Children's book review - Doctoroo! and the case of the Hacking Hippo by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner

 

Hilda Hippo, the famous opera singer, has invited Dr. Marsha Roo and her friends to a concert at the Sydney Opera House. They are enjoying the performance when Hilda Hippo starts to cough. Luckily with Doctoroo in the audience, she has quick medical advice. Hilda has been feeling poorly for some time. She has days when she feels well and days when she is really sick. Why does Hilda's mud bath make Terence Toad feel hungry? Which of the animals falls asleep before the performance starts? Moreover, what is making Hilda Hippo ill, and will Dr. Marsha Roo be able to cure her? Read Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo by Dr. Rachel Wellner to discover the answers to these questions and many more.

Doctoroo! & the Case of the Hacking Hippo is filled with exciting things for young children to learn about. From how long it took to build the Sydney Opera House to how mold can make you ill. Some of the book is written in rhyme which is a lovely way to introduce young children to poetry. I particularly loved the illustrations, which are bright and fun and will help children follow the story. The animals are all wearing clothes but still look like wild animals would look; this introduces another area of learning, and children will enjoy talking about the characters. Some of the pictures will make small children laugh, especially one of the nasty germs having a party.

I liked everything about Doctoroo! & the Case of the Hacking Hippo. The story is easy to follow but very educational and will be a fun way for young children to learn. The book was well-edited, with no errors in spelling or grammar. 

I recommend Doctoroo! & the Case of the Hacking Hippo by Dr. Rachel Wellner to parents and teachers of young children. This is a book that grown-ups will enjoy reading to younger children, and school-age children up to eight years will enjoy reading by themselves. There are lots of opportunities within the book to enhance learning. 

I rate Doctoroo! & the Case of the Hacking Hippo by Dr. Rachel Wellner a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. It is a delightful and engaging book that children will learn from while having fun. The illustrations are fantastic and enhance the reading experience!

I want to thank Rachel Wellner for a copy Doctoroo and the case of the Hacking Hippo in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Medieval Love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin

King Matthew is kind and generous. However, not everyone loves him: Calibor is King Matthew's enemy and wants to win the Great Sea Kingdom and rule it himself. The Springtide Festival is held annually, and people from miles around come to enjoy a day out. Fifteen-year-old Princess Eden persuades her father to let her participate in The Spring Moon Dance. King Matthew feels his only daughter will be safe with her lady-in-waiting, her tutor, and guards with her. However, when the dance finishes, Eden accepts gifts from the spectators and overlooks Calibor. Calibor is angry that he has been snubbed and commands his sorcerer to put a spell of pox on all the young men! What plans does Calibor have for Princess Eden? What is different about Tomas? Moreover, who do the servants help to seduce Princess Eden? Read Medieval love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin to find the answers.

This book only has one hundred and ninety-seven pages, but by the end of chapter four, more than sixteen main characters have been introduced. I found trying to remember whom everyone was confusing, spoiling the book's flow. There are also many grammar errors. This book needs to be proofread as mistakes like 'beforeheading' would have been picked up if it had.

Despite the errors, I did enjoy this book. It has all the ingredients of an adult fairy tale. King Matthew, adored by his people, has a beautiful daughter who falls in love with a handsome man. And his adversary, the evil Calibor, rules his people with fear and punishments and has a sorcerer to cast horrific spells on anyone in his way. Furthermore, there is a supposed faithful servant working for the other side, a village of little people, and a good witch. I also enjoyed all the pagan references, particularly the handfasting of Maia and Tomas.

I recommend Medieval Love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin to anyone who enjoys romance, good versus evil, or an adult fairy tale. Many medieval words are used, which a historian would also enjoy. Sex is mainly hinted at, but I would not recommend this book to people under sixteen.

I want to give Medieval Love and War 3 out of 5 stars because, although I enjoyed the story, introducing so many characters in the first few chapters confused me. I re-read the first four chapters and made a list of the people, their characteristics, and which of the other characters they knew. Terry Mott-Bellin should add this information at the beginning of the book for readers to refer back to. A map of all the places mentioned in the book would also be helpful. I have reduced the stars because this book has yet to be edited or proofread, and there are errors on most pages. So many mistakes are annoying and spoil the book's flow!

I want to thank Terry Mott-Bellin for a copy of Medieval Love and War in exchange for my honest and impartial review. 

You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book Review - Living in the Lap of the Gods by Lynn Roach

 

Lynn Roach was born in 1958 in Wales. In the early sixties, his parents took the opportunity to move to Australia as ten-pound poms. After three years, the family returned to Wales. Lynn believes all the traveling at an early age fed his wander lust, this and the tales his grandmother told him about her father, who had been a captain on a sailing ship. 

