Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle

Title: Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle
Author: R.K. Mortenson
Published by Barbour Publishing, 2005.
ISBN: 1-59310-881-8.

Move Over, Harry Potter! Landon Snow is on the scene. His family's trip to help celebrate his Grandpa Karl's birthday in Button Up, Minnesota is unlike any trip to Grandpa's house before. Before the celebrating can start, Grandpa has an accident. This brings our young hero to reflect on whether life itself is an accident.

Grandpa's house is one mystery waiting to be discovered. There are pages in an ancient Bible which mysteriously turn. But wait, there is also a secret passageway. Landon is looking for adventure, well, adventure is right around the corner. Armed with the ancient Bible and "Book of Meanings" Landon ventures into Wonderwood. Creatures called Odds and puzzles abound in this fantasy land. Landon meets up with Melech, who is a very strange horse named Melech. There is a riddle to be solved, will Landon be able to solve it? And more importantly will his family believe him when he tells them that there is a fantasy land just beyond the secret passageway.

This is the first book in a wonderful series written especially for children ages 9-12 who enjoy a magical adventure. This is a wonderful story and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Biblical truths are presented in this book without being too overbearing. The references are gently presented. I love this book and wish more authors would write books like this one!

Landon Snow and the Volucer Dragon

Title: Landon Snow and the Volucer Dragon
Author: R.K. Mortenson
Published by Barbour Publishing, 2007.
ISBN: 978-1-59789-296-4.

Landon Snow is off on another adventure. This time his sisters Holly and Bridget are coming along. Only it is not just three of them off on this adventure there is also another boy called Max along to Wonderwood. The Arcans and forest shadows were tough enough to deal with but this time its much worse. There is a dragon called Volucer Ignis. This is one tough character to deal with, he has a fiery wrath. Where will the Snows get the help they need to break free from this dragon? Will the mysterious boy named Max be an important factor in this adventure?

Like the other 3 books in this wonderful series by R.K. Mortenson, be ready for a terrific adventure with his faith and courage being tested through this adventure. Be careful of the Volucer Dragon as he seeks to destroy everyone in his path.

Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam

Title: Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam
Author: R.K. Mortenson
Published by Barbour Publishing, 2006.
ISBN: 1-59789-044-8.

Landon is just making up that story of visiting another land isn't he? Holly is Landon's younger sister who doesn't believe that Landon ever visited another land last year. Holly is definitely convinced after she visis Wonderwood with him. But this time Holly has been kidnapped by wolf-like creatures. Landon will need to enlist the help of his friends that were introduced in the first book of this series to find Holly. Landon will need lots of courage to rescue his sister from the shadows of darkness and Malus Quidam's power. It will take all of Landon's faith - to finally defeat Ludo and the evil forces that hold him and many of the others captive in Wonderwood.

The characters in this story are like normal people as we all have weaknesses. But the fact that they have weaknesses just makes them more like the intended audience of this series. I particularly like that he is able to put his faith into practice.

The story is very engaging and had me gripped from the beginning to the end. R.K. Mortenson has done it again with the second book in this Landon Snow series. I'm glad that he takes Biblical truth and creates a fantasy story around specific Bible verses. I will definitely enjoy reading all the books in this series.

Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger

Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger
Lee Edward Fodi
Brown Books Publishing Group
16200 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 170, Dallas, TX 75248
1-972-381-009, www.brownbooks.com
ISBN: 9781-933285083-2, $16.95, 2007.
Reviewed by Brianne Plach for Reader Views Kids, 11/07.

Do you think going to a fantasy world with fauns and dwarves would be fun? You know like Lucy did in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." This is not a trip to Narnia, but instead a trip to a different fantasy world. Its not Lucy that is visiting this strange land but the main girl character is named Kendra Kandlestar.

