Opal Moonbaby Forever by Maudie Smith (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E, semi-short 'n' sweet review)

February 2014, Orion Children's, 272 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Content: sadness, bittersweet moments, tissues needed

Summary from Orion

Martha's best friend is an alien. Opal Moonbaby can move things with her eyes, make popcorn fountains, and travel all over the world in her very own spaceship. Martha can't imagine life without her.

But Opal's time on Earth is almost at an end. They have one final summer together. So why is Opal acting so strangely all of a sudden?

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is one of many books where the first book I read is the last in the series. That didn't matter because the back story was explained easily enough, and I quickly felt like I'd known Opal & co for far longer than a few chapters. 

This book is so sad! There was a continued feeling of gloom throughout the story, because Opal had to go. I felt so much for Martha who was desperate not to think about saying goodbye. When she couldn't ignore the impending farewell she tried to stop it from happening, but none of her crazy ideas worked. I wanted to hug her and explain that hopefully she'll see Opal again one day, and that there's usually something positive to take away from a person leaving your life. 

I was crying away over the end, which was made sweeter because of Garnet's surprise, which I wanted for myself! Garnet is Opal's pet, and what she does in the books is important so pay attention to her appearances! Garnet is a source of fear in the story too, just like Opal, but it all works out okay in the end.  

Find out more on Maudie's website.

Suggested read

Another friendship filled read, without the sadness and black poodles is Mariella Mystery Investigates The Spaghetti Yeti by Kate Pankhurst (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E) 

Seal Island by Julia Green (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E, semi short 'n' sweet review)

2014, Oxford University Press, 192 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Oxford University Press

Grace is excited about her holiday, staying with Granny at her house in the Hebrides. She makes friends with local boy Col, and together they go exploring all over the Island. One day, Grace discovers a baby seal injured on the beach. She's not sure if she can save it, but she's determined to try . . .

Nayuleska's thoughts

Before reading Grace's story I'd heard about seal sanctuarys, but I had no idea what was involved in a seal rescue. I enjoyed learning what to do and what not to do with a stranded seal – some of the guidelines aren't easy to follow if you love animals, but it is necessary to limit interference with nature. 

What initially drew me to this book was the fact that Grace gets to stay with her grandmother on her own. It sounds so cool! I remember the very first time I stayed over at my grandfather's house on my own. It was a huge deal. All the emotions which Grace feels, the freedom, the enjoyment of having all of her grandmother's attention for herself and not her siblings, are spot on. There are times when she misses her family, but there is so much adventure going on those moments don't last for long. You'll need a tissue when Grace's grandfather gets mentioned – definitely weepy moment alerts! All in all a charming read. 

Find out more on Julia's website. 

Suggested read

For another beach themed book in the 9 years + category check out the hilarious Me, Jill Robinson! A Seaside Mystery by Anne Digby (Children's, 10E/10E)

Dragon Loves Penguin by Debi Gliori (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

10th October 2014, Bloomsbury Children's, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Content: oodles of cuteness! 

Summary from Bloomsbury

It's bedtime in the land of ice and snow.

"Night, night,” says Bib's mummy.

“Sleep tight,” says Bib's daddy.

But Bib has a better plan.

“Please,” says Bib, “can I have a story? The one about dragons.”

And so begins the heartwarming tale of a dragon in need of an egg and an abandoned egg in need of a mummy. It seems like the perfect fit, but what happens when that egg hatches and the little baby doesn't look like all the other dragons (in fact, he looks remarkably like a penguin)? Of course, his mummy loves him no matter what. But the other babies aren't so sure. Little do they know that being different can be good and soon their little feathered friend is saving the day.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is by far the best of Debi's book ever! It's super mega cute – just look at the adorable baby penguin. There is constant cuteness as the story progresses, with a huge plot twist which took me happily by surprise. That twist is why I love Debi's work as it's filled with unexpected outcomes which are always positive. A feel good read which isn't leaving my room! 

Find out more on Debi's website. 