When Roach leaves school, he is keen to begin his travels, but his parents say he must get a trade. He lands a four-year apprenticeship and works hard to become a qualified toolmaker. Roach expects to be kept on when his apprenticeship ends, but the company decides not to keep on any of the apprentices that year. Roach is now over eighteen and in the perfect position to travel. However, despite all his adventures, it is the sea he yearns for. 

One day he meets up with a friend in the local pub, and a conversation leads to Roach being given a chance to follow his dreams. How does Penelope fit in with his plans? Why did Roach rename his first yacht Seefalke? Furthermore, what happens the first time Seefalke is launched? Read Living in the Lap of the Gods to find answers to these questions and follow Lynn Roach's adventures.

I enjoyed reading Living in the Lap of the Gods. Roach has a thorough knowledge of the subject. I found his experiences fascinating, and they brought back memories of crewing for my grandad in yacht races when I was a teenager. This well-written story has many technical terms but is also an engaging account of a young man's adventures: getting an old wreck seaworthy and then single-handedly traveling the world in it. I liked how the book is written as a ship's log while Roach is at sea, and while on land, it is an account of his travels. You feel Lynn Roach's fear when facing unknown situations and laugh at his humorous approach to life.  

However, I was not too fond of a couple of things about this book. Firstly many pages in the first chapters were taken up with Roach visiting the pub with his friends, always drinking more than he had planned, and always liaising with a barmaid. It became very dull, and I had to stop myself from flicking past these pages in case I missed something interesting. Secondly, in chapter five, a doctor friend of Roaches writes him a handful of prescriptions so he can make up a first aid kit. When the pharmacist discovers Roach's plans, he tells him he does not have to pay as the government can afford it! This is disgraceful, and I hope it is one of the untrue parts of Roach's account!

I recommend Living in the Lap of the Gods to anyone who likes reading memoirs with a travel and adventure theme. It is a fascinating read but has many terminologies to do with yachting, including shipping forecasts. I would not recommend this book to anyone who does not know the subject, as I think they may find all the terminology boring. There is profanity, but sex is only ever hinted at.

I want to give Living in the Lap of the Gods by Lynn Roach 4 out of 5 stars. I have taken a star away due to the dislikes I have mentioned and the fact that although, in the main, this book is edited and proofread well, there are some grammar errors. 

I want to thank Lynn Roach for a copy of Living in the Lap of the Gods in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book Review - The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker

 

In the Book of Job, Job is the main character, and there is not very much said about his wife, Ix'ises. The Legacy of Job's Wife is Cynthia Koelker's version of the other side of the story from Ix'ises point of view. It begins when Ix'ses is nearing the end of her life, and she wants to leave a record of the events for her ancestors. Job was five when his neighbour went into labour, and his mother was called to help with the birth. When Ix'ises was born, Job looked at her little face and fell in love. It is Job who names the new baby. Ix'ises had an idyllic childhood, her father was often away working, but she got lots of attention each time he came home. 

The family was not deeply religious, and Ix'ises questioned whether there was a God when her pet lamb drowned in a well when Ix'ises was a child. However, Job's family is highly religious, and they sacrifice animals to thank God for all he has done for them. What is wrong with Ix'ises brother B'nahram? Do Job and Ix'ises marry when they are old enough? Moreover, what tragic events will befall them in the future? To learn more about Job and Ix'ises's lives, read The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker.

Job's family and Ix'ses get together for a meal to celebrate Ix'ses birthday. When her children are born, Ix'ses mother makes up a song for them. She sings these lullabies to soothe her babies and get them off to sleep. When the children are no longer babies, it becomes a tradition for their mother to sing their unique songs on their birthdays. The families are together celebrating Ix'ses birthday, but on this occasion, Ix'ses has asked her mother to sing all of the children's songs. I love the way Koelker beautifully describes the scene, and I could picture the families sitting around the fire listening to the beautiful singing while the sun sets and the summer moon rises.  

The Legacy of Job's Wife is written in a beautifully lyrical way. Example from page forty-three, 'God was talking to me in the secret melody of my wind chimes, a language forgotten as quickly as the sun dried the morning dew.' Cynthia Koelker found that when reading about Job in the Bible, very little was told of his wife, Ix'ses. This book tells a fictional version of Ix'ses life. Koelker is very knowledgeable about the era's history, making this book fascinating. She also writes in such a way that you can feel the raw emotions of the characters and empathize with their joys and suffering.

I disliked nothing about The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker. It was well-written and researched. This book is, above all else, a love story, the love between Job and Ix'ses and the love for their families. I recommend this to readers who enjoy books about romance and those interested in learning more about the life and times of the Biblical story, the 'Book of Job.' I do not believe in God and the Bible, but I found this story fascinating. It would be best to read The Legacy of Job's Wife with an open mind. 

