Coco is a sweet bulldog who has found many things not to like about Halloween. The noise, the people, etc. But the family kitty is going to help him find the fun. Fun is exactly what this book is. It’s a story and an activity all in one. It would be excellent for one-on-one reading or for story time. 

 

If I had to say there was a Jayme Lee Curtis book I didn’t like it would be this one. The only reason I don’t like this is this no cadence and no rhyming. It is just a story. Jayme Lee Curtis‘s other books I’ll have the cadence. They all rhyme and have a sing-song flow that makes them heartwarming. Because of that knowledge, this book feels like it was something rushed through to meet a deadline rather than something is lovingly crafted like all her other stories. 

 

This is exactly what it sounds like. It teaches kids to like themselves for who they are. That self-esteem is a great thing to have and if you don’t have it, they want to help you find it. In my eyes, Jayme Lee Curtis can do no wrong and if this book isn’t part of that proof, I don’t know what else would be. 

 

In this book, we have a child counting down just one more sleep until such time. It starts out with the child’s birthday, but then it’s Valentine’s Day and then it’s Passover and Easter and Christmas and all the other big and small holidays along the way to get back to the birthday. Honestly, while this book is older, I liked it way better than either of Jimmy Fallon’s just so many more sleeps books. Jamie Lee Curtis does it lovingly with rhymes and cadence that’s illustrated perfectly with a cohort Laura Cornell. 

 

What happens when Mom gets their first smart phone and becomes a selfie queen? Pictures become everything and even though kids are the number one thing, they’re also a number two when it comes to a cell phone addiction. In this book the kids learn to help their mom become more in line with the technical world but learn that there’s also trouble that comes with it. That selfies are not to be all end all. That sometimes we all need to put our phones away and talk to each other face-to-face. 

 

Of course, Dolly Parton is good. This is the second book that she has written page by page that does not come from one of her songs. But she’s been a powerhouse in the music industry and the songwriting industry for years. It should surprise absolutely no one that she can write a book. This book is lovely and has a great sentiment about both families born and made. Overall, this is a fun book that will be loved for years to come. 

 

If this book was written now, it would probably be banned. And I’m not talking banned for DEI (as it is February 2025) but banned for guns. We don’t see the guns, but a character gets shot in a duck hunting accident. I don’t know if accidents is the right word. This book is about Elmer the duck. Elmer is just a little bit different. He is what used to be called a sissy. They like to play by themselves and play with the girls. Not into sports, not into macho things, just into being themselves. Dad finds that hard to take, and that his son should just try to be like everybody else. But Mom knows that being special is OK. This book was lovely, it was majorly sad. You have a happy ending, but this isn’t one of those happily ever after type endings. Because you still feel the sadness of Elmer‘s separation from his community. While I did like this book, I do see why it has not been reprinted. And being that it is exceptionally long. I mean exceptionally long for a picture book. Harvey Feinstein can write. That is no question. They are an author. But writing a picture book to be read over and over and over again, they might need a little more practice. 

 

Why did this have to end there?! I get it. It’s a logical ending spot, but it’s a bad spot since I have no idea how long it will be before book 4 gets here. In this, we learn about the war between the fairies what’s going, on who Lucia most likely is, and some more in two different love stories. The series is addicting so much so I almost want to go to Webtoons to read the rest, but I prefer the print version. 

 

Volume two we go on a hunt. If you haven’t read book one go no further. We know Lucia is a fairy and that modus can talk. We follow these two further in their life and understanding of who and what they are. We also get to see the king and future queen at least talk to each other if not begin to fall in love. Of course, this book ends exactly where you don’t want it too. And I’m very happy. I have volume three on my iPad, waiting to be cracked open. I really do like that. The author includes a bonus chapter at the end of each book and so far in volume one and two we get to follow the love story of the knight and his sire. I am thoroughly loving and enjoying both of these stories and I want more. 

 

This was fun. Lucia is brought home to a new family to be a lady in waiting for the future queen. Years later, the marriage is eminent, and Lucia is interested in finding their way in the new world and the new palace. We know a secret about Lucia that needs to be kept but also is a secret that one can’t wait to be revealed. Add into this a living suit of armor to become the next hero of the realm that while creepy is also so sweet and loving. This book was just a joyride. This is only volume one and I am glad I have two and three already in line.