Tag Archive for: Illustrated

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How To Be A Pirate

How To Be A PirateTitle: How to Be a Pirate
Author: Cressida Cowell
Series: How to Train Your Dragon #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 211
Reason Read: Play Book Tag
Rating:

Also in this series: How to Train Your Dragon
My Thoughts

I actually enjoyed HOW TO BE A PIRATE more than HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON because I had already been introduced to the book version of this world so I knew what to expect. I also really liked Hiccup’s adventures in this one. They were a lot of fun to read. And, book Toothless is starting to grow on me, though I still like movie Toothless better.

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How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your DragonTitle: How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
Series: How to Train Your Dragon #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 214
Reason Read: Play Book Tag
Rating:

Also in this series: How to Be a Pirate
My Thoughts

I read HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON because I adore the movie. It’s actually my all-time favorite movie. I knew going into the book that it was different than the movie. But, the book, even though it came first, had a lot to live up to. I thought the book was fun and entertaining. I enjoyed the author’s creativity and look forward to reading more in the series. I really liked the characters with one exception–I like movie Toothless better than book Toothless. Movie Toothless reminds me so much of my cats, just in dragon form, that I instantly attached myself to him. Book Toothless reminds me of a spoiled child who only does what he wants to do. I really hope his character changes in the upcoming books so I can see him grow into a better dragon.

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Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s WebTitle: Charlotte's Web
Author: E.B. White
Genre: Classic, Middle Grade
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 192
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

This is my first time reading CHARLOTTE’S WEB. I’ve always steered clear of it as well as any of the movies because I have severe arachnophobia. I decided to try to ignore my fear and give this classic story a go.

As I read, I had to cover the pictures of Charlotte with my hand because the illustrations were just a little too life-like. Also, imagining 500+ baby spiders floating along in the wind is enough to give me nightmares. Surprisingly, however, I did end up enjoying the story. Charlotte’s love for and friendship toward Wilbur was really sweet and I can only wish to have my own friend as devoted and loyal as Charlotte was to Wilbur.

I’m glad I gave the story a chance. I probably won’t be rereading it any time soon, though, lol.

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Little Women (And Good Wives)

Little Women (And Good Wives)Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Series: Little Women #1
Genre: Classic, Young Adult
Format: Kindle
Pages: 566
Reason Read: Buddy Read
Rating:

My Thoughts

LITTLE WOMEN was an interesting read and experience since I knew hardly anything about it. I’ve never watched any of the movies. And, I didn’t know that the second half of the novel is often published on its own as GOOD WIVES and that there are two other books in the series. I also didn’t know that the story is semi-autobiographical. I only knew the story was about four sisters.

As far as the story is concerned, I think it’s worth reading. It’s very heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. I loved the close relationship the sisters had with each other. I cried when Beth died. And, I groaned when Jo rejected Laurie’s proposal. I can’t believe he married Amy and Jo married a man twice her age. I wish Alcott could’ve overlooked the similarities to her own life enough to allow Jo and Laurie to have their happy ending. I know I would’ve liked the overall story better if she had.

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Smile

SmileTitle: Smile
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Series: Smile #1
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 213
Reason Read: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I thought SMILE is a cute coming-of-age story. I didn’t realize it was non-fiction going in. Now that I do, I think it was a fun way to tell Telgemeier’s story. I especially liked the walk down memory lane as she’s only a year older than I am. I did want a little more depth. (I struggle with graphic novels for this reason.) And, I couldn’t relate to her completely since I never had braces.