Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Come for the spider that fibs. Stay for the ape that cooks.

Review: New Firsts by Diana Gallagher

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

They've been best friends for years, but when the first week of high school rolls around, Claudia and Monica know things are going to change. Boys, homework, friendships - everything seems to be different from middle school. Can their friendship survive?
Characters Claudia and Monica each have their own series of books prevously published taking place while the characters attended middle school.
Author Diana Gallagher has written books that have turned into successful TV series - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Smallville.
Book is written through two perspectives - one chapter through Claudia's eyes and the next through Monica's.
Ages 9-13. 

MY TAKE:

This book was a fun read for me, but I'm not sure if my younger self would have liked this or not.

New Firsts is told from the point-of-view of Monica and Claudia, best friends who are just starting high school.

Parts of the book are about how their friendship is affected by their new schedules and interests. Most of the book, however, is about their crushes. Claudia is pining for her sort-of boyfriend Brad, while Monica is crushing on her best friend Rory.

It's cute and romantic, but if you're looking for a book that has more plot than romance, you might not feel satisfied after reading this book. If you're looking for a book with some cute, clean romance that brings you back to your younger days, however, this is perfect for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch books for the e-ARC. Publication date of New Firsts is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Young girls will like this book.
2. It brings back memories of being a freshman in high school.
3. The guys are super charming and cute.

THE BAD:

1. The romance stuff takes centerstage.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

The aroma of coffee and cinnamon tickles my nose when I walk into Casey's Cafe after school.

READ IT IF:

1. You are in middle school or high school.
2. You miss the old Sweet Valley books.
3. You like cute romance books.

RATING:



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In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

FROM NETGALLEY:

Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time by Mignon Fogarty
Three Kingdoms Volume 1 by Wei Dong Chen
Monkey King Volume 1 by Wei Dong Chen

Review: Faith and the Camp Snob: # 1 by Jen Jones

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Faith, the new girl, knows she's not the typical cheerleader. She's lanky, shy, and avoids the spotlight. When she goes to cheer camp, her snobby teammate stops at nothing to embarrass her. To shine on her new squad, Faith will have to learn to lean on her friends and believe in herself.
A perfect transition between tween and teen fiction
Lighthearted, fun read
For girls who graduated from The Babysitter's Club
Ages 9-12. From the Team Cheer series by Jen Jones.

MY TAKE:

If I had read this book during my younger gymnast-wanna-be days, this would probably one of my fave books.

In Faith and the Camp Snob, Faith attends cheer camp with her friends. However, a mean girl makes her life miserable. Can she prove that she is cheerleader material?

I liked the plot, as simple as it is. The ending isn't really believable to me, but since it's a book for younger kids, it's a good lesson for them to learn.

The pop culture references are abundant. My favorite one is Bring It On. I really liked that movie. Haha. I even have the cheer memorized until now. "Brr. It's cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere."

It's nice that there are footnotes to explain the different moves. Some people may find it distracting, though.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of Faith and the Camp Snob: # 1 is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. It's a cute, fun read.
2. There's a discussion guide at the back.
3. You get to learn more about cheerleading.

THE BAD:

1. The ending seems too convenient and unlikely.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"Faith, can we turn on that mix I made? I need to hear a little Shakira."

READ IT IF:

1. You like cheerleading.
2. You like cheerleading movies.
3. You like cute and easy reads.

RATING:



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Review: The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Whenever Chip Stone's in danger, he's instantly transformed into a hulking beast with a giant head of rock. Although the power helps him smash apart his fears, the transformations aren't helping his social life. The comic-book-style artwork and dynamic characters make this series a hit with boys everywhere!
Heroes based on a universal children's game (ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS)
Comic book format complete with fake advertisements and gags
Clever storylines, puns, and slapstick humor
Ages 8-10.

MY TAKE:

I didn't have high hopes for this book, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The Incredible Rockhead is the story of Chip Stone, a young boy who gets turned into a half-rock, half-boy creature. He's not the only superkid out there, though. There are plenty of others like him. How did they become that way and who did this to them?

For some reason, the artwork reminded me of Chalkzone. The style itself is different but the vibe is similar. The humor is similar too. This would make a great Nickelodeon show.

It's not particularly deep or anything, but it's entertaining enough. Rockhead is okay, but I like his friend better. :P His sidekick should have his own comic book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of The Incredible Rockhead is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The fake ads make it seem like a real comic book instead of just a graphic novel.
2. The concept is interesting. 
3. The characters are charming.

THE BAD:

1. The story might not appeal as much to older readers.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

He's so sparkly!

