book Archives - Page 9 of 32

Book Review “Raging Heat” by Richard Castle

Author: Richard Castle
Series: Nikki Heat (Book 6)
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kingswell
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I think about “Castle”, I always flash back to 2009, where the first season only had 10 episodes and a slim chance of getting renewed. Luckily ABC made the right now as the show is entering its seventh season already, which is a major accomplishment for a TV show. It also developed two fantastic book series around the shows fictional character, Nikki Heat and Derrick Storm. “Raging Heat” is the sixth book in the Nikki Heat series and seriously, I can’t believe it but this series is not slowing down at all. These books are fresh and each are literally unable to be put down once you start.

Official Synopsis: In New York Times Bestselling author Richard Castle’s newest novel, an illegal immigrant falls from the sky and NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat’s investigation into his death quickly captures the imagination of her boyfriend the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jameson Rook. When he decides to work the case with Heat as his next big story, Nikki is at first happy to have him ride along. Yes, she must endure Rook’s usual wild conspiracy speculations and adolescent wisecracks, but after reuniting following his recent assignment abroad, she’s glad for the entertainment, the chance to bounce ideas, and just to be close to him again and feel the old spark rekindle. But when Rook’s inquiry concludes that Detective Heat has arrested the wrong man for the murder, everything changes.

I also just heard word that there are plans for a Derrick Storm spin-off series, I think that would be amazing. Hint hint though, don’t forget my girl now Nikki Heat, that would make a fantastic series as well. When you are reading these books, they really are so visual. I think that is since it comes from the writers of the TV series. They write it so well that they literally jump off the pages. After the cliffhanger of season six, I cannot wait to pick up with the next season in the next few weeks. What I also love about Richard Castle books is that I know that when each season ends we get a Derrick Storm book and when the season begins we get a new Nikki Heat book, so keep them coming guys!

Book Review “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Doc McStuffins” is a favorite in our household. My daughter walks around with her Doc McStuffins check-up kit daily. “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper” is the latest book in the series. It is cute but didn’t really wow me too much. I like the animation but I wasn’t really enjoying the background colors. If your kids really enjoy Doc, then they may like this. There are so many new Doc books coming out, I would just wait till the next one. This book also comes with an eBook of the story as well.

Official Premise: The Doc is in, and this time she has a special helper! After Doc finds Ellie, a stuffed elephant toy, alone on the playground, she is determined to find her owner. But when Ellie begins wheezing, Doc needs to diagnosis her-stat! In this beautifully illustrated hardcover jacketed picture book, children will learn that even doctors need helpers-no matter how small-to help patients get better.

Book Review “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Like their last board book, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Sailing the Never Sea”, this latest book from the hit Disney Junior series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land” is shaped like a Christmas tree and is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Even though this book is coming out in September, I welcome the holiday season with open arms. The story is fun and this sums up another great addition in the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” series.

Official Premise: This holiday board book is sure to get every pirate into the Christmas spirit! Never Land has become a Winter Wonderland! The night before Winter Treasure Day, Peter Pan leaves gifts and the Forever Green Tree on the beach for his favorite pirate crew. But before Jake, Izzy, and Cubby can celebrate together, Captain Hook steals the holiday treasures-even the tree! In their quest to reclaim their treasure, Jake and the crew realize that friendship is more valuable than any gift.

Book Review “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Sofia the First
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Sofia the First” is currently my two year old’s favorite show. This book is also easily one of her favorite new books. “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy” is a life the flap book, which has been a lot of fun to play with. The book takes us into Sofia’s school and it really get and keeps her attention. She likes being able to look under each flap and letting me what is under each one. A must for Sofia fans!

Disney has been doing this a lot recently where they shape the books like their based theme, for example with the recent “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”, which is shaped like a Christmas tree. This book is slightly shaped like, if you haven’t guess it, the Royal Prep Academy. The book is very interactive and seems to be getting a lot of repeat business in our house.

Book Review “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Star Wars Rebels
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know about everyone else but I am freaking excited for “Star Wars Rebels”. My daughter and i have already been watching the shorts on Disney XD and she has already chosen her favorite of Sabine. “Star Wars Rebels” is a new CG animated series that takes place between the events of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.” “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is the first in a hopeful long line of books from Disney and LucasFilm.

“Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is collection of concept art for the show put together in this action-packed picture book that introduces us to the new characters and what we can expect when this show airs. I have a feeling this is going to just be amazing. I love the classic characters but we had that with “The Clone Wars” and I think we are all excited to get a new group of misfits. Also included with this book is a downloaded code for the book in eBook format.

Book Review “Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi”

Author: Brittany Candau
Illustrated by Jeff Clark, Scott Tilley
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 23, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are digging this superhero take over of Hollywood like myself, then I am sure that you are looking forward to “Big Hero 6” like myself. It is Disney’s answer or as close as we are going to get for a while to an animated superhero. From the studio that has brought us films like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Frozen”, I have a feeling that this is going to be extremely epic! Counting down the day.

