Sam and the Dragon by Eric B. Thomasma

I am always on the look out for new myths and legends. I found this little gem of a picture book that involves dragons on Kindleboards.com. I must say, it was amazing to see a picture book finally on the Kindle. Most of the pictures and text lined up fabulously. There might have been one line or two on an extra page. Plus, the story is a great read-over dragon oriented fable with a new take on modern heating systems.

The story starts out with a boy named Sam not wanting to join the annual migration of his family south for the winter. Instead, he chooses to stay home by hiding from his family. He finds out that winter is colder than he thought. If it wasn’t for the warmth and friendship of his dragon friend, he surely would have perished.

Upon the family’s return, the dragon Freness, has a new metal home in the basement. Metal was the most likely material not to burn from dragon fire. So, soon Sam tells his family how he kept warm for the winter, and soon they realize they can attach piping to all the rooms so Freness’ fiery warmth can spread throughout the home. In the end, the town learns of the wisdom, and everyone is out getting a friend dragon to heat their house.

This delightful tale was illustrated by the author’s brother, Lanin. The dragon illustrations are a winsome, cartoon style. The pictures add to the storytelling style of the writing.

This book is a great read aloud for any child from 2-8 years old. I would especially recommend it to kids that are dragon obsessed. It is similar to old world fairy tales and legends that explain how things work, but instead, explains the modern device of indoor heating. Every child that hears the story will be happy that perhaps the dragon that lives in their furnace will always be their friend.

**** 4 Star Rating. Available on Smashwords, Kindle, and Paperback editions. Format reviewed was from Smashwords.

Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs. The Candy King by R. G. Cordiner

It starts with a brother and sister each finding different paths into a world of the Tooth Fairies and the Candy King. The fascinating fact is that each sibling is on opposing sides, and a Candy War is imminent. The story carries the reader from the different perspectives until finally drawing them together for the ending. A dragon plays a pivotal part in the story, along with the Tooth Fairies characterized as young Valley Girls. I enjoyed this fantasy world that was created. I can see a child getting lost in this turmoil of tooth fairies and candy creatures.

I think the first thing I had to get used to is the style of this author. There were some phrases that were distinctly Aussie English usage, like icing sugar instead of powdered sugar. So, for American children, they will have to use context clue strategies to conclude the meaning of some phrases.

A balance between the real world and fantasy world was thrown off a bit when the teacher caged up the bad children in his classroom, and no one noticed. Maybe I’m just a stickler for real facts embedded in fantasy to make it realistic, but I felt the teacher could be mean without the additional abuse. But then, I’ve never gone to school in England. Maybe there are secret classroom disciplines I know nothing about.

Overall, I found this to be an enlightened, sweet tale full of fantasy to tempt the imagination of any child. I’m sure it will hold most children enthralled throughout the story. It is definitely a sugary tale of adventure without the cavities.

**** Four Star Rating, ages 7-12 years. Middle Reader Book. Available in paperback or Kindle editions.

"The Crystal Palace: Rescue of the Baby Fairy Prince" by Michelle Hauser

I’m always curious about new crystal and fairy books. This one came under my teacher radar on one of the discussion boards. After ordering, I was surprised at the child friendly candor and easy readability. This is a great book for struggling readers. If your child loves fairies, this will feed the need.

The story begins with a sleepover visit to grandma’s. The granddaughter, Karina, takes her two good friends, Emily Jean and Katie, on a slumber party adventure. They discover that in her specially decorated bedroom of crystals a visit from her grandmother’s tooth fairy, Angela, reveals a problem. The Baby Fairy Prince is missing. The girls must help Angela find him. Off on an adventure with fairy magic, rainbow travels and leprechauns, any reader will discover a safe and fantastic fairy world adventure.

This is a great book to share as a read-aloud or for independent readers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Shadowmagic by John Lenahan

I did like the characters, the imp, hot-headed girl, and the banshee sidekick. There were enough character traits to make them enjoyable and want you to keep reading. The plot wasn’t so predictable, and the twists involved were fun. I enjoyed this book over all and would recommend it to any fantasy reader that wants a new take on what fantasy can be.

Available in Paperback and Kindle Editions.
Rated: 5 out of 5 stars

No Irish Need Apply by Edward C. Patterson

I really enjoyed the writing style of Edward Patterson. His humor and imagery really pulls you in the book. There is a realistic sense to the minds of these boys, and the build up to the end is a window to their pain. I was able to predict the ending a bit. But by that time, like any well-led reader, I wanted it to happen.

This book does have some areas that would delve into more adult and teen reading. I would not have middle school readers try this book. It is definitely written as an edgy YA. It is a good read for families trying to understand what is behind the feelings of someone who is gay in their family.

Available in Paperback, Kindle and Smashword Editions

Rated: 5 out of 5 stars