READ IT IF:

1. You like superheroes.
2. You're a young boy.
3. You like comic books.

RATING:



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Review: Fangs! by Alan MacDonald

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Wherever Bertie goes, chaos follows, and this trio of stories is no exception. Join Bertie as he attempts to prove the grumpy school custodian is a vampire, finds himself modeling the latest fashions, and gets a serious "scare-cut" at the barbers.
Gross, funny chapter book that fits the trend for boy readers
Vampires are still popular so this title is appealing
Part of the Dirty Bertie series. For ages 6-8.
Also from Dirty Bertie publishing August 2012: Germs! (978-1-4342-4266-2).

MY TAKE:

While this book is meant for boys, I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway.

Fangs! is made up of three multi-chapter stories. Bertie is a young boy who gets into all sorts of interesting adventures. He's much like any little boy you know. He's naughty, hates hygiene, but is still lovable.

The story has black-and-white drawings interspersed throughout the book. This makes it perfect for kids that have short attention spans.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of Fangs! is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The stories are humorous and will appeal to boys, young or old.
2. The drawings are cute.
3. It's a good introduction to multi-chapter stories for kids who don't like to read.

THE BAD:

1. Girls may not be able to relate to the stories.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"Come on," said Dad. "We need to-- ARGH! WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HAIR?"

READ IT IF:

1. You have a little boy.
2. You like funny children's stories.
3. You are looking for a children's book that will encourage your child to read.

RATING:


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Review: Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Katie Woo is a spunky, sassy, and stylish schoolgirl that readers will fall in love with. These early chapter books are perfect for explaining life changes, family celebrations and growing up. Award-winning author Fran Manushkin outdoes herself with these fun, lighthearted stories.
Focused around school activities
4 stories in 1 book
Katie Woo is an Asian American girl in first grade
Katie Woo has 24 individual titles published in this series
From the Katie Woo series. For ages 5-7.
Also from Katie Woo, publishing August 2012: Katie Woo and Friends (978-1-4048-7909-6).
Also available: Look At You, Katie Woo (978-1-4048-6596-9), and 24 individual titles published in the series.
About the Author
Fran Manushkin is the author of many popular picture books, including How Mama Brought the Spring; Baby, Come Out!; Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story; and The Tushy Book. There is a real Katie Woo - she's Fran's great-niece - but she never gets in half the trouble of the Katie Woo in the books.  Fran writes on her beloved Mac computer in New York City, without the help of her two naughty cats, Miss Chippie and Goldy.
About the Illustrator
Tammie Lyon began her love for drawing at a young age while sitting at the kitchen table with her dad. She continued her love of art and eventually attended the Columbus College of Art and Design, where she earned a bachelors degree in fine art. After a brief career as a professional ballet dancer, she decided to devote herself full time to illustration. Today she lives with her husband, Lee, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her dogs, Gus and Dudley, keep her company as she works in her studio.

MY TAKE:

There aren't a lot of Asian-American girls in children's books these days. Even in YA, there aren't a lot of Asian-Americans that aren't stereotypes.

In Katie Woo Rules the School, Asian-American Katie Woo has all sorts of adventures that you would expect any normal kid to have.

There are four short stories in this book. My favorite is Katie and the Class Pet. It reminds me of one of the first books in the Sweet Valley Kids series.

The entire book is in color. The illustrations are beautiful. They appear to be watercolor sketches. You don't see a lot of books with illustrations this pretty.

Thanks to NetGalley and Picture Window Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of Katie Woo Rules the School is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The illustrations are gorgeous.
2. The stories impart lessons.
3. There's an activity part at the back.

THE BAD:

1. The stories are short.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"Stop that!" hissed the tree. "I'm swaying in the wind! I'm not falling down!"

READ IT IF:

1. You like beautifully illustrated children's books.
2. You are looking for a book with an Asian-American main character.
3. You like books that have more than one story in them.

RATING:



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Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Review: The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn't See by Steve Brezenoff

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Cat and her friends visit Mount Rushmore, and things quickly get mysterious.
Created and written by Steve Brezenoff who was named by Kirkus as one of the top YA authors of 2010
Book series features the top 4 national parks in America
Ages 8-11. From the Field Trip Mysteries series by Steve Brezenoff.

MY TAKE:

There should be more books like this! :D

The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn't See is a mystery novel for kids. The protagonists are a group of friends who like solving mysteries. Think Scooby Doo and friends or the Ghostwriters, if you remember those guys. :D

This is the kind of book and series that I would have devoured when I was a kid. The characters complement each other and they're all interesting and likable. The illustrations remind me of a mixture of a cartoon and a hidden object game.

