Book Review - Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess

About the Book
In his continuing quest to earn college recommendation letters from the gods, Percy has to pet sit the goddess Hecate's polecat and giant mastiff during Halloween week. What could go wrong?

Rick Riordan’s newest Percy Jackson adventure, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess, is full of hilarious set pieces, a diverse cast of gods and monsters, and many other delightful tricks and treats.

Percy Jackson, now a high school senior, needs three recommendation letters from the Greek gods in order to get into New Rome University. He earned his first one by retrieving Ganymede’s chalice. Now the goddess Hecate has offered Percy another “opportunity”—all he has to do is pet sit her polecat, Gale, and mastiff, Hecuba, over Halloween week while she is away. Piece of cake, right?

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover settle into Hecate’s seemingly endless mansion and start getting acquainted with the fussy, terrifying animals. The trio has been warned not to touch anything, but while Percy and Annabeth are out at school, Grover can’t resist drinking a strawberry-flavored potion in the laboratory. It turns him into a giant frenzied goat, and after he rampages through the house, damaging everything in sight, and passes out, Gale and Hecuba escape. Now the friends have to find Hecate’s pets and somehow restore the house, all before Hecate gets back on Saturday. It’s going to take luck, demigod wiles, and some old and new friends to hunt down the animals and set things right again.

My Take on the Book

Rick Riordan delivers another entertaining adventure in his latest Percy Jackson installment. Now a high school senior, Percy faces the challenge of earning college recommendation letters from the gods, and his latest task is anything but simple—pet-sitting the goddess Hecate’s polecat and mastiff over Halloween. Chaos, of course, ensues.

Fans of the original series will love the familiar humor, sharp banter, and thrilling escapades. Percy’s friendship with Annabeth and Grover remains a central, heartwarming dynamic, and the modern references sprinkled throughout add fresh relevance to the tale.

The storyline is filled with delightful surprises, drawing on mythological themes while mixing in fun, contemporary elements. Though there are a few minor typos, they don’t detract from the overall charm. Perfect for both new and returning readers, this book is an enjoyable, lighthearted read that captures the magic of Percy’s world once again.

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Book Review - Whose Tail?

About the Book
''A master of disguise, I am hardly seen -- turning into shades, like purple, blue or green. Who am I?'' ''A chameleon.'' 

In Whose Tail, using only a riddle and a tail, guess the identity of 13 amazing creatures! Each lushly illustrated page features the tip of a creature's tail, along with a fun, rhyming riddle. Can you use these clues to guess what animal each tail belongs to? Lift the flaps to reveal the answers and discover the 13 creatures from tail to top!

• 32 pages.
• Full color picture book.
• Hardcover with dust jacket.
• Picture book measures 5-5/8'' wide x 11'' high.

An illustrator and publishing packager for 20 years, Agathe Hennig is now the editor and creator of Ah!, an independent children's publisher located in France.

My Take on the Book
This is a short, fun book with colorful, engaging images that challenges the young reader to guess the identity of 13 different creatures. The book keeps the reader guessing and through the flaps, the young reader can identify all of the hidden creatures. This will be a fun book to read and share with your young reader!

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DVD Review - FRIENDS: The Complete Series

About the Book
Oh, My Gawd! In celebration of the 30th anniversary of one of television’s most watched sitcoms, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will release FRIENDS: The Complete Series in 4K Ultra HD on September 24, 2024. This ultimate collector’s set for any FRIENDS fan includes over 110 hours of content – including all 236 original broadcast episodes released for the first time in 4K Ultra HD, plus over 20 hours of extra features including all-new bonus content. Pre-order your copy now.

From Warner Bros. Television, FRIENDS follows the lives and loves of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City: siblings Ross (David Schwimmer) and Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), along with friends Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston).

FRIENDS was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman and aired on NBC from September 22, 1994 to May 6, 2004. The series was produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Throughout its run, the show was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards®, winning six awards including Best Comedy Series in 2002.

FRIENDS maintains its influence among viewers. Since its launch, the series has been watched over 71 billion times in the United States alone, across all linear & SVOD platforms. On an international level, viewers spent a total of more than 1.4 billion hours with FRIENDS in 2023 across linear and SVOD internationally.

As FRIENDS marks its 30th anniversary this year, the beloved TV series continues to hold an enduring place in popular culture and hearts worldwide. With its witty humor, relatable characters, and memorable catchphrases, FRIENDS transcends generations with its universal appeal, making it a classic that continues to bring joy and laughter to fans around the world.

Series information:

FRIENDS: The Complete Series

Includes all 236 original broadcast episodes from the iconic 10 seasons of the beloved series, plus hours of special features which has been created over the years including two hours of all-new bonus content.

My Take on the Book

The Friends: Complete Series set is a must-have for any fan of the iconic sitcom. Celebrating the show, this collection presents all 236 episodes in stunning 4K resolution, making it feel like you're watching the series for the first time. The enhanced visuals are incredibly detailed, bringing new clarity to familiar sets and characters.

In addition to the upgraded quality, the set includes over 20 hours of bonus content, offering fans a deeper dive into the show’s behind-the-scenes magic. While the 4K edition doesn’t include the extended episodes from earlier releases, the crisp visuals and immersive sound more than make up for it.

This collection not only serves as a nostalgic trip for longtime viewers but also introduces new fans to the enduring charm of Friends. It's the perfect way to relive the timeless humor and heartfelt moments that have captivated audiences for decades.

