Just for Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Life is looking up for Lily Sanderson (AKA Waterlily, Crown Princess of Thalassinia). She bonded in name only with Tellin so she can still be with Quince, her human boyfriend. Lily and Tellin bonded to save his kingdom. A meeting of the monarchs of all the mer kingdoms leaves Lily distraught. The environmental problems that plague Tellin's kingdom are also harming other kingdoms. Lily and her friends (both human and mer) work diligently to provide aid to the endangered kingdoms. In the meantime, Calliope, mer couples counselor extraordinaire, is back. An ancient law requires Quince to undergo three tests before he and Lily can truly be together.

What I thought: Just for Fins was a very interesting story. The environmental parts were fascinating. I wonder how well we would care for the oceans and seas if there were human life in them. The chemistry between Quince and Lily was just right. Not a patch on Forgive My Fins but better than Fins are Forever. I liked seeing Lily grow as a character as she assumed her role as crown princess. Since the dust jacket is calling this a series and not a trilogy, I'm hopeful that there will be another book.

Any other fans of Tera Lynn Childs' Fins series out there? Have you found other books that have couples who exhibit the same chemistry as Quince and Lily? I'm always looking for another good book.

(Katherine Tegen, 2012)

Toads on Toast by Linda Bailey

Fox is bored with catching a toad every day. One trip to the bookstore, several cookbooks, and a family of toadlets later Fox finds himself making toads on toast. Mamma Toad is outraged. Can she tempt Fox to try a different recipe and save her children?

What I thought: Toads on Toast is hilarious! I can't wait to pair it with My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza for a Outsmarting the Fox story time. I might also use Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini. It's a bit long for the preschool crowd, but I try to shorten it some. I love the dark colors Colin Jack used in the illustrations. Fox is especially well done. I also like how he gives each toadlet a personality. Mamma is great...I love her red hair. Any other fox stories I should add to my list for Outsmarting the Fox?

Story Time Themes: Cooking, Outsmarting