I rate The Legacy of Job's wife by Cynthia Koelker 4 out of 5 stars. I have reduced my score by one star because of many grammar errors. Although this is a fictional story, it is well-researched and provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of the people of the era in which the 'Book of Job' is set. It is an enjoyable story that educates the reader in a beautifully lyrical way.

I want to thank Cynthia Koelker for a copy of The Legacy of Job's Wife in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Children's book review - Unicorns Know Magic by Charles Adkins

 

Two children see a family of unicorns moving in next door and make friends with them. The unicorns all have unique tricks which they show the children. One day the friends head off on a fantastic adventure, and the children ride on the unicorns and visit famous places. What do they eat in Paris? What do they do in London? Moreover, what happens when the unicorns go to school? Read Unicorns Know Magic by Charles Adkins to discover the answers to these questions.

Unicorns Know Magic is written entirely in rhyme, but this does not always work. For example, on page ten, "We were hungry and stopped at a French restaurant, we've never had something as good as a croissant." Also, I did not enjoy the fact that on one page Charles Adkins writes that the unicorns had apples and carrots for lunch, and on the next page, he says unicorns only eat vegetables! 

The colorful illustrations are beautiful and very appealing. The landmarks are recognizable and add another level of learning for small children. Unicorns Know Magic by Charles Adkins will be a lovely way to introduce young children to poetry; once the grammatical errors are corrected. This book needs to be proofread and edited.

I recommend this book to children aged up to eight years of age. Younger children will love having the poem read to them while they enjoy the illustrations. Older children will enjoy reading it to themselves. Children will find Unicorns Know Magic a fun and interesting adventure and enjoy the rhyme.

I want to give Unicorns Know Magic by Charles Adkins 3 out of 5 stars. I have reduced the score by one star as there are a lot of proofreading errors, and the poem does not always flow or rhyme very well. I have taken off another star because of the mixed information, which would confuse small children. When you are writing for children, the book has to be perfect!

I want to thank Charles Adkins for a copy of Unicorns Know Magic in exchange for my honest and impartial review. 

You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Children's Book Review - Doctor Roo and the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians by Rachel B. Wellner

Marsha Roo is a kangaroo with magical powers in her pouch, which turn her into a Doctoroo. One day Marsha is in Australia playing on the beach with her friends Kirby Koala, Terence Toad, and Louie Llama when she gets a text message asking her for help at the Big Dance Festival in Hawaii. Luckily Doctoroo is a good pilot, and after a long journey, they arrive safely at the festival grounds. Everywhere Doctoroo looks, she sees groups of animal dancers practicing for the event. Why do Doctoroo and her friends climb a volcano? What is a RED-HOT Hawaiian? Moreover, why has Gertie Goose texted Dr. Marsha Roo to come to Hawaii? Read Doctoroo & the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner to discover the answers to these questions and many more.

I like the way this is a very modern children's story. Doctoroo has a mobile phone and receives text messages on it, and during the story, the animal friends take selfies of themselves. Doctoroo and the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians is a beautiful book filled with exciting pictures, and young children will learn a lot about volcanoes, rainforests, allergies, plants, and more while reading this fun and educational book. A sweet rhyme also teaches children about applying sunblock in the sun. This is a great way to introduce youngsters to the joy of poetry.

I recommend that Doctoroo and the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner is read to young children who will love the colorful pictures and enjoy the story. Older children up to eight years old will enjoy reading this story to themselves. There is lots of educational material that will help children learn in a fun way. I loved when the animal friends questioned a banana spider. Example from page sixteen 'He replies, "I don't bite young pigs. I don't bite old pigs. I don't bite any pigs. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some web design to take care of."' This made me laugh, and parents and teachers will also have fun reading the story.

I disliked nothing about Doctoroo and the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians . It is a delightful book that teaches young children in a fun and friendly way. The book had no grammar or spelling errors and was well-edited. 

I rate Doctoroo and the Case of the Red Hot Hawaiians by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner 5 out of 5 stars. The book will delight young children, teachers, and parents. It is engaging, and children will learn from it while having fun. The pictures are wonderful and enrich the reading experience!

I want to thank Rachel B. Wellner for a copy of Doctor Roo and the Case of the Red hot Hawaiians in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book Review - The trafficking Murders by Brian O'Hare

Lin Hui is studying at Queen's University but has amassed many expensive items; after a threatening phone call, she packs a bag and walks out of her life. How does a scholarship student from China have so many expensive clothes, shoes, handbags, and pieces of jewelry? 

