Dork Diaries: Skating Sensation by Rachel Renne Russell (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10)

June 2012, Simon and Schuster

360 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: annoying little sisters who occassionally do good, constantly having a troublesome life, confusing crushes/first mild romance, animal centre in trouble, having fun with friends & family, mean girls with an evil streak that could have been dangerous, being useless at something, outwitting a diva, lots of snow and ice drama, connection between fairies & clowns, the Nutcracker Ballet, inappropriate behaviour, insane amount of humour, a tissue needed

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Nikki Maxwell isn't at all surprised to find out that her crush Brandon volunteers at a local animal shelter. He's such a sweet guy - of course he wants to help those adorable puppies! Then Brandon tells her that the shelter is in danger of closing, and Nikki knows she can't let that happen. Especially when she discovers a shocking secret about Brandon that makes keeping that shelter open more important than ever. So Nikki and her friends Chloe and Zoey enter an ice skating competition to help raise money for the shelter, but (big surprise) Mackenzie has to stick her nose in and cause trouble so that she can be the one to swoop in and save the day. No way will Nikki let that happen: She'll just have to come up with some extra creative ideas this time!

Nayuleska's thoughts

Wow! Oh wow! I hadn't heard of this series before I reviewed it. I don' know how that happened - this is super hilarious! Nikki is like me and has entertaining mishaps - admittedly hers are more embarrassing. But no matter what happens she never gives up - even when she wants to someone (Brandon) or something reminds her why she's got to get through it. She has a huge heart which shows in the way she takes care of her little sister (even when Nikki wants to throttle Brianna), how she is prepared to be humiliated for a better cause. Her rival, Mackenzie is a Mean Girl. Yes the capital letters are necessary. She's an envious little madam who endangers Nikki and herfriends for a selfish reason. Nikki kept her cool and came up with a superb plan that had me smiling, crying and laughing. This 10/10 read will make you smile especially if you're having a bad day.

You can find out more on the Dork Diaries website.

Suggested read

For another hilarious read with a pesky little sister, try Witch Baby and Me On Stage by Debi Gliori

A Writer's Nightmare Round 2

I sincerely wished I'd never have to repeat last week's title again. That wasn't to be. 

Last Wednesday I had the saga of a garbled wip. Well hey, the same happened this week too.

I went from being nice and peaceful & happy about editing like Nadeshiko in the anime Shugo Chara and her first Chara Temari

to feeling like Nadeshiko when she transforms with Temari and turns into a very fierce and scary kimono wearing warrior

This time it was the afternoon, after I'd done a few chores so I was not particularly ready to be faced with garbled rubbish from my wip. I was pretty upset and confused about what was going on. 

Thankfully help was at hand on Twitter! I'm including links to everyone involved because saying thank you doesn't seem to be enough when it comes to keeping me sane during a writing crisis.

People I'd like to thank

@LianaBrooks (friend & fellow writer) & @StephanieLMcGee (fellow writer, new Tweep) sweetly retweeted my dilemma in order to get me help. 

@KaathLangrish  (writer & Twitter friend) gave moral support once I'd calmed down to explain the situation properly. 

@YAyeahyeah (fellow book blogger) suggested a solution whch was welcomed even though it didn't work. 

@Serendipity_Viv (fellow blogger, writer & friend) did a fine job of calming me down, as worse had happened to her last year. I saw the light in returning to my paid virus protection, instead of the free one. She's also introduced me to a new writing program, Scriviner (I don't get anything for mentioning them). I'm on the trial to see if I like it. I suspect it will be rather good! 

I learnt two things from today's drama - no, make that 3. 

1. People on Twitter are lovely. They always want to help. If they haven't got a clue, they will spread the word until someone knowledgable in the matter is found.
2. If you can afford it, go for a paid virus checker. Unpaid ones are good, as I haven't had a problem until now, but I think there are some extra things which paid ones cover. 
3. Sometimes a mini disaster has to happen in order for you to try something new. I'd dismissed Scriviner many times in the past, but no more! 

 What a day. No editing for me, as I'd hoped to do. I can't do any tomorrow (working on Fri so need to rest) but hopefully Fri I can start unravelling the jumbled words and get back to where I'd last edited before the virus attack. 

Needless to say after some chores and overwhelming emotions, I'm worn out. 

Somehow I think that watching anime tonight is a very good option! Here's what I'll be watching 

Tari Tari - slice of life anime which is rather poignant, light in places and tackles real life issues 

Neo Angelique Abyss - Angelique rocks in this Magical Girl anime. Her powers are phenomenal! 

