he is criticized by the others and they suggest he should go live in the wild.  He takes the lead and asserts his independence heading for freedom.

While living out on his own beating to his own drummer is great for a while,  Mr. Tiger soon begins to miss his friends and home. Returning home, he finds a happy in-between with more comfortable clothes and friends who also have become a little less "proper" thanks to Mr. Tiger.

This book is just so beautiful in both words and illustrations. The pacing of the story is perfect for the 2-4 age group and it is a story that even parents and grandparents won't mind reading again and again. The art work is gorgeous  and the dust jacket so visually appealing. Underneath the hardboard is orange with tiger stripe -- so very cool.

Loved this one - you will as well. 5/5 stars

144 - Fred Stays With Me; Nancy Coffelt

Fred Stays With Me is a touching story about the uncertainty a young girl is experiencing when her parents divorce. She must get use to two homes, two beds, but where ever she goes, so does her dog Fred. As she goes through her daily activities, Fred is by her side. Two houses is an adjustment for Fred as well, and although he doesn't mean to, he tracks mud in the house, eats dad's socks and annoys the neighbor's dog when visiting mom.   Her new life takes some getting use to, but soon she sees, many things in her life stay the same: same school, same friends, and her loyal furry pal Fred always at her side.

The story is told in the first person, and it was just a delight to read. This is a perfect story to reassure children in similar circumstances that although divorce can be scary, many things that are near and dear to children can stay pretty much stay same. Life, although a bit different, can still be fun.  The illustrations, by Tricia Tusa are fabulous.  RECOMMENDED

RATING - 5/5 - Library Book

18 - Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart; Jane O'Connor and Robin Glasser

Just in time for Valentine's Day comes Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart.

For those of you not familiar with the Fancy Nancy series,  Nancy is a little girl who loves to be "fancy". She loves to play dress up and enjoys fancy clothes, fancy accessories, fancy activities, and even fancy words. The books are not only beautifully illustrated, but the "fancy words" she uses and explains the meaning of, is the added bonus to these books.

In Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart, Nancy learns that just about everything for Valentine's Day is "fancy". She receives a secret Valentine, and follows the clues to find out who it is from.  In this adorable holiday story, Nancy explains how scrumptious raspberry cream candies are, how gorgeous Valentine cards can be, and what a secret admirer means, for a few of Nancy's "fancy" words. This edition is suppose to have a page of fun stickers included, however it was missing from the library edition that I borrowed. Recommended for ages 4-8, this book is the perfect gift for the special little "fancy girl" in your life. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 5/5

188 - Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas; Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas

Fancy Nancy, what an adorable "fancy girl" she is, and wait until you read about her Christmas!  Presents with elegant wrapping paper, fancy cookies, and wait until you see the tree topper Nancy purchased with her own money.  But me things go awry, can Nancy still have a "splendiferous Christmas"?

MY THOUGHTS - This book is so very adorable. Targeted for the (4-8) age group, the book is beautifully illustrated by: Robin Preiss Glasser.  There are some great new words for the little readers as well:

• aroma - nancy says: "a fancy word for smell"
• heirlooms - nancy says: "fancy for thinks that are old and valuable".
• delectable - nancy says: "fancy for yummy".
• pleading - nancy says: "like begging only fancier"  AND........
  
• splendiferous - nancy says " only one word describes how magnificent, joyous and sparkly Christmas morning is"
  

Truly a delightful holiday read for children (and adults too)!