As a mystery novel buff, it was easy for me to guess most of the mystery, although I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't get the reason right. Young mystery fans should have a ball with this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of  The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn't See is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The mystery is not completely predictable.
2. The characters are interesting.
3. It's a series!

THE BAD:

1. It's quite short since it's meant for children.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Then she passed out hot dogs and veggie dogs to roast.

READ IT IF:

1. You like mystery novels.
2. You like Scooby Doo, Ghostwriter and other old mystery shows for kids.
3. You're looking for a fun read that your kids or younger relatives can enjoy.

RATING:



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In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

FROM NETGALLEY:

Facial Features by Jennifer Boothroyd
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Nature Calls by Bathroom Readers' Institute
Deep-Sea Duel by John Sazaklis

Review: Big Splash! by Tracey Corderoy

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Join the Grunt and the Grouch, two of the most disgusting trolls you'll ever meet, as they dive headfirst into trouble. In this three-in-one adventure, the Grunt and the Grouch crash the opening of the local swimming pool, get tangled up on a camping trip, and tackle babysitting Grunt's trouble-making cousin.
Humor, disgusting monsters and vibrant illustrations all wrapped up with a heartwarming ending
Trolls and monsters are popular sellers
Ages 6-8. From the Grunt and the Grouch series by Tracey Corderoy.

MY TAKE:

If Bert and Ernie were monsters, they'd probably be a lot like Grunt and Grouch.

In Big Splash!, Grunt and Grouch go on a series of adventures befitting gross trolls like themselves. The book is made up of three short stories. In the first story, they go to a swimming pool. In the second one, they babysit for Grunt's cousin, and in the third story, they go camping.

Little boys and girls who like gross things will enjoy this book. Grunt and Grouch are the pleasant kind of trolls, kinda like Mike Wazowski and Sully. They're a lot like kids, actually.

I liked that rather than living in a world full of trolls and monsters, they lived alongside humans and the humans acted like it was natural that the trolls were doing human activities.

Their adventures are interesting. Except for the babysitting, the things that they do are the kind of things young kids do and want to do.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of Big Splash! is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Grunt and Grouch are like kids, so kids will relate to them.
2. The illustrations are perfect for the book.
3. Their adventures are interesting.

THE BAD:

1. The humor may not work for everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

The delicious smell of sausage and bacon wafted through the air.

READ IT IF:

1. You are/have a young child.
2. You like trolls or monsters that are more funny and scary.
3. You or your child likes slightly gross children's books.

RATING:


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Review: Can You Survive in the Special Forces? by Matt Doeden

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Your survival depends on making the right choices in key moments. Which path to take? Readers use their wits and knowledge in these nonfiction adventures, learning about survival skills in various settings and making choices that will lead to either survival or doom. Talk about narrative nonfiction!
3 story paths. 35-55 choices. 15-30 endings
Readers choose who to be, where to go and what to do
Ages 8-12. From the You Choose Survival series.

MY TAKE:

I used to be a fan of choose-your-own-adventure books way back when I was a kid. It's been awhile since I read one of those so I'm glad I was able to get a copy of this.

Can You Survive in the Special Forces? is a three-in-one choose-your-own-adventure book. You have the option of being a Green Beret, an Army Ranger or a SEAL. I tried all three, starting with the Green Berets. The funny thing was, I kept making the right choices until the end, when I would overanalyze it and go against my natural instincts. This resulted in either a failed mission or a more complicated one. I guess I'm not cut out for the Special Forces. Haha. :D

The great thing about this book is that even though it's meant for younger readers, the subject matter and the very nature of the choose-your-own-adventure book means that even older readers can enjoy this. It has plenty of factoids about the Special Forces, so you learn something new.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Press for the e-ARC. Publication date of Can You Survive in the Special Forces? is on August 1, 2012.


THE GOOD:

1. There are three Special Forces you can choose from so it's like having three stories to read.
2. You learn new things about the Special Forces.
3. It's not just for young boys.

THE BAD:

1. Since it's a kid's book and not a real mission, there are some details that aren't mentioned in the book, which can affect your decisions.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

You're in command of a team of 12 Green Berets.

READ IT IF:

1. You have a young child who wants to join the army/marines, etc.
2. You've thought about joining the military but aren't sure if you can make it through training.
3. You want to know what it's like to be a Special Forces member.