She is drawn into this mysterious land when she receives a cryptic message. The meaning of the message makes her so curious. She goes to Unger to discover the answer to a question that she has been wondering about her whole life. There is a secret about her family, will going through the door of Unger bring her the answer she wants. Or is she better off staying on one side of the door? But if she doesn't go through the door, she wouldn't get to meet a bunch of interesting characters and the book wouldn't be nearly as exciting.

Around every corner, it seems like Kendra is meeting someone different. The characters are interesting but also sometimes very funny. Alot of kids need to have something funny happening in books to keep them reading, this book has funny things happening every few pages. "Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger" is a sure fire hit to attract young readers. This is a second book in a series, but there is no reason why you wouldn't be able to read this one first and then the other one. The door to Unger opens when you open the pages of this book. You will certainly have a trip you won't soon forget!

The Secret Cave

Title: The Secret Cave
Author Lisa Marie Lanno
Published by I Universe, 2006.
ISBN: 978-0-595-40585-5.
Reviewed for Reader Views Kids, 9/07.

Joe and Ronnie are about to have a summer vacation unlike any other. They are 13 years old cousins and are looking for fun on the lake and hiking on the many trails. They have a couple of what they would call "pesky" sisters both older and younger. One day when they are investigating a trail, they make a strange discovery. There are giant rocks forming the shape of a skull. There is a hidden scroll that leads to more clues.

Of course, being adventuresome young boys they find themselves trying to discover what else lurks in these wooded trails. Day after day, they are getting closer to the solving of the mystery of this place. They don't want their parents to uncover what they have been doing so the older sisters also play a part in the adventure. Will they make it before vacation's end?

From page to page, you will find yourself wanting to not lay down "The Secret Cave" until it is finished. Lisa Maria Lanno is an awesome story teller. Each chapter builds on the last and you to try to try to figure out the mystery on your own. Its almost as if you are right there by Ronnie and Joe. Each chapter ends with a set of questions making you think and draw your own conclusions. "The Secret Cave" is a must have for kids who enjoy a great mystery. Its a novel which appeals to kids like because it is kids who are the main characters. I simply loved "The Secret Cave: and hope that Lisa Marie Lanno continues to write more books like one!

The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish

Title: The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish
Author: Stephanie Guzman
Published by Not So Plain Jane Publishing, 2006.
ISBN 978-1-596664-0009.
Reviewed for Reader Views Kids,

Everyone else is invited, why not me? Maybe you've been asked "Are you going to the party?" You haven't even heard about any party. Why did everyone else get asked but not me. What's wrong with me? It just seems like no one likes me.

Oliver is a clownfish with a problem. He cannot understand why he didn't get invited to Sally's party. He thought they were good friends. Oliver asks all his other school friends why Sally didn't invite him. Surely there is a good explanation. An explanation is just what Oliver is seeking.

I loved this book! The illustrations are so cute. The many different kinds of fish are so adorable and so colorful. I think this book will help little children discover that maybe they didn't get the invitation when others did. But isn't not really a reflection of them. I would love to read another book about the adventures of Oliver the Clown Fish. I hope Stephanie Guzman writes more books about Oliver's Adventures and the trials that are facing children today.

The Raspberry Room

Title: The Raspberry Room
Author: Alison Lohans
Published by Orca Book Publishers, 2006.
ISBN: 1-55143-353-2.

Reviewed for Reader Views Kids.

What is Abby to do, her best friend Laura doesn't want to do what she wants to do? Abby and Laura have always done everything together but now it seems that Laura has changed. Or is it Abby that has changed?

Abby is all excited about discovering a little room. Laura isn't interested. Abby is intrigued by looking through a hole in the fence. A dog's wet nose comes through the hole to surprise young Abby. Perhaps she better find something to plug the hole. Her little brother gets all the attention anyway so she uses his stuffed monkey to suit her purpose. Oh no, the monkey's tail gets ruined. She discovers what is on the other side of the fence and is surprised by her findings.

Allison Lohans has created a book which will encourage children ages 7-9 to let their imaginations soar. This fantastic book deals with friendships and the adjustments required to becoming a quality big sister which young Brayden will look up to.

