Bonus Review: The Guggenheim Mystery by Robin Stevens (323 pages)

 Summary

Ted Sparks along with his sister solved the mystery of how their cousin, Salim, disappeared. Some months later, Ted, his sister and Salim need to discover how a painting disappeared from the Guggenheim Museum without anyone seeing it being taken. Sadly, all the evidence is pointing to Salim's mother, Gloria. Now it's up to the trio to clear Gloria's name and find out what really happened to the painting

Opinion 

I thought this book was fair. I felt as if the story line was a bit dry and lacked action. Although the characters were portrayed well, I didn't have a favorite character this time around. If you decide to try this book, I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Rating

***(3 stars)

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Bonus Review: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (228 pages)

 Summary

Princess Celie's favorite day has to be Tuesday because Castle Glower either grows a new roomer, a new passage or even a new tower! However, all hope is lost when the King and Queen disappear off the face of the earth. Although the Councilors come to help and advise Princess Celie and her siblings, something amiss lies in the air. Secret meetings are held, a new tower and a new secret passage appear, and the Councilors don't want the children to discover this. Consequently, it's up to Celie and her faithful siblings to save the kingdom, find their parents and stop whatever the Councilors are doing. Will they accomplish their mission?

Opinion 

I absolutely loved this book. It had a perfect twist, amazing mystery and best of all, the author described the characters so well that I felt like I was part of the story! Princess Celie was my favorite character because she was sneaky, kind, caring to everyone she meets and pretty. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes royalty, mystery and surprising betrayals. I hope you enjoy!

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon (180 pages)

Summary

The Hardy family lives in Bayport. Joe and Frank Hardy have always wanted to solve a mystery. When they are almost killed by a car, mysterious things start to happen. Their chum, Chet Morton, not only receives a death threatening message, but his car is also stolen. When the Hardy boys find Chet's car, they are happy, but this is only the beginning of their exciting adventure.

Opinion 

I really liked this story a lot. Of all the Hardy Boys books I have read, I have enjoyed them all. This book is exciting, has lots of adventure and many dangerous scenes. The characters are bright, sometimes funny and they show kindness to others. If you love a good story, then this book will keep you interested.

Rating 

***** (5 stars)

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The Popper Penguin Rescue by Eliot Schrefer (160 pages)

 Summary 

Nina, Joel and Mrs. Popper have just moved into Hillport. As the two siblings start to explore the basement of their new house, they find two penguin eggs neatly tucked in a corner. The next day they secretly take the eggs to school without their mom knowing. Over the next two days they take the eggs back home, show them to their mother and decide to take the eggs to the Arctic. This becomes an adventure that the family won't forget!

Opinion 

This book is very adventurous and exciting. I love Nina's enthusiasm as they travel to the Arctic. It's awesome that the penguins come into the hut during a storm to keep the family warm. If you've read Mr. Popper's Penguins, this book is certainly a great sequel. I think you will enjoy it.

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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Encanto by Disney Enterprises (136 pages)

 Summary 

The Madrigals, a wonderful family, live in the mountains in a nice, charming town called Encanto. Everyone has a special power except Mirabel. When her family starts to lose their powers, Mirabel decides to help, even if it means going into her Uncle's creepy tower. Can she figure out what's going on before time runs out? 

Opinion 

I especially like this book because I'm half Columbian. I also saw the movie, Encanto. I think, in this instance, the book and the movie follow the same path. This book was definitely adventurous. The character, Mirabel, tries her best to fit in with the family, but nobody notices her efforts. The author makes the story very believable. I hope you will read this magical tale. 

Rating

***(3 stars)

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The Nutcracker by Norma Elizabeth (Pages not numbered)

 A special review edition will be posted on December 24, 2021 just in time for your holiday reading. This review will take the place of the one for December 25, 2021.

Summary 

Clara and her brother, Fritz, can't wait for their family to arrive for the Christmas party. After the party ends, Clara's godfather has one more present for Clara. He gives her a handmade nutcracker. Fritz shoves several nuts into the nutcracker's mouth and breaks his jaw. At bedtime, Clara checks one more time to see if her nutcracker is fine, and then she falls asleep on the sofa. What happens next is a very delightful adventure for Clara and her nutcracker.

Opinion 

Although this book is a classic, I found it to be a bit slow. I do believe in the magic of the nutcracker, and I felt as though the characters came alive in the story. This book is somewhat lacking in detail, but is quite easy to read and understand. All in all, this book is worth a try.

Rating 

***(3 stars)

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The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick (295 pages)

 

Summary 

Noah's sister has disappeared and he thinks the town zoo is to blame. From messages, to riding a polar bear, to saving his sister, Noah and his friends, Richie and Ella, embark on a journey of a lifetime. They find themselves lost in a dangerous, exciting and secret world where surprises lurk around every corner. Can they save Noah's sister and bring her home safely? 

Opinion 

I think that The Secret Zoo has an amazing plot. I love that the animals help Noah and his friends. The idea that the animals had secret ways to communicate with their new human friends is really cool. The author makes both the animals and the humans come alive. Give this book a try and you won't be disappointed.

Rating 

***** (5 stars)

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Hardy Boys: The Secret Panel by Franklin W. Dixon (212 pages)

 Summary 

This Hardy Boys' book is really action packed. The Hardys, sons of a private investigator, have a mystery of their own. They are involved with solving a case surrounding a museum robbery. They are convinced that the robbers are hiding in their hometown of Bayport. With the help of their friend, Chet, they are able to figure out the culprits.

Opinion 

Even though this was a good book, it was hard to understand because there were sections filled with lots of little details. However, if you read it slowly, you shouldn't have a problem. This book does have a few humorous sections, especially the part where the Hardys can't open the door to the boathouse because they are unable to find the keyhole. This gave me a good laugh. Overall, I think you will enjoy this book.

 Rating 

**** (4 stars)

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