cynsity25's reviews
14 reviews

Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon, Parker Sinclair

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A

5.0

I love a children's book with rhymes! 
This first book in thr Jake series is just a cute introduction to the adorable dog, who growls with everything he does. I love the authors use of rhyming and I love that her messages are all about being kind to yourself and to others. Each book has a message and exercises at the end that you and your child can work on together. I think that any child up to 6 and 7 would love Jake book.

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon

inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I love the Jake the Growling Dog series! Jake is a sweet dog who growls with everything he does. This book follows Jake down his favorite trail,  where he notices unknown tracks and a scent that scares him. He gets himself all worried about who the tracks could belong, imagining zombies and giants and other scary monsters. And in the end it turns out to be a newfound friend. Love how the author makes the rhymes feel so smooth. Makes me miss Dr. Seuss. All of Jake's books teach great lessons in their stories and have cute little exercises at the end that you can do with your child. 

Coyote's Road Trip by Laura Koerber

dark emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

From beginning to end this story is beautiful. Although this is a story about Coyote, the shape shifter spirit.... this story is so human. The story takes place in a dystopian world affected by climate change and follows Coyote as he leaves everything behind to take a soul searching journey, or a walkabout as I like to call it. Along his journey we meet different characters and hear their stories, and although they don't stick around for long they leave a lasting impression. 
The author has managed to tell a riveting story that makes magic feel like it's real and made Coyote feel so relatable. He is funny and complex and unpredictable. I truly enjoyed Coyote. Like I really want to gush about him because of how well written his character was. This is a rare talent in authors and I really fell in love with him. Did I say this story was beautiful? This was a quick read, and it pulls you in from the start to finish. This is a 5 star book for me. 

Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Flame and Crystal Thorns is the first book in a new YA fae romance series. This is a spin off of The Fae of Bitter Thorn series by Kay L. Moody. It features a few appearances and minor spoilers from The Fae of Bitter Thorn, but it also stands alone as its own series. It can be read without any prior knowledge or reading of The Fae of Bitter Thorn.