Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Library Monster

About the Book
"My Name is Buddy. I am a dog. I am also a detective." Buddy is in the school library and kids are taking turns reading with him. While Buddy listens to a ghost story, he hears rustling in the shelves behind him. He turns to look, but doesn't see anyone back there. He hears a book fall. Something smells strange. Not human…not canine, not like anything Buddy has ever smelled before. Could it maybe be the school ghost Buddy has heard so much about? When the child he's sitting with leaves, Buddy goes over to the shelves to investigate…and comes face to face with a mysterious creature that has a long, blue tongue. Buddy fans will cheer as their favorite dog detective solves another case with own great doggy style.

About the Author
Dori Hillestad Butler has always wanted to be an author. She wrote her first novel when she was in sixth grade. She wrote it to find out if she could write a novel, and because she needed extra credit in her English class. Her dream of becoming a published author came true in 1997, with the publication of The Great Tooth Fairy Rip-Off. She's gone on to publish more than 35 additional books for children.

Her books have been appeared on children's choice award lists in 18 different states. Trading Places with Tank Talbott won the Maryland Children's Choice Award in 2007. And The Buddy Files: Case of the Lost Boy won the 2011 Edgar Award for best Juvenile Mystery.

Dori has also been a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins, Unicorn Club and Boxcar Children series, and a children's book reviewer for several publications. She's published numerous short stories, plays and educational materials, and has served as the Iowa Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Regional Advisor.

She grew up in southern Minnesota and now lives in Coralville, Iowa with her husband, son, dog and cat. She visits schools and leads writing workshops all over the country.

For more information, visit her website at www.kidswriter.com.

My Take on the Book
This was another great story within the series of books that I have been recently reading with my daughter. Each of these books have a great story, but beyond that they have a message that teaches the reader something and opens a conversation between the reader and others.  As in the other books within this series, the story itself comes from the dog Buddy's perspective which was fun and engaging. This and all of the books in this series would be great for early elementary students that are getting into reading chapter books independently. I continue to be impressed and so will you!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Disney/Pixar's FINDING DORY to Dive into Theaters November 25, 2015 #FindingDory

When Dory said “just keep swimming” in 2003’s Oscar®-winning film “Finding Nemo,” she could not have imagined what was in store for her (not that she could remember). Ellen DeGeneres, voice of the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, revealed details today about Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”—an all-new big-screen adventure diving into theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

“I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”

Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film. “There is no Dory without Ellen,” said Stanton. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In ‘Finding Dory,’ she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.”

According to Stanton, “Finding Dory” takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

“Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature; the film was nominated for three additional Oscars® (Best Writing, Original Screenplay; Best Music, Original Score; Best Sound Editing). It was also nominated for a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical. In 2008, the American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made. At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It’s currently the fourth highest grossing animated film worldwide. The film has more than 16 million Likes on Facebook, and Dory—with more than 24 million—is the most Liked individual character from a Disney or Disney•Pixar film.

DeGeneres’ distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. Her syndicated talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” is in its 10th season and has earned 38 Daytime Emmy® Awards. DeGeneres has won 12 People’s Choice Awards and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Comedian for three consecutive years. Additionally, her show won two Genesis Awards and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. For her unforgettable turn as Dory, DeGeneres was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.


Like Finding Dory on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingDory
Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Missing Family

About the Book
Buddy has settled with his adopted family, but he's never given up on finding his beloved human, Kayla, and his first family. One night he sees men taking things out of Kayla's old house and loading them into a van. What's up? Though his friend Mouse advises against it, in the middle of the night Buddy decides to make a daring move, leaving everything he knows behind. Dori Butler's third case in The Buddy Files will entertain and satisfy the many fans of this brave, funny, and loyal dog.

About the Author
Dori Hillestad Butler has always wanted to be an author. She wrote her first novel when she was in sixth grade. She wrote it to find out if she could write a novel, and because she needed extra credit in her English class. Her dream of becoming a published author came true in 1997, with the publication of The Great Tooth Fairy Rip-Off. She's gone on to publish more than 35 additional books for children.

Her books have been appeared on children's choice award lists in 18 different states. Trading Places with Tank Talbott won the Maryland Children's Choice Award in 2007. And The Buddy Files: Case of the Lost Boy won the 2011 Edgar Award for best Juvenile Mystery.

Dori has also been a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins, Unicorn Club and Boxcar Children series, and a children's book reviewer for several publications. She's published numerous short stories, plays and educational materials, and has served as the Iowa Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Regional Advisor.

She grew up in southern Minnesota and now lives in Coralville, Iowa with her husband, son, dog and cat. She visits schools and leads writing workshops all over the country.

For more information, visit her website at www.kidswriter.com.

My Take on the Book
In this third book in the series you are given a look into Buddy's past life, which was great for the backstory itself. My daughter and I have been reading these stories together, so it has been fun not only to see and experience the mysteries themselves, but also see and experience the life events that surround Buddy's life and the life of this family and this is no different in that regard. This book continues to do a great job at mixing content in regards to entertainment and education as both are available for the reader which is what most readers want anyway. In the end of this book there are some topics that may be sad for younger readers, but in saying that as I have found in past books this opens the door to further conversations that you can have with your child. All-in-all this is a great book with a great story that will engage you from beginning to end.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts

About the Book
Buddy was adopted from the P-O-U-N-D and he likes his new family, but he's still searching for Kayla-his first family. What has happened to them? He hopes to solve that mystery soon, but right now he's got another urgent case-two dogs, Muffin and Jazzy, have been switched! How can Buddy get poor Muffin and Jazzy back to their real owners?