 Shugo Chara Doki! - season 2 of one of my favourite Magical Girl animes - it's cute and hilarious, while being quite reflective too. My favourite Shugo Chara Dia is appearing in the next episode!!!! (She mostly stays in her egg). 

I hope you have a less eventful day than me, save your work frequently and have the best virus protection you are able to get your hands on. Stay safe online! 

(a random funky picture - I love the urban style clothes)

Spike in Space by Malaika Rose Stanley (Children's, 7 years +, 6/10)

August 2012, Tamarind

118 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: moving house, starting a new school, cyrogenics (being frozen alive and thawed out later), the complex relationship of siblings, being different, not understanding anything, running away, eavesdropping, good advice, lots of alien concepts, lots of weirdness, some humour

Summary from Random House Children's Publishers

Want a story that's full of ALIENS and MONSTERS, and horrible, out-of-this-world smelly POO?

Then meet Spike! His adoptive family are from another planet, and now they're taking him to live with them in SPACE!

Can he survive a new school, a horrible bully and a deadly attack from a hairy monster?

Nayuleska's thoughts

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but sadly I couldn't get to grips with this. I did enjoy how Ali and Spike's relationship as siblings was portrayed, the various misunderstandings and jumping to conclusions.

I think because everything was alien to Spike it was too hard for me to grasp it all. (With little energy it can be tricky for me to grasp plots when I'm tired). I loved the different subjects and pupils at school. I found the wildlife too weird, and the terminology (especially the word for day) didn't always sound right for me and didn't flow smoothly. The overall good feeling at the end helped this book get 6/10.

Check out more on Malaika's website.

Suggested read

Definitely check out book 1 Spike and Ali Enson (6th book down)

It's Not Fairy by Ros Asquith (Children's, Picture book, 9/10)

July 2012, Janetta Otter-Barry Books
32 Pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: types of fairies, household chores, acceptance, promotion of good manners, winning prizes, a few scary concepts, hilarious illustrations, adorable cat on every page

Summary from Frances Lincoln

The IT'S NOT FAIRY flaps round all night,
sorting out what's wrong or right .
But there's so many kids saying it's not fair -
she's ranting and raving and tearing her hair.
She's shouting, 'The very next kids I meet,
I'm pretty sure I'm going to EAT!'

Billy and Mary say they don't believe in the It's Not Fairy - but that's before she turns up at their house! And it's not only the children she wants to bake into a fairy cake - Mum and Dad come in for their share of blame too. There's nothing for it - the whole family may have to change their ways and be nicer to each other!

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is such a true book, focusing on encouraging good manners. It uses common situations which readers can find unfair, and shows a better way of doing it (instead of complaining). I liked the cat who had its own thoughts on the situation. 

 

There are rhyming parts to the story, witty names of food, exercise book with realistic children's illustrations. There are so many different types of fonts used which emphasize the points that are being made. There's a certain amount of a scare/ick factor which will appeal to younger readers but isn't quite for me which is why it gets 9/10.

You can find out more on Ros's website.

Suggested read

Another book focusing on manners is My Big Shouting Day by Rebecca Patterson. 

What are YOU reading? #135

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






Books I've read

The Snow Bear by Holly Webb

Children's, 5 years +

(A tissue needing super cute tale...my review...)

10/10

Winx Club: Fantastic Fairy Fan Book

Children's, 7 years +

(One of my favourite books of this year!  My review...) 

9/10

It's Not Fairy by Ros Asquith

Children's, Picture book

(A very funny lesson on how to accept things in life...)

9/10

Spike in Space by Malaika Rose Stanley

Children's, 7 years +

(Bullies are the same everywhere in the universe, as are brothers!)

6/10

Dork Diaries: Dear Dork by Rachel Renee Russell

Release Date:  October 2012

Children's, 9 years +

(Life is very traumatic for Nikki, especially when she tries to hide the truth...)

10/10

Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner

Children's, 8 years +

(Never underestimate a cat's intelligence, or a deprived child's inner strength!)

10/10

Guess How Much I Love You: Here, There and Everywhere by Sam McBratney

Children's, Picture book

(The love and warmth of Big and Little Nutbrown Hare made me feel fuzzy inside...)

10/10

Agatha Parrot and the Zombie Bird by Kjartan Poskitt

Children's, 7 years +

(I hate zombies and this was only a freaky read for a second...)

10/10

The Magnificent Moon Hare and the Foul Treasure by Sue Monroe

Children's, 7 years +

(Moon Hare is a funny nightmare!)

9/10

Partially read 

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Young Adult

(I had to stop at page 128 as it got too scary for me!)