Alina Balauru is a teenager living in Romania with her parents. Their farm is barren, and they are lucky to get a few vegetables daily from the dry earth. The family lives on cheap bones and makes soup with whatever they can harvest. They are malnourished, but other work is scarce. When a smartly dressed stranger stops his car to ask for directions and suggests he may be able to find Alina work in the UK, the family sees this as their salvation. 

In Ireland, three days later, Detective Chief Inspector Jim Sheehan is called out to a house where the body of a young woman has been found. A syringe is lying near the body. However, it is unclear whether she has overdosed or been murdered. Where do Lin and Alina fit into this scenario? Is the body one of these girls? Is it a suicide or murder? Did Lin or Alina assist in the death? Read The Trafficking Murders by Brian O'Hare to find the answers to these questions.

At the beginning of the book, there is a list of the characters in this story with details of any quirks they might have. There is also a list of acronyms used by the Police in Northern Ireland. I found these lists a convenient reference while reading The Trafficking Murders by Brian O'Hare. I enjoyed this absorbing novel. O'Hare has extensively researched people trafficking in Northern Ireland, evident in The Trafficking Murders O'Hare's fifth book in The Inspector Sheehan Mysteries series. 

Every day, worldwide, girls and young women go missing. Vile, sadistic, and evil people force these girls into prostitution and domestic slavery. O'Hare intertwines his research on trafficking with his unique style of storytelling. I felt a range of emotions but especially anger towards the men who use these women as commodities and deep sadness for the women whose lives are ruined. 

I would recommend The Trafficking Murders by Brian O'Hare to adults who enjoy murder mysteries and crime thrillers. I enjoyed that there are lots of twists and turns which keep you guessing, but by the end of the book, everything has been explained, and there are no loose ends. 

I want to give The Trafficking Murders 5 out of 5 stars. There are some grammatical errors, but they did not spoil my enjoyment. I disliked nothing about this book; I immersed myself in Brian O'Hare's exceptional edge-of-the-seat crime thriller. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I want to thank Brian O'Hare for a copy of The Trafficking Murders in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book Review - Always Losing Something by Max Green

 

It is the year twenty-thirty, and New Zealand-born sixty-one-year-old Max is on a private plane travelling from London City Airport to JFK Airport. Max has an appointment to see his neurosurgeon at Columbia University Medical Centre. He has had regular appointments here since his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis thirteen years earlier. In twenty thirty Robot Operated Suits (ROS) have been invented. Max has a personal assistant who straps him into his ROS every morning, and Max's thought waves control it via brain implants. In this way, Max is still able to walk and even jog. Always Losing Something is not just about Max's illness. We learn about his football career, wild nights out, and family and friends. What else does the ROS do to help Max? What is the gene therapy trial, and is it something Max can take part in? What nightmare situation did Max find himself in during the Covid-19 pandemic? Furthermore, how does Max lose a leg? Read Always Losing Something by Max Green to discover the answers to these and other questions.

ALS is a terrible illness that gradually stops every body part from working while the brain is untouched. Having looked after my Dad, who had ALS, I know how dreadful this disease is, and I admire all the humor Max Green has put into Always Losing Something. What could have been a depressing read was very upbeat and funny while teaching the reader about ALS and how it affects Max. For example, on page twenty, Max reads a billboard with the words fast, fast, fast on it. As soon as Max thinks these words, the ROS takes him off on a fast jog through windows, tables, and anything else in his way until his assistant can rugby tackle him and press the reset button on the suit.

 

I enjoyed this book which is well written and very engaging, but I did dislike chapter two, which tells the story of Max's footballing career. Max was a footballer scouted by Bournemouth Football Club in his youth. Although I agree it was necessary to explain how vital football had been in Max's life, I did not enjoy the blow-by-blow accounts of the football matches he had played in. This became very boring.

I want to give Always Losing Something by Max Green 5 out of 5 stars. It is an informative read told with humor. ALS is a rare disease that mainly affects the nerve cells which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements like chewing, walking, and talking. As well as having the disease, Max Green clearly understands the science of how the body is affected, and he puts this across very clearly in terms I understood. There are several grammatical errors, but they did not spoil the book's flow, and no stars should be taken off.

I recommend Always Losing Something to adults who enjoy factually correct novels. It would particularly interest people who have been diagnosed with the disease or know someone who has it. There is swearing in the book but nothing sexual. However, a quote from page forty-six tells us that at this time, 'No one has ever recovered from or been cured of ALS,' so this is not a read I would recommend to the faint-hearted! Max Green was given a death sentence when diagnosed with ALS, but he writes Always Losing Something with humility, bravery, and lots of humor. There is no sign of self-pity, and he deals with every knock-back with great courage.

I want to thank Max Green for a copy of Always Losing Something: A novel of hope, heartbreak, and soaring optimism in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html