RATING:



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Review: Origami X by Nick Robinson

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Especially for budding spies, sleuths, and secret agents, Origami X: Paper Folding for Secret Agents features a variety of spy-themed origami designs perfect for secreting highly sensitive intelligence - hide the details of your undercover ops inside an origami spy plane, or pass on contact information for your field agent wrapped up in a covert camera! As well as the origami instructions, there are special feature panels on codes, disguises, and spy skills.
Simple origami designs that are fun to fold.
10 themed, patterned pieces of origami paper included.
Promotes dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Ages 8-12. From the Secret Origami series which also includes: Origami XOXO by Nick Robinson and Susan Behar.

MY TAKE:

This book should have been around when I was a kid!

Origami X is an origami book that doubles as a spy-how-to book. There are different types of codes you can try for yourself, as well as tips you can use as a spy. There are also how-tos for making invisible ink and creating your own secret scratch card.

The secret scratch card had me intrigued. I've always wondered how to make one of these. This would have made my childhood so much more fun. :D

The origami designs are all spy-related, such as the star (shuriken), spy plane and the covert camera. Since I'm an origami enthusiast, the designs here were easy-peasy for me. I think origami beginners should have no problems with this, as the instructions and illustrations are quite straightforward. There's also an Origami 101 at the start of the book that helps young kids and origami newbies to familiarize themselves with origami techniques.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Press for the e-ARC. Publication date of Origami X is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. There are plenty of great tips and trivia that can be used by amateur and wanna-be spies.
2. The designs are easy to follow.
3. There are tutorials and guides so kids and their parents can easily follow.

THE BAD:

1. Not all the designs can be used for spying in real life.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

This is a Japanese shuriken, also known as a throwing star and a ninja star.

READ IT IF:

1. You like origami.
2. You have always wanted to be a spy.
3. You're looking for an amazing new activity book for your kid.

RATING:


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Blog Tour: Pickin' Tomatoes by JW Bull

EXCERPT:

I skim my finger down the index. Chicken...blah, blah, blah...Braised in fruit...yada, yada, yada...Cockscombs. What the hell is that? Ah, Coq Au Vin.
Okay, Irma, speak to me. Tell me what you know. “In other countries, blood is often added as a thickener.” Okay that’s just gross, and let me tell you, it’s not happening in The Chef of Hearts’ kitchen. I continue reading—yada, yada, yada—“wash and disjoint the chicken.”             I frown at the meat I purchased—three whole roasting chickens and a package of thighs for extra measure. I’ve got to wash them? Those oozy, fleshy, decrepit looking things?
Let me just say up front, I like poultry. I like to eat poultry with a variety of sauces. But I’ve never had to cook it. Not with my dad, not with Richard, not by myself. There was always a takeout, restaurant, frozen dinner, or a man willing to grill.
Raw flesh of a dead bird. Why would anyone want to touch the stuff? I begin to have second thoughts about this whole cooking shenanigan. Maybe masquerading as a chef isn’t such a great idea after all. Come on Maggie, pick up the bird. Pick up the poor chicken that has been slaughtered so you can become a columnist and begin a new life. And make lots of money.
I stare at the chickens and voilà! Of course. I don’t have to touch the fetid fowl flesh, I can use rubber gloves. I reach under the kitchen sink and pull out a box of unopened rubber cleaning gloves. Perfect.
Then I think of cutting up one of those birds with blood and chicken juice squirting me in the eye. Germs! Bacteria! What if I get food poisoning? My breathing quickens and I feel my chest tighten as if a boa constrictor is wrapped around my body, squeezing the common sense out of me.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