Beatrice Beecham's Fearsome Feast

Title: Beatrice Beecham's Fearsome Feast
Author: Dave Jeffery
Publisher: Lulu.com, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-84728-293-4
Reviewed for Readerviewkids.com

Welcome to Dorsal Finn! This is a wonderful town where everyone knows everyone else's name. Beatrice Beechham is a 12 year old girl who moves to Dorsal Finn with her parents and younger brother Tom. They have been invited to live with one of Mrs Beecham's closest friends Maud. Beatrice and Tom refer to her as Aunt Maud. Beatrice gets to meet some of the most interesting residents including the Newshounds. She makes a very good friend in Patience, which is a very good name in this town since Beatrice will need alot of it living here. Lucas was able to figure out any clues as they came along.

They have moved to Dorsal Finn just in time for the annual fearsome feast contest. The contest involves cooking the most disgusting dish. In the last few years no one has been able to defeat Vladimir Karloff. Beatrice decides to enter the contest. The day of the contest is a part of the Masque, a very dressy occasion. Can Beatrice come up with a dish that will turn everyone's stomach?

Aunt Maud gives her a cookbook. Anyway it looks like a cookbook but it is actually a bunch of clues so there is a mystery to solve too. Sometimes secrets are fun to figure out and sometimes secrets are better kept hidden.

I really liked "Beatrice Beecham's Fearsome Feast." It let me visit England, learn some of their Old English language, and their customs. I had a hard time laying this book down until I was finished with it. I was sad to see the book come to a close but I was happy with its ending. I hope Dave Jeffery writes more books like this.

Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse

Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse" is an absolutely fabulous book! This book combines a beautiful relationship between Heather Richardson and a horse that Chauncy owns. If only Chauncy would let her enter in Morgan horse classes. Heather just knows that Annie is a true Morgan, but is she? But the mystery is just starting when she discovers that Chauncy never got the registration papers. Is Annie her actual name? Heather and her fellow riders share genuine friendship throughout the book. They help each other whenever they can even when their is a mysterious identity to discover. Will Annie be able to stay with those who really love her?

Ellen F Feld has a thorough knowledge of horses and pleasure riding. When Karen's horse Rerun has a suspicious spot on her back, special treatment is sought from Dr Kent. Karen's love and concern for her horse is heartwarming.

I simply loved this book! I hope Ellen F Feld writes many more books in this series. Horses and young girls seem to have a great bond. Even if this book is written for young readers, I know that it could be enjoyed by horse lovers of all ages. If you want to saddle up with a great book, you would definitely enjoy "Annie: The Mysterious Morgan Horse."

Reviewed for Readerviewkids.com

Growing Up Grizzly

Title Growing Up Grizzly
Author: Amy Shapira
Published by Falcon, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7627-4149-6
Reviewed for Readerviewskids.com


Imagine having to make your way through life without your mom and dad! Its not a very happy thought, is it? Well, imagine you're a grizzly bear and forced to find your own way. He is not yet old enough to live on his own but not a baby anymore either. He's in between ages. Its a pretty lonely time for young Emmett. He lives up in Alaska, where the temperatures range greatly. He travels to a cove where he is watched by visitors but no one knows just who he is or where he came from. He didn't have a name until the visitors started watching him.

There is a family of 4 bears living in the same area. Baylee is the mama bear with her cubs named Eleanor, Misha and James. Emmett likes to watch the family of bears, if only he could be a part of their family. The bear family seems to be having such fun. Baylee doesn't like Emmett being around and growls to get rid of him. Emmett was determined to make this family his. He makes friends with the little cubs and wins the mom over. Now he feels like a member of a family. We all need a little help sometimes and Emmett gets the help he needs from Baylee and her family.

