Review: Dream Birthday by Ruby Ann Phillips

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Krystal Ball is a fourth-grade fortune-teller. She's great at predicting the future, but she's terrible at waiting for it—especially when it’s her birthday week! This year, Krystal's hoping for a dream birthday, but her psychic talents are giving her nightmares. Only one thing’s for sure...her future awaits!
For ages 6-8. From the Krystal Ball series. A new series of early chapter books featuring Krystal Ball. Krystal isn't your average medium. In fact, this fourth-grade fortune-teller is more like an extra small! But, despite her telepathic talents, Krystal's future isn't always so bright. When her psychic gift signals dark days ahead, will Krystal keep living in the past, or will she face her future head on?
* Multi-generational story about a family in Queens, NY
* Shows illustrations of dreams, which are symbols for what actually happens later
* Cute humorous stories about learning to fit in
About the Author:
Ruby Ann Phillips is the pseudonym of a New York Times bestselling author who lives in the Big Apple, in a neighborhood much like Krystal Ball’s.

MY TAKE:
I had a lot of fun reading this book, to the point that I didn't take as many notes as I usually do when I review.

In Dream Birthday, Krystal Ball's birthday is coming up and she's super excited about it. However, her dreams are bothering her because, as a psychic, she senses that something will go wrong and she won't get the party she wants. What's going to happen next?

Krystal Ball is a cute protagonist. She's girly, fashionable and enthusiastic. She's also gifted with the ability to at least sense the future. Despite her uncommon talent, I think a lot of girls will still be able to relate to her, or at least like her.

Krystal's reactions and dialogue throughout the book are very much what you would expect from a young girl of 9 or 10. Even her drama-queen-like reactions don't feel out of place.

That's what I like about this book. It takes an otherwise ordinary story of a girl having to deal with massive changes to her planned perfect birthday, and adding a twist that makes it fun and worth reading.

I also really liked the book's illustration style.The book doesn't really rely on the illustrations but they add the perfect touch to this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Picture Window Books for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Krystal and her friends are fun to read about.
2. The book teaches something important.
3. The illustrations are pretty.

THE BAD:

1. Parents who have a thing about books mentioning things like tarot cards might not like parts of the story.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"I've prepared lemon chicken in mushroom sauce with baked potatoes," she said. "There is also steamed broccoli lightly seasoned with garlic and olive oil." 

READ IT IF:

1. Your child wishes she could see into the future.
2. Your child is a fashionista.
3. Your child is turning 10.

RATING:


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