Suggested read

Check out more of Debi's books including the first one I read, The Trouble With Dragons (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

Nayu's News #149 Medical update

I may not see an episode of Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream with Kanome in it today, but I love this outfit of hers!

Hi all! As promised on Sunday's post here's my update on how yesterday's hospital trip went. The tests went by quickly, not heaps of time waiting around which makes a change. Since I'd had them before I wasn't super nervous, only a little bit. 

Of course I'm nervous! 

My heart is looking mostly good! I say mostly, because it's always beat really fast (100-130). It was 120 yesterday, so I've had a 24 hour heart monitor on since yesterday, to see if nerves made it beat rather fast.

Yoshino from the anime Maria Watches Over Us has a heart condition, which made me love her as a character 

If it's as fast when I'm relaxing at home, then they'll probably give me medication to slow my down. I'm not bothered about that because I take a lot already and one more doesn't have a huge impact. I don't notice my heart, so whatever's good for it is fine with me. 

Cute things help me relax! This mother, child & bunny scene is adorble!

Today I am relaxing, honest! I've watched anime, done some crochet, and even managed some writing. Muse is finally starting to explain part of the story which was more than a tad clunky, which is a relief as I was a bit stuck on my own over it. After this post I'll be reading, while finishing off a blueberry cheesecake muffin (which is as gorgeous as it sounds!) Tomorrow I hope to schedule some reviews for the week. Enjoy your day!  

Bye!

What are YOU reading? #241

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys where you post books completed last week and plans for upcoming books. Jump over to her blog and see who else is participating.

Read

Peppa Goes Ice Skating

Children's, Picture book

10/10E

(Peppa is a bit over confident when she skates for the first time...)

Cinderella's Big Day by Katie Cotton and Sheena Dempsey

Children's, Picture book, 5 years +

10/10E

(Cinderella's wedding day is in jeopardy!)

The Rising by Tom Moorhouse

Children's, 9 years +

9/10E

(Book 2 in the water vole series sees much danger, some reunion, and a bit of understanding...)

The Snowman and The Snowdog

Children's, Picture book, Finger puppet book

10E/10E

(He is so soft to touch as well as adorable!)

Keep Running, Gingerbread Man! By Steve Smallman and Neil Price

Children's, Picture book

10E/10E

(Fitness is cleverly snuck into this version of the traditional fairytale...)

Give Us A Smile Cinderella by Steve Smallman and Marein Piwowarski

Children's, Picture book

10E/10E

(A brilliant take on a classic fairytale...)

The Saddle Club: Horse Crazy by Bonnie Bryant

Children's, 9 years +

10E/10E

(The first in a fun horse themed series!)

Misty Falls by Joss Stirling

Young Adult

9/10E

(I love how paranormal talents seamlessly fit in with normal life as I know it-not that Misty's life is normal!)

Come Dancing by Leslie Wells

Romance

6/10E

(Life in publishing holds less drama than Julia's personal life...)

Middle School: Save Rafe by James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts, and Laura Park

Children's, 9 years +

9/10E

(Rafe endures a week of camping with troublemakers just so he can go to school...)

The Rise and Rise of Tabitha Baird by Arabella Weir

Young Adult

9/10E

(Tabitha deals with her parents' split due to her father being an alcoholic by playing up at her new school...)

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Paranormal Romance

10/10E

(Awesomely snarky read which made me laugh heaps, as well as blush!)

Listened

Bliss Bakery by Kathryn Littlewood

Children's, 9 years +

9/10E

(Magical baking can go very wrong as Rose finds out!) 

Watched

The Stroller Plan

Film, French version

9/10E

(A French version of an all time favourite of mine, 3 Men and A Baby, although only 1 guy has a baby to unexpectedly care for...)

Aikatsu

REWATCH! - Anime, Japanese version

10E/10E

(In one week I can reveal why I adore the episode where Sora launches her own clothing brand, Bohemian Sky!)

Angelic Layer

REWATCH! - Anime, Japanese version

10E/10E

(I want my own battle doll!)