"Growing Up Grizzly" is based on a true story of grizzly bears up in Southeastern Alaska. The pictures are actual pictures of bears in their habitats and doing what comes naturally to them. I especially liked the picture of the bear looking through a window of a cabin and seeing his reflection. He needed a friend. All the pictures are awesome! The book would be a delight for bear lovers, Alaska lovers and any others who would like a nice adoption story.

The Penderwicks

Have you ever gone on vacation to a different place and am not sure if you will like it? Summer vacations are supposed to be fun, right? What if there are some people who scare you with their harshness. If you have, you can relate with the Penderwick sisters. Their father, Mr Penderwick is a widower who is a botanist and has had to make a change in plans right before vacation. The home which he had always rented on Cape Cod has been sold. He rents a place with the name Arundel. The journey to the cottage begins on a wrong track, they get lost on their way.

Mr Penderwick, his daughters and Hound eventually find the place where they will spend the next three weeks. Rosalind is the oldest of the Penderwick girls at age 12 who experiences her first crush, and next is Skye who is 11. Jane is 10 and is quite an author and is trying to write a new novel this summer and little Elizabeth whose nickname is Batty is 4 and has a fascination with little wings. Little do they know when they move into the cottage that their summer vacation is going to be adventure filled and they will meet some very unique individuals along the way.

Mrs Brenda Tipton is the owner of Arundel and she lives onsite with her son Jeffrey. A frequent visitor to the estate is Dexter Dupree is has been dating Brenda. He is none too happy about her son being around much less her renting the cottage out to the Penderwicks. He labels them as troublemakers and tries everything he can to make the boy out to be what he wants him to be. He tends to think that Jeffrey belongs in a military school. Brenda doesn't take the time to listen to her son's needs or plans for the future. . He and the Penderwicks become fast friends and find themselves in much mischief together.

The hired help at the estate add to the delight of this summer story. Cagney is the hired gardener and is gaining a wealth of knowledge in botany from Mr Penderwick. He has two pet rabbits who can be quite mischievous on their own. Rosalind clearly is experiencing her first crush on Cagney. Churchie is a loveable old woman who serves as cook for Brenda and Jeffrey.

Will Jeffrey finally have his opportunity to get his mother to listen to what he wants for his life? How will Mr Penderwick be able to handle all of his girls and their unique personalities. This will definitely be a summer they will never forget!

"The Penderwicks" is an excellent book for children ages 8-12. It is very easy to see why it is a National Book Award Winner! From cover to cover, the story will keep you entertained. It has mischief, mystery, summer love and the challenges of girls who are growing up all in the story. This is a must read for all girls who enjoy a great story and treasure their summer vacations!

Through the Rug

Title: Through the Rug
Author: Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Published by Author House, 2006
ISBN: 1-4259-1098-X
Reviewed for www.ReaderViewsKids.com 7/07


What can be more exciting than going to visit Grandma's house? Ten year old Alyssa just loves to visit her Grandma's house. Her grandma is not just like everyone else. When her grandmother makes cookies its not just an event its an experiment. You could say Grandma is like a scientist, you never know just what will result. Domino is her cute little white and black dog however, when Alyssa's father brings her to Grandma's house, Domino is now bright pink and green.

There is a large spot of green goop on the rug which is a gateway to disaster. The dogcatcher is after Domino because of his strange colors. Grandma chases after the dog who falls into the puddle on the rug followed quickly by Grandma. Alyssa doesn't want to be left alone so she follows Grandma. Alyssa, Grandma and Domino are now entering the community of Wishville. This community is very strange as your every wish is granted. Wouldn't it be nice to have two extra days every weekend?

Wishville is a wonderful place to visit. You can eat as much as you want. Sleep as much as you want. And you can wish as must as you wish. What will happen when the three of them want to return back to Grandma's house? Will they ever be able to return to Wishville if they fall back through the rug?

"Through the Rug" is a hilarious book which had me laughing from cover to cover. I will never be able to look at a visit to Grandma's house the same way again. It makes me wish that I could visit another community by falling through my rug!