If only life came with a recipe for success . . .
Maggie Malone wants a new life. Who aspires to be a single, forty-year-old jobless new mother? Driven by the need for an income, Maggie Malone decides to enter a writing contest. Cooking and Women Magazine is seeking a columnist who can compare finding “Mister Right” to cooking. To qualify, an entrant must be single and an experienced chef. Maggie is neither – she can’t even cook. But desperation turns white lies into tasty morsels that whet Maggie’s creative appetite and she whips up an article comparing finding “Mister Right” to picking the right tomato for her homemade salsa. She wins the contest, is dubbed The Chef of Hearts, and her new life is launched.
Women across America write to her about loneliness, infidelity, insomnia - even to complain about a boyfriend’s snoring. Maggie dissects their problems with a single stroke of her pen, all the while struggling with her own issues. She dishes out therapy in recipes and funny stories and becomes an instant celebrity. As she balances learning how to cook, being a mother and writing a column, Maggie’s dual lives spin out of control. On the back burner, subterfuge sizzles in the skillet, threatening Maggie’s new recipe for success, and she finds herself in the same stew as many of her readers – lost and alone. It’s only when Maggie comes clean with all her lies that she realizes pickin’ the right tomato might not be simply about finding “Mister Right” – sometimes it’s about making the right choices.
Pickin Tomatoes serves up a three-course meal of mayhem, motherhood and middle age flavored with dashes of irony, wit, and wisdom. A liberal sprinkling of recipes geared towards those who don’t cook, and Pickin’ Tomatoes becomes a must read for anyone who has searched for “Mister Right” and ended up finding herself. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J. W. Bull lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two sons. Although she has worked as a sous chef for Lavande Restaurant, she currently is a private violin teacher and a member of The Georgia Symphony. She is also finishing another novel, Musical Chairs, a mystery involving Maggie’s cousin—Molly Malone, plucky part-time symphony player and fulltime Irish fiddler. It’s a hilarious spoof on symphonies, Irish fiddling, and mysteries that continues the Malone saga. 

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**Anyone who purchases their copy of Pickin' Tomatoes before July 30 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five entries in a drawing to win a $10 Amazon gift card!!**

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Special Forces members get the best training in the military.

Review: Charmed Season 9 Volume 3 by Paul Ruditis

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The years have passed quickly for The Charmed Ones since they learned of their magical heritage.
In only one decade they have experienced so much love and loss, joy and sorrow, failure and success.
But time marches on and new challenges will be met as Phoebe is haunted by her past, Piper must deal with the present, and Paige is forced to cope with the future. But none of those events will prepare them to face the truth behind a family secret that could change everything for the Warren line!

MY TAKE:

I was a Charmed fan since Season 1 so I was super excited to read this book.

Charmed Season 9 Volume 3 picks up where the show left off. The girls all have their own families now but they're still dealing with magical stuff. This book is pretty much a collection of several comic book issues, particularly issues 13-19, as seen in the Zenescope website.

It was great seeing what the Charmed Ones were up to now, even though I didn't really like where the show went by the time season 9 came around. The stories and the characterization of the sisters are very true to the show. As such, Piper is still my favorite, although Paige comes a close second. I'm not really a Phoebe fan, but I did like the story line she got in this book.

In terms of illustrations, Piper looks very much like Holly Marie Combs. Paige bears enough resemblance to Rose McGowan, but I felt like Phoebe didn't always look like Alyssa Milano. Maybe Alyssa is harder to draw?

Thanks to NetGalley and Zenescope for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. You learn more about the Charmed Ones.
2. There's a surprise appearance from a character that we haven't seen in awhile.
3. The stories could actually work as a Charmed episode.

THE BAD:

1. It'll leave you craving for more.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Pretty hard to keep secrets from your wife when her sister can see the future.

READ IT IF:

1. You are a fan of the Charmed Ones.
2. You like paranormal graphic novels.
3. You miss the Charmed show.

RATING: 



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In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

FROM NETGALLEY:

Charmed Season 9 by Paul Ruditis
Carrot by Vanita Oelschlager

Review: Deep-Sea Duel by John Sazaklis

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

When the evil OCEAN MASTER crashes an AQUA-FAMILY reunion, AQUALAD, and his Super-Pet FLUFFY must stop the fishy foes.
Illustrator Art Baltazar is a two-time Eisner Award Winner
All books in this final season feature fun, new-to-Super-Pets characters and pets. 100 pets in total!
Perfect introduction to DCComicsCharacters
Ages 6-8. From the DC Super-Pets series.

MY TAKE:

I didn't really find the first DC Super Pets book I read to be super interesting, but I'm glad that I gave this book a try.

Deep-Sea Duel is an action-adventure book featuring Aquaman, Aqualad, Mera, Nicoletta and their super pets. The super pets in this one are super cute and have awesome powers. My favorite super pet is Fluffy the Goldfish, although Betty the Beluga whale is a cutie too.

The story flows pretty seamlessly, and maybe partly because it's set in the sea, I kept thinking about Spongebob Squarepants. The story is easy for kids to understand and read, but it isn't brainless by any means so even adults will like reading this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Picture Window Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of Deep-Sea Duel is on August 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The story would make a good cartoon plot.
2. The characters are interesting.
3. There's a list of vocabulary words at the back.

THE BAD:

1. It's a little bit short.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

They covered long tables with mouth-watering meals.

READ IT IF:

1. You like cute pets.
2. You like comic books.
3. You have a child who wants to graduate to reading longer books.

RATING: 



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