Predicted grade: 8/10

Watched 

Beyond the Break

...I finished season 2 (which is more like half a season) of this fun Hawaian (spelling?) surfing drama. Although it was more dramatic (the lost at sea & stuck on a drug grower's crop digging a grave for your friend), I didn't like the directions the characters took. They seemed out of character in some places. And of all places to end a series (I'm wondering if it was ended mid-season), having 1 of the main characters be labelled as a thief when it was clearly a very nasty girl setting her up was horrid! On the plus side, there was no actual adult relations, mild teen romance, very much closed door policy which I really enjoyed. There was very little drunken antics, no actual drug taking, and I don't think there was any smoking which put it quite high on my list for a watchable drama (modesty wise - it's a beach show, so it's kind of obvious what they'll be wearing) 

Horseland

...a sweet riding animation that teaches life each episode in a very fun way

H2O Just Add Water

...yup, still rewatching these - they're so much fun! Especially now I know what happens.  

Elemental Gelade 

...Ah, this truly is one of my favourite anime (I have a fair few favourites, but this is top) It's kind of magical girl needs saving adventure. Ren! I'd forgotten how much I adore her - I love her dress, and her power is stupendous. 

Winx 

...I've only watched a few as the end of season 1 is quite dark & I've needed lighter shows to watch.

Negima

...the original version, not the spin off which I don't like. It's quite deep in places, but also very light anime - it is for a teen/older audience though with innuendo. 

Waterloo Road

...wow, it keeps getting more dramatic! Next week looks awesome. 

The Great British Bakeoff

...this week it was donuts - who wouldn't like those? Next week looks more challenging with gingerbread houses - lots of things seem to go wrong in the trailer.

Drina Ballerina by Jean Estoril (Children's, 9 years +)

 

This edition 1992, Simon and Schuster
160 pages, Paperback
Personal Copy

Themes: life as an up and coming ballerina, dealing with publicity, dancing in your own ballet, handling friends who are jealous, finding delights in all aspects of life, dreams coming true, excitement and wonder, house hunting, secret wedding, love, fair amount of happiness & laughter, lots of tissues needed

Book blurb

As Drina's eighteenth birthday approaches, the young ballet dancer faces some important decisions. The Director of the Dominick Ballet School puts an exciting proposal to her concerning the company's new programme. And what will happen between Drina and Grant, her secret love for the past four years?

Nayuleska's thoughts

I definitely had forgotten what happens in this final stage of Drina's life. She may be famous, but she goes through ups and downs of life. She learns that friends can resent her lot in life, never quite realising that the success follows years of hardship. I spent a lot of the book with tears in my eyes as this is what Drina has worked hard to achieve, and her happiness radiates off the page. I loved all of it, but especially when organising her secret wedding & wishing she could wear jeans and a sweater - that's exactly what I want! This is so very worthy of 10/10, and I know I'll keep rereading it.

Suggested reading

Be sure to read the whole series, which is heartwarming and still very applicable to life today in the lessons Drina learn, which includes Drina Dances in New York. 

Winx Club: Fantastic Fairy Fan Book (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10)

August 2012, Golden Books

48 Pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Themes: friendship, fairies, enemies, boyfriends, happiness, several puzzles, lots of stickers, each page is perforated so can be taken out to stick up on walls/pinboards,

Summary from Random House Children's Books US 

Meet Bloom, her fairy friends, and the evil witches of The Trix! Girls ages 6-11 who enjoy the magical adventures of Nickelodeon's Winx Club will love the posters, stickers, and secrets in this full-color activity book.

Nayuleska's thoughts

Yay! At last I've got lots of Winx Stickers. Naturally I had to preorder this book. If it were any other book it would have got 7/10. Despite the girls being in their Believix form, the book doesn't include Flora's boyfriend Helia or Aisha (Who is Layla in the French version that I watch)'s boyfriend Naboo. That is a pretty big omission in my eyes. They should have had more of the Winx's enemies, especially with the girls in their 4th season outfits.

That aside, the fact that it's one of my favourite anime/animation pushes the final grade up. I feel starry eyed like Kirino from the anime Bamboo Blade whenever I flick through the pages. I mean it's the Winx! It's cool to have such big, clear pictures of their season 4 transformation - it's hard to study the intricacy of the designs when the girls are in the show - they keep moving! The character descriptions are very brief but accurate. The puzzles are pitched well for the intended readership in terms of difficulty. I intend to take pictures out and put them on my wardrobe. I'm still debating where to put my stickers of this 9/10 read.

Suggested watch

Go check out the Winx anime, find out why I frequently refer to and watch it a lot. There's a few Winx posts on NRC here (I have had to cut dvd challenges due to health reasons), here, here, here (a spotlight on Winx girl Stella), and here (a review of Winx season 4).