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DVD Review - The West Wing: The Complete Series

About the Book
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will be releasing The West Wing: The Complete Series for the first time ever on Blu-ray, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed series. Get ready to binge all 156 episodes from NBC/WBTV’sEmmy® Award-winning original series, along with hours of special features including over 20 commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reels and more. The brilliant political drama, following an extraordinarily intimate look at an American President and the inner workings of the White House, will be available to own on Blu-ray on October 1. Pre-order your copy today.

Created by Aaron Sorkin who executive produced with Thomas Schlamme and John Wells, The West Wing stars Rob Lowe , Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, and Martin Sheen. The series was produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

The West Wing, which originally aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006, garnered widespread acclaim with three Golden Globe Awards, two Peabody Awards, and 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive seasons (2000-2003). This year, the groundbreaking series celebrates its 25th anniversary.

SYNOPSIS:

Widely considered one of the best series of all time, The West Wing remains a landmark achievement in television, earning 26 Emmys, including four for Outstanding Drama Series. With its sharp writing and memorable ensemble cast, the show continues to inspire audiences with its intimate look at the triumphs, sacrifices and inner politics of the White House.

Series information:

The West Wing: The Complete Series

Includes all 156 episodes from all seven seasons on 28 discs, plus over 20 commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reels and more

My Take on the Book
This is an amazing set with all of the episodes from this series. You get to relive all of the political drama in its' fullest and relive all of the characters and plot lines and twists that I know that I came to love throughout the entire West Wing series. Beyond this though, as a fan of the series, all of the special features added a ton to your knowledge of the series and you leave feeling a lot more informed on the overall series as a whole! If you are a fan of the series, this is a must have!

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Book Review - London: A History

About the Book
In London: A History you get an idiosyncratic, comprehensive, and impeccably researched, this master work by a revered artist unveils one of the world’s most famous cities from pre-history to the present, in all its epic glory.

Imagine a kaleidoscopic view of a storied city—from the remote past to today—brought to life in magnificent illustrations. Laura Carlin’s breathtaking artwork animates thousands of years of London history, beginning long before there were cities—when dinosaurs roamed the Earth—and ending with the 2022 death of a beloved monarch. Teeming panoramic spreads track the Ice, Stone, and Bronze Ages; waves of Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings, and Normans; and witch hunts and wars both civil and global. From the Plague and the Great Fire of the 1600s to the world wars of the twentieth century, from the lives of the royals to those of housemaids and factory workers, this loving tribute to London through the ages thoughtfully curates passages from historical accounts, poems, and the private diaries of luminaries like Samuel Pepys, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf, allowing the city to speak through its famous denizens. An exquisite gift book for art lovers, history buffs, and world travelers of all ages, this rich compendium is for anyone who has fallen—or has yet to fall—under the spell of one of the world’s most bewitching cities.

My Take on the Book

Laura Carlin’s richly illustrated book offers an immersive journey through the fascinating history of London, from its prehistoric roots to modern times. Her artistic depictions, rendered in watercolor, ink, and pastels, capture the essence of the city's evolving landscape with a subtle and evocative touch.

The panoramic illustrations bring to life key moments, from the Plague and the Great Fire to the Industrial Revolution and world wars. With excerpts from historical writings and diaries by figures like Samuel Pepys and Queen Victoria, the narrative intertwines personal stories with major events, giving readers a deeply human perspective on the city’s past.

The book’s muted tones create a gentle, contemplative atmosphere, much like strolling through a beautifully curated museum. Ideal for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and London admirers, this visually captivating work presents the city’s rich history in a way that’s both informative and enchanting.

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Book Review - Doctor Fairytale

About the Book
Join Doctor Fairy Tale and her canine sidekick as they visit ailing storybook characters in this sweet story proving that one good turn deserves another.

My name is Doctor Fairy Tale, I'm always super busy.
My list of patients is so long, it sometimes makes me dizzy!

One character’s head is throbbing after her long, flowing locks were used as a ladder. Another has splinters in her bottom after sitting on a certain bear’s too-small chair. Then there’s the girl with blistered toes after hobbling home from the ball in just one shoe! Luckily, in this magical make-believe land, Doctor Fairy Tale and her dog are on the case, traveling far and wide to help injured and ailing fairy-tale friends. No matter what sort of bump or bruise—and no matter how mischievous the patient!—this kind doctor is happy to lend a hand, inspiring little readers to do the same. With warm, lively watercolor illustrations rich in humor and imagination, this story’s buoyant rhymes will have children happily guessing the fairy tales behind them.

My Take on the Book

Doctor Fairytale is a delightful and imaginative story that brings classic fairy-tale characters into a new, lighthearted context. Doctor Fairy Tale, along with her trusty canine sidekick, helps familiar figures like Rapunzel and Cinderella with their peculiar ailments, turning beloved stories on their heads in a fun, inventive way.

The rhyming text flows smoothly, making it enjoyable to read aloud, while the playful illustrations enhance the magic of the story. The watercolor artwork adds warmth and humor, blending framed vignettes with sweeping, two-page scenes that transport readers into the whimsical world of fairy-tale medicine.

Perfect for young readers, this charming tale teaches kindness and empathy through its caring protagonist. With its creative twists on well-known stories and its upbeat, rhyming narrative, Doctor Fairy Tale is sure to inspire giggles and spark the imaginations of children who love classic fairy tales with a fresh twist.

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