Official Premise: This beautifully-illustrated picture book timed to release with Big Hero 6, focuses on tech-wiz Hiro and his older brother, Tadashi, as well as their unique styles and tastes in building robots! Readers will get a feel for their fun, compelling relationship, their mutual love for technology, and get to know the characters behind the super team, Big Hero 6!

“Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi” is a great setup to the film and gives you a chance to learn a little bit about the characters as we wait until its release this November. The style of the book really drew me in the cover since it has a certain fuzzy, 8-bit feel to it which I really dug. This is only the first and Disney should be releasing a great deal of books for “Big Hero 6”, so I can’t wait to see what else they have planned for this!

Comic Book Review “Disney Kingdoms: Seekers of the Weird”

Author: Brandon Seifert
Illustrators: Karl Moline, Filipe Andrade
Series: Disney Kingdoms
Hardcover: 136 pages
Publisher: Marvel
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I came across I was “Seekers of the Weird” one day when a friend brought over the first issue that was just released that morning and was so excited about it. He tell’s me that it was based off an abandoned concept envisioned by famous Walt Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump for Walt Disney in 1965 called, the Museum of the Weird, which that was to be built alongside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. A creepy unseen side of Disney? Where do I sign up? This 5- issue series personally didn’t really bring the creepy in my opinion as it was much more adventure based. It is still nice to see these designs out there and getting some love. I think this would actually make a great movie Disney/Marvel…hint hint!

Official Premise: An all-new adventure inspired by Disney’s legendary but never built Museum of the Weird! When their parents are kidnapped, teens Maxwell and Melody are thrust into a thrilling race through the world’s most strange and dangerous museum, as they unite with their swashbuckling uncle to save their family and the world from an evil secret society! What lurks within the Wardens’ Library…and what is the Walking Chair? Who is the Shadow Society, and why do they want the Coffin Clock? In a catacomb of Mushroom People and a Séance Room under glass, our teen heroes discover the truth about the Museum – and their own destinies!

If seeing these concepts come to life (literally) is enough, the famous Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump actually gives an introduction to this book, which is actually quite awesome! Overall, this series is a good thing. It shows that Marvel and Disney are working together on different projects. Disney is slightly…slightly stepping out of their comfort zone here and trying something new. I think this series would have even been much cooler if it did take a turn for the darker but the adventure aspect works and makes it a quite fun ride. I loved reading about all these crazy..weird items that were in this museum. I hope that isn’t the last time we see Maxwell and Melody since they definitely are a bad-ass couple of kids. Did I mention already that this would make an epic film….hmm.

Book Review “Disney 5-Minute Spooky Stories”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: 5-Minute Stories
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate with your young kids than with kid friendly spooky stories with their favorite Disney characters. This is not Disney’s first time around with the % Minute Stories as recently they have released “5-Minute Marvel Stories”, “5-Minute Princess Stories”; “5-Minute Snuggle Stories” and “5-Minute Disney*Pixar Stories”. These are a great fun for the kids and listen up parents, they are great for bedtime. I probably wouldn’t recommend the spooky stories before bedtime but these are still great fun and original stories from our favorite character like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Sleeping Beauty”.

Official Premise: The perfect treat for Halloween, this treasury of spooky stories is packed with thrilling adventures. Beloved favorites like Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan as well as popular new characters from the latest Disney films, including Wreck-It Ralph and Rapunzel, encounter everything from ghosts to haunted houses! With twelve scary stories, a padded cover, and fun illustrations on every page, this collection is a great gift for boys and girls. Plus, each of these spooktacular stories can be enjoyed in just five minutes, making it perfect for bedtime, on the go, or anytime!

Book Review “Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Read-and-Play Storybook
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Disney Press; Har/Psc edition (July 29, 2014)

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook” is a very pretty book. It is a 4-in-1 padded storybook that features stories for our favorite princess (or I should say specifically my daughters) Ariel, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Tiana.

Official Premise: Rescue a sacred dolphin with Ariel; go on an adventure with Rapunzel and Maximus; befriend a baby dragon with Aurora, and spend an evening with Tiana and Stella the dog in this 4-in-1 storybook

If the four stories aren’t enough to draw you in, like most of Disney’s books there is a code included to download the Disney Princess Royal Salon app. It is a very cute app and allow you to dress up and style your favorite princesses!

Book Review “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Storybook Collection
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been purchasing Disney’s Storybook Collection for many many years now. Now with a child of my own, I enjoy introducing her to these great stories but I always wished they had something aimed at the Disney Junior brand. My daughter loves the classic Disney movies but she literally watches Disney Junior EVERY single day, so she loves these characters right now much more. It is just the way it is. So we asked and Disney answered with “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”. This is THE BOOK to get if you have a kid that is answer from a Preschool to Kindergarten. A must have for any parent. This will save your life.