My Take on the Book
My daughter has enjoyed a few other of these books and this book was no different in that regard. The main character is back for another mystery. What I love as a parent is that I can give her the book and she will be done with it in a day because it is an easy read for her, but also because of the engaging content that keeps her interest from beginning to end.  As in other books in the series, it is not only about the mystery itself, but the author also does a great job at infusing educational content throughout that provides parents with a window to have conversations with their child about other issues of importance as well which is another thing that I find strong about this book and the series in general. Overall, another great book in the series that I would highly recommend for the young reader!



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy

About the Book
"My name is King. I am a dog. I am also a detective."

King has a very big mystery to solve. His family is missing, and he's been put in the P-O-U-N-D. Why doesn't his beloved human (Kayla) come to get him? When King is adopted by Connor and his mom, things get more confusing. The new family calls him Buddy!

And just as Connor and Buddy start to get acquainted, Connor disappears! Buddy (aka King) has big problems to solve, but with some help from his friend Mouse (a very large dog) and the mysterious cat with no name, he shows what a smart, brave dog can do.

Mystery fans and dog lovers will be swept up in Dori Hillestad Butler's funny, satisfying story... and left eager for Buddy's next adventure.

My Take on the Book
My daughter is in second grade and I am always looking for books that can push her forward as well as books that she can read independently and this fit the bill on both accounts. The book was easy to read, and even better a mystery (which is the genre of story that my daughter loves most). My daughter loved the fact that the story comes from the standpoint of the dog and that the dog has to take up the case to find Connor. The book was quick and my daughter mentioned that it was over so quick (which means she really enjoyed it). The book also is written in such a way that te font is larger and makes it easier to read for an early reader. If you like a good mystery that involves animals you will love this story as well. The story will draw you in with great characters and an engaging plot and you will find that you do not want to stop reading until the very end to see what happens next!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Spotlight Club: Mystery at Blue Ridge Cemetery

About the Book
The Spotlight Clubbers create stone rubbings of Civil War-era tombstones for a summer school class on the Civil War. Cindy has chosen the tombstone of Serafina Winslow, who died in 1862. Then, at the neighborhood yard sale, Cindy locates a box of interesting-looking old photos and frames and miscellaneous papers. When she takes it home with her, she discovers Serafina Winslow's journal inside! Things get even more mysterious when Cindy finds a sketch of her neighbor's missing locket in the journal. What does the long-deceased Serafina Winslow have to do with the recent disappearance of the locket? Leave it to the Spotlight Club to dig up the answers!

About the Author
Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations, but is best known for her many award-winning and best-selling books for children, including The Spotlight Club series and Some Things Are Scary. Florence Parry Heide passed away in 2011.

Roxanne Heide Pierce co-authored many books with her mother, Florence Parry Heide, including The Spotlight Club series and Always Listen to Your Mother. She passed away in 2012.

Sophie Escabasse has worked on diverse projects, mainly as an art director, graphic designer, and illustrator. She lives in France.

My Take on the Book
The Spotlight Club gang is back with a new mystery and this one I felt was a bit stronger than the first book in the series that my daughter and I read. Maybe it was that we already knew the characters, but my daughter and I were drawn in earlier and were excited to see what would come next with every additional page that came along. What I loved most about this book is that you get to discover the clues along with the gang and as a reader are drawn into the action of he story in general which is exactly what we are looking for in a good mystery, plus the author keeps us in suspense throughout which is also perfect for the mystery aficionado.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Spotlight Club: Mystery of the Bewitched Bookmobile

About the Book
The Spotlight Clubbers are helping out at the local bookmobile and they have a mystery to solve. "'This is our mystery so far,' said Cindy. And she read: 1. P. Nelson Edward. He said he doesn't know Olga Ratchett. But he does. And she is very mad at him. Why? It has something to do with the time. Was he late? For what? 2. Olga Rachett. Why was she angry with P. Nelson? Why was she so upset about the bookmobile being closed early? 3. The man with the silver cane. Why was he angry at Olga Ratchett? What did he write down? Was it something about the bookmobile? Or the sign?" And now, someone has broken into the bookmobile. The Spotlight Clubbers are on the case to find out who--and why!

About the Author
Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations, but is best known for her many award-winning and best-selling books for children, including The Spotlight Club series and Some Things Are Scary. Florence Parry Heide passed away in 2011.

Roxanne Heide Pierce co-authored many books with her mother, Florence Parry Heide, including The Spotlight Club series and Always Listen to Your Mother. She passed away in 2012.

Sophie Escabasse has worked on diverse projects, mainly as an art director, graphic designer, and illustrator. She lives in France.

My Take on the Book
My daughter and I are always looking for a good mystery to read, and this new series is a great one for any budding sleuth. I do have to admit that the first chapter was a little slow as it set the stage and introduced the characters, but after that the mystery began and you had to start using you mind and searching for clues along with the trio of sleuths within the story itself. The book was fun and light and kept us engaged, and in the end you will be happy to see where it all leads. This is a great new series that my daughter and I look forward to reading more of within the future!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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