Children's Pick: The Way Home for Wolf

The Way Home for Wolf
by Rachel Bright
Illustrations by Jim Field
Scholastic Press
2020
32 pages
ISBN: 9781338592740

Little wolf cub Wilf is a tough little guy who is as stubborn as the day is long. He wants to be a big wolf, strong and proud, and lead the pack, but others tell him he's too little. Longing to prove himself, he sets out strong and tough with the others, but he struggles to keep as they leave their old home. A blizzard separates him from the pack, and he's all alone and afraid. He falls through the ice into freezing water and is rescued by a sea unicorn who gets him to his next guide-helper: a giant walrus. With help from a string of polite strangers, Wilf is reunited with his pack. Wilf vows to help any stranger find their way back home, and the final page says it best, "...We're all just a handful of friendships from home."

A book about caring for others and guiding those who are lost is a lovely addition to children's lit. Beautiful and sensitive illustrations capture Wilf's fear and desperation when lost and his happiness and love when reunited with his family. The Way Home for Wolf will be in the mix for multiple awards for children's books and will be on the Scholastic book fair this year.

Highly recommended for early readers. A touching bedtime story.

Mythology Pick: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

See the trailer here

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer
Book 1
by Rick Riordan
Disney Hyperion
2015
497 pages
ISBN: 9781484760383

Rick Riordan has managed to return to his YA/middle grade roots: a likable, funny, irrepressible hero who makes a lot of mistakes but has friends in his corner who help him fight. This was the  kind of magic that is found in The Lightning Thief and now it's back!

Magnus Chase has been homeless since his mother's murder. He's in hiding on the streets of Boston, afraid of the cops and afraid of his Uncle Randolph. His mother's last words were for Magnus to run and hide and never to trust his uncle. So far, Magnus has kept things on the down low. When he realizes people are looking for him, and not just the cops, but someone or something much, much worse, he sneaks into his uncle's mansion for clues.

Magnus discovers strange family secrets including the oddball fact that he is the son of a Norse god. Uncle Randolph "helps" Magnus search for and retrieve an ancient family sword which Magnus uses to defeat a fire warrior, but also ends his own life.  That's only the beginning of the story. In Norse mythology, true heroes after life in  paradise, called Valhalla, and our hero Magnus finds himself with a one way ticket to Hotel Valhalla.

Soon, Magnus finds himself on a quest across the realms where he meets up with a motley crew (that's fun to say and fun to write!) of characters who will help him stay "alive."

The fun and laughter is back!  Riordan's books always use humor but The Sword of Summer is spot on. Chapter titles are hilarious in and of themselves:  for example: "The Man With the Metal Bra," "My Room Does not Suck," "Come to the Dark Side. We Have Pop Tarts," "We Have a Pre-decapitation Party, with Egg Rolls," "I Psychoanalyze a Goat," and "We Are Subjected to the PowerPoint of Doom." (I'm pretty sure everyone has seen that PowerPoint, right?) Magnus is snarky and smart if a bit inept as a demigod. When awaiting his fate, Magnus thinks, "I didn't want to be an extreme case. I wanted to be an easy case: Hey, good job. You're a hero. Have a cookie." Later, Thomas Jefferson asks Magnus, "Why do you think Boston is called the Hub of the Universe?" and Magnus answers, "Wishful thinking?" Comic gold!

Magnus must go on a quest to save the world with his band of sidekicks. Book 1 sets up for Book 2 easily. Expect Loki to cause more trouble-you know Loki alwalys causes trouble.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book as a  gift. I did not received moneary 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)

 

HUGE Book Giveaway: Raised by Wolves--Win the ENTIRE set!

Raised by Wolves (2010) 418 pages
Trial by Fire (2011) 357 pages
Taken by Storm (2012) 314 pages
By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Egmont

I have 3 FREE SETS of books and temporary tattoos up for grabs for 3 LUCKY winners! yes, that's 3 complete sets to 3 lucky people! With tattoos, of course!

I can’t believe I almost missed this series! It wasn’t until the publication of book 3, Taken by Storm, that I heard increasing buzz over Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ paranormal romance series; now I’m a rabid (ha, ha, pun intended), avid fan of Bryn and her pack of strays. You won’t want to miss this exciting series.


Read my review of the series here!

Simply post a comment on the blog here or on the review post on the blog. Please include your first name, city, state and email contact address in case you win. Deadline for posting is Thursday, September 27 at noon MST. Winners are chosen randomly by Randomizer. Winners will be notified by email on September 27. Please check your email. Winners have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing information. Books will ship from New York courtesy of Egmont!

Good luck and start posting! Pamela