Fairy Tale Pick: Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School)

Flunked
(Fairy Tale Reform School)
by Jen Calonita
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
2015
244 pages
ISBN: 9781492601562

Snarky and fun, Flunked is a real page turner. This book may be my new favorite in the fairy tale remix/retelling trend.

Gilly isn't really a bad person; she steals to help feed her family. They used to do okay when Gilly's dad made his living designing shoes. He came up with the design for the original glass slipper, but since Ella became queen, she has her own cobblers make the shoes. Gilly's family lives in a seedy side of town in an old boot (The Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe). When Gilly steals a beautiful hair clip from an unsuspecting young princess, the police come to take her away to Fairy Tale Reform School.


Gilly finds that Fairy Tale Reform School isn't all that bad; in fact, she may even stick around for awhile. Where else can a girl ride on a flying pegasus or be taught history by The Big Bad Wolf? Only in Enchantasia at the Fairy Tale Reform School. Where else can a girl meet  fairies, trolls, goblins, mermaids, witches, and princesses? Only at the Fairy Tale Reform School.

The question is: who wants the royals dead? And who is sabotaging the school? And who are Gilly's friends and who are her enemies?

One plucky, perky, snarky girl with mad attitude takes on any and every spell they throw at her. Readers will like the retelling and mash-up.

Highly recommended grade 6-up. Avid middle grade readers will also be entertained, No adult d
content.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Early Reader Pick: The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf

The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf
by Mark Teague
Orchard Books
2013
48 pages

This winsome retelling of a childhood classic, The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf will delight and entertain young readers. The pigs are cute and brimming with personality. The first two pigs behave in "typical" piggish manner--overeating and overindulging and lying around. The third pig, a girl (of course!), is clever and crafty. She gets to work building a sturdy house that will withstand the elements.

When the first and second pig's house are blown down, they run to the sanctity of the girl pig's brick house. She invites them to stay they must learn to keep the house clean. All the pigs make friends with the wolf who turns over a new leaf and becomes less "bad."

Colorful illustrations by the author are simply delightful; they are full of life and laughter. Each spread has action and minor characters tell a story of their own--whether it's the cat going after a hen or a mama duck and her brood following the pigs, each spread not only features the pigs but other animals, too.

Highly, highly recommended ages 3-up. Wonderful artwork throughout, this book will  inspire wannabe artists and illustrators.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G of this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.