Official Premise: Sail the Never Sea with Jake and the crew, diagnose toys with Doc in her backyard clinic, experience royal fun with Sofia, practice your best roar with Henry Hugglemonster, visit Minnie’s Bow-tique, and join the Clubhouse’s gang all in one book! This beautifully illustrated storybook collection includes gilded pages, over 250 full-color illustrations, and 18 stories featuring your favorite Disney Junior characters and shows: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Minnie’s Bow-Toons, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

This is a real nice book and a great coffee table book as well for the kids. It is hardcover with some beautiful images throughout. It is not a cheap book either, it feels like it has some weight to it and I like that. There are 18 stores from all of your kids favorite Disney Junior shows. Here is hoping that this is only volume one for Disney Junior because with all the new shows that the station is cranking out. There are tons are great content just waiting to get adapted here. Keep them coming Disney!

Book Review “Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Read-Along Storybook and CD”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Read-Along Storybook and CD
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 29, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sleeping Beauty” is such a great story and one of my favorite. It also houses on of Disney best villains to date, “Maleficent”. This latest Read-Along Storybook and CD relives the classic animated film. You follow along as Aurora grows up with the good fairies, meets the prince of her dreams, and overcomes Maleficent’s evil curse. If you are looking to introduce your kids to “Sleeping Beauty”, this would be a good way to ease them in before watching the film or to enjoy after the film.

The CD itself is quite impressive since it feature real character voices and sound effects, which both add so much to the story. This actually feels like a big production and allow you to enjoy the book with a more visual aspect. My daughter has this Disney Princess CD player/jewelry chest above in her room and we have taken advantage of this storybook-and-CD set many times in the last weeks and I am sure it is only the beginning.

Book Review “World of Reading – Disney Junior Boxed Set: Pre-Level 1”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: World of Reading (Book 1)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I get books for the past two years, I have been sticking to board and hardcover books that are toddler friendly. Watching my two year old daughter growing up I see that she needed more of a challenge with her reading. I decided it was time to turn it over to Disney’s World of Reading series. This collection is absolutely perfect for those early readers, who can’t read yet need more challenge than just pictures and colors.

To make it even better, this is a box set of six Disney Junior Pre-Level 1 books. They should appeal to any preschooler or in my case an exceptional two year old. If you love Disney Junior, all of your favorites are here from Sofia The First, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Plus if all that isn’t enough, Disney is also giving you a bonus e-book, which features actually a 7th reader. I highly recommend this set and hope that Disney continues to release get box sets like this one, so my daughter can enjoy as she grows up (too quickly).

Book Review “Disney’s Minnie: Minnie’s Costume Contest”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Minnie
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are parents reading this, you know what it is like to have something that your kids love and being nervous what would happen if you would ever lose that one item. Since receiving the book “Minnie’s Costume Contest”, it has become a must have whenever we are in the car. In fact, it has had a perfect place in my car and is revisited every time that we take a drive.

If you love Minnie, you will love this book. As the summer ends and the fall approaches, that means it is time for Minnie’s Annual Halloween Costume Contest! If you love the shorts from “Minnie’s Bowtique”, you will see a few known faces. I love that young kids are able to celebrate Halloween with books like this without all the scary aspect. A must have for any kid!

Book Review “Disney Princess: Dear Princess”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

What two year old doesn’t love Disney Princess? “Dear Princess” is a great idea for a new kids book. It features recent princesses like Rapunzel, Tiana, Merida as well as the classics like Belle and Ariel. I also really like the design of the book since the letters really feel like actual letters. Very clever and extremely cute as well. A must for any real princess.

Official Premise: Ever wonder what you’d find inside a princess’s mailbox? How about a letter from her evil stepmother? A review from a food critic who loved her restaurant? A message in a bottle from down under the sea? Join the Disney Princesses in this fun, enchanting book featuring mail written to and from Rapunzel, Tiana, Merida, Belle, and more! Each princess’s story includes a royal letter to fold open and enjoy!

Book Review “Doc McStuffins Boo to You!”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Genevieve Goings from Choo Choo Soul recorded a fantastic song last year that we used to listen to A LOT called “Boo to You Halloween!” It played during the month of October last year on Disney Junior to celebrate the stations Halloween-themed TV specials. I always think about the”Doc McStuffins” special episode, which was easily our favorite. So this story is ton of fun. Plus our daughter absolutely loves pumpkins, so this book has no shortage of them. A must have for any Doc fan, absolutely.

Official Premise: This delightful Halloween board book with a touch-and-feel element on every spread will become a holiday favorite, when preschoolers follow the misadventures of Sebastian, Doc’s motion-sensor ghost that pops out of a pumpkin. Doc soon realizes that Sebastian is stuck in his pumpkin, and he is scared of Halloween! Will Doc be able to fix Sebastian and convince the timid little ghost to join in the Halloween festivities?

Tag: book

Book Review “Raging Heat” by Richard Castle

Related Content

Book Review “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper”

Related Content

Book Review “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”

Related Content

Book Review “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy”

Related Content

Book Review “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero”

Related Content

Book Review “Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi”

Related Content

Comic Book Review “Disney Kingdoms: Seekers of the Weird”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney 5-Minute Spooky Stories”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Read-Along Storybook and CD”

Related Content

Book Review “World of Reading – Disney Junior Boxed Set: Pre-Level 1”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney’s Minnie: Minnie’s Costume Contest”

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Princess: Dear Princess”

Related Content

Book Review “Doc McStuffins Boo to You!”

Related Content