Shugo Chara

REWATCH! - Anime, Japanese version

10E/10E

(Seen a favourite episode where Nadeshko goes into warrior mode, which always makes me smile as she is extremely competitive and bossy, a total contrast to the shy part of her character!)

Winx: Season 6

REWATCH! - Anime, English version

10E/10E

(I've got volume 1! Love seeing Daphne in corporeal form-she is a sweetheart!)

Holby City

Medical drama, English version

10/10E

(A superb episode, heaps of drama involving Jack that had me giggling away!)

My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic

REWATCH! - Anime, English version

10E/10E

(Rainbow Dash has given me an idea for my soon to be announced secret project!)

Prison Break: Season 1

REWATCH! - Drama, English version

10/10E

(This show is really clever in how the guy plans to break out of prison...)

Waterloo Road

Drama, English version

10/10E

(A brilliant 2nd episode, with drama at every minute. Can't believe grumpy George is going!)

Games and craft

No console playing this week but I am making more progress with...

....the super cute 10/10E Littlest Pet Shop game by Gameloft in buying more houses for my pets. 

Gameloft's 9/10E Ice Age Village is expanding slowly, and I've got my first Wonderbolt pony in My Little Pony Friendship is Magic 10/10E game.

I did manage to complete Tropical Mania, 9/10E, and I'm back focusing on Diner Dash with hardworking Flo making it a 10/10E game, ditto Gardens Inc From Rakes to Riches, which Im getting the hang of the speed bonuses.

Craft wise I did some crochet,but have little to show other than 1 and a half fingerless gloves since I went wrong on a blanket. 

I had to undo half of it, but ended up with a mass of messy yarn so spent a few hours unravelling it and getting it back into a ball. I could have got away with the mistake but its one of my secret project items and needs to be as good as I can make it. 

Nayu's News #148 Happy Nayu

I love this girl's outfit

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a good start to the weekend. Today I've been...

Grocery shopping! No idea if that's what this girl is doing, but she's cute & looks as if she's in a shopping centre ^o^ 

Writing! I'd love to write with a quill and book, but weak hands means laptop/tablet is my writing medium!

Here's Sora thinking! 

...and watching Aikatsu! I'm totally addicted to it at the moment, and it's all I've watched today. I had to refrain from watching episode 61 more than once today - I can say why in a week, but for now let's just say Sora's debut as an Aikatsu card brand is related to my forthcoming secret project announcement ^o^

Wrapping up warm is a must!

I'm finally getting over the cold I have. Winter has begun for me, as my body is already protesting at both the cooler temperature & the rain. Both conditions makes my body go on strike, amping up pain & discomfort + making me more like a sloth than my standard tortoise pace of life. Yes, I miss the summer heat wave!

However, I'm a firm believer that there's always blessings to found in every life challenge. Being extra kind to myself by ensuring I watch a greater percentage of happy anime than ones with some conflict in is a win-win occasion/event!

Tomorrow will be filled with lots of fun!

I'll be doing a bit of blog work. I won't do too much, and will be resting more than normal because I've got my dreaded 2 yearly heart check up on Monday. It involves a long day, train travel, a few tests in the morning, and a consultation in the afternoon. Hopefully all will be well - my view is I'm still breathing, so I must be ok! I have to go because part of having mitochondrial myopathy means any muscle can be affected, including the heart. *nose wrinkle* Ho hum. 

Pretend this is crochet...

I will be taking crochet to keep me occupied. I've been to hospital enough times to know that reading doesn't happen easily because I constantly have to keep an ear out for my name being called. I found out the last time that crochet is the best option. I'll take a blanket one that's going to be a present for someone in my family, as it's super fun colours and will make me smile. 

I've got Tuesday off work so I have 2 days to recover from the long day. I'm looking forward to getting the train home because I always have a creamy cooler from Costa ^o^ It boosts me up for the journey home.

I'll be feeling like Sophie from PriPara when her energy crashes

I won't quite be up for singing in concert, but I'll be able to keep going til I get home

That's all the news I have for today - I'll do a quick post Tuesday to let you know how Monday goes. Enjoy your weekend!

Have fun like Holo from Spice & Wolf does!