librarydreams's reviews
654 reviews

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Brilliantly conceived and written. Kingfisher’s characters feel real, and, with obvious exceptions, it’s hard not to like them and root for them. 

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

A rare case where a book and its movie adaptation compliment each other perfectly, regardless of what order you enjoy them. I love the depth that Jones brings to the characters.

Sophie’s magic in particular is very interesting.

Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I really loved this addition to Pratchett's Discworld series. It is easily my favorite book featuring the witches. The insights on religion, belief, and humanity that Pratchett brings to the story are eye-opening.

Lenny the Lobster Can't Stay for Dinner: ...or Can He? You Decide! by Finn Buckley, Michael Buckley

adventurous dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Very clever, but may put kids off eating lobster.

Everybody's Favorite Book by Mike Allegra

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I have a feeling that this book will be a hit at story time! I love how it continuously changes itself on the futile quest to be everyone's favorite.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A very sweet "learning to read" story, perfect for kids about to participate in a Read to a Dog program. I appreciate that Madeline is never shamed for her reading difficulties, only encouraged to keep trying. She's also never pressured by the adults in the story to do something she doesn't want to do.

Stegosaurus Would Not Make a Good Pirate by Thomas Kingsley Troupe

informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Educational, but not particularly charming, engaging, or entertaining.

The Greatest Adventure by Tony Piedra

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

You can tell that Piedra worked for Pixar, because this could be the next Pixar short. The illustration style is also very Disney-esque. The adventure of imagination between grandfather and grandson is very sweet.

Don't Call Me Bear! by Aaron Blabey

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Blabey has another winner! Funny and informative with an impeccable rhyme scheme.

Cock-A-Doodle-Poo! by Steve Smallman

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Kids will always laugh at poop, but there are stronger poop books out there. The rhyme scheme is also uneven and difficult to read.