Aly Rutherford and the Ancients by: Mary Ann Eisenberg and Wendi Willson

 I was able to meet these authors at the LA Times Book Festival this is a self published book and it is one I think anyone who enjoys fantasy stories will love.  It was a page turner for this fantasy loving reader.

MaryAnn Eisenberg and Wendi Willson in their book Aly Rutherford and the Ancients take us on an adventure like no other.  Aly's mother goes missing after an earthquake in Mexico.  She is sent to stay with her MeMar in California.  She doesn't want to be there she wants to find her mother, she is convinced that her mother has been kidnapped.  Aly is soon spending time with Nicholas a young boy who is her neighbor and his brother Dylan.  They explore around their neighborhood trying to stay away from bully, Dave.

Aly has a unique disk that she found after her mother disappeared.  The three find that others in their town have disks as well.  MeMar tells Aly that she is a descendant that needs to save humankind.  Aly isn't given any help as to what she is supposed to do to save humankind but when she begins talking to two white Ravens she thinks maybe she finally has some help.  However, her biggest help comes from Dylan and Nicholas.  They discover ancient lava tubes with the same markings as the disks and as they continue to watch the others with disks a few answers with more questions arise.

Aly is a smart girl who does the best she can in difficult situations.  I know readers will enjoy getting to know Aly and will be cheering for her as she figures out what she is meant to do with her life.  I am sure she will figure out all she needs to do but we all have to read the next book in the series to find out.

After reading this book go and do some bird watching, maybe you can talk to birds too.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Amazing Authors and Me at the 2016 LA Times Book Festival

A Penguin Story by: Antoinette Portis

It's hot outside so it's time to enjoy a cool picture book with your children.  A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis is the perfect cool down book on a hot summer day.

Penguin is sure that there is more in the world than black, white and blue.  Setting out to search for more there isn't time for fishing or playing with the other penguins.  When something new is found all the penguins are excited.  Now, is there even more out there?

I really enjoyed this book, it is simple but very cute and I am sure your child will love it.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Hilo The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by: Judd Winick

I think that author Judd Winick has written and illustrated a new favorite comic book style book with Hilo The Boy Who Crashed To Earth.

I am going to be honest as I'm not usually a big fan of the "comic book" stories that are so popular right now.  However, after reading this book I will probably be looking for and reading more of these. I LOVED this story and I think it could only be told in this format.

Hilo literally crashes on earth and meets D.J. who becomes Hilo's first friend.  D.J. has a family of talented siblings and busy parents.  D.J. believes he has no talents but I know he does and it is an important talent, being a friend.  D.J. helps Hilo as Hilo tries to remember who he is and where he is from.  Since Hilo arrives in just his underwear the first thing D.J. does is get him some clothes.  Hilo isn't sure about the clothes but at least he isn't going to school in his underwear!  Gina, D.J.'s childhood friend has moved back to town, also becomes Hilo's friend.  She is the one who believes that he really did crash into earth.  Most of the others in the story don't believe this.  Gina sees Hilo's powers and learns his secrets and is soon helping D.J. and Hilo fight robot bugs.  That is right, robot bugs!  Where exactly is Hilo from?  Are the bugs really looking for him?  Will more people or bugs be crashing into earth?  Hilo helps D.J. and Gina as much as they help him, that is what true friends do for each other, in my opinion.

This is a story about being a friend and being there no matter what for your friend.  I think it is a story that should be shared with all ages and I know your child will love reading and/or hearing this story over and over again.  Be on the lookout for book #2 in the series.

After reading this story spend sometime with a few of your friends.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

If You Ever Want To Bring A Piano To The Beach, DON'T! by: Elise Parsley

 As you prepare to head to the beach this summer be sure to read Elise Parsley's book If you Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't!.  This is the perfect beach story for you and your children.

Magnolia is a girl with big ideas and she doesn't want to bring the regular toys to the beach she wants to bring her piano.  She assures her mother that she will take care of the piano while at the beach and that it will be the perfect beach toy.  However, things don't always go the way we plan and this is what Magnolia learns while she and her siblings are playing at the beach.

Of course, after reading this book head off for a fun day at your local beach.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Are We There Yet? by: Dan Santat

Author Dan Santat has written and illustrated another awesome picture book in his newest book Are We There Yet?.  It is the perfect summer vacation road trip book.

As a family sets off to visit grandma's house the first hour is exciting but then the ride gets boring.  As the drive continues things are not as bad as the young boy first thinks.  The ride just might be as fun as the destination.

This book will take away any boring thoughts you may have about your next road trip.  It is unique in a few ways and I'm not going to give anything away.  It is a must read!  The reader and those listening will never think of long car rides in the same way again.  The book is also an exercise for your imagination.  You will enjoy every page as the story as well as the illustrations are so great.  

While you enjoy this summer season be sure to keep reading each day!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Sword in the Stove by: Frank W. Dormer

What a fun story!  Author/illustrator Frank W. Dormer has created the book The Sword in the Stove the story is one that just may have you and your children giggling with delight.

When a sword is found in the stove one thinks it belongs to their friend but the other is convinced it is Pirates!  What will the pirates do to them?  More items are found in the stove and there is more imagination that will have you and your children laughing and quickly turning the pages.

I thought this book was a great story and it made me giggle.  I encourage you to read this book and then create your own story, what can you find in the stove?  Or someplace else?

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Key to Extraordinary by: Natalie Lloyd

Natalie Lloyd has written a great book, one you won't soon forget.  The Key to Extraordinary is a story that will stay with you and will make you smile whenever you think of these characters that have made a home in your heart.

Emma and her family live above the family's bakery, the Boneyard Cafe.  The Cafe is famous for its Boneyard Brew which is hot chocolate with a special secret ingredient.  Whenever you have some of the brew your worries are washed away.  The Cafe is located near a famous cemetery where Emma holds free tours for all who happen to visit.

Business at the Cafe is slow and grandma is thinking of selling.  Emma's mother has passed away and she feels "the big empty" (missing her mom) most days.  Happiness is found for Emma whenever she is in the Cafe surrounded by family and friends.  Emma is hoping she can have her Destiny Dream soon so she can help save the Cafe.  All the women in Emma's family have a special Destiny Dream that shows them what they are to do with their talents.  Emma is sure hers will be what must be done to help her safe the Cafe.  When Emma does have her dream she wonders what it can mean but it becomes clear as she and her friends work on finding a treasure that hasn't been found in decades.  Many have tried to find the treasure but Emma is sure that her Destiny is to actually be the one who finds it.  Her friends have a few adventures as they look for the treasure and they each find inner strengths that they didn't know they had.  Facing their fears and helping each other these three friends do more than find a treasure.  You will have to read this book to find out what happens.  As you read enjoy some hot chocolate and then add your own secret ingredient as you finish the story.

This is a special book with many thoughts about family and friends that I found to be 100% true.  I loved this story and think that we all can find our own Key to Extraordinary!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Thank You Book by: Mo Willems

Author Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie series is one of the best series for beginning readers.  The series comes to an end with the book The Thank You Book.  I have enjoyed sharing these books with my students and with my beginning reader friends.  I know you will enjoy this book as well as the others in the series.  Mo Willems is one awesome children's book author and illustrator.

This is a sweet story about showing gratitude to those that help us throughout our lives.  Piggie wants to thank everyone and Elephant is sure someone will be forgotten.  Piggie goes and finds all the friends made throughout the book series.  Elephant keeps saying someone will be forgotten.  Can Piggie really find and remember everyone?  I will let you, the reader, find out if Piggie truly remembers everyone.

Be sure to show your gratitude to others each and every day.  Thank you for visiting my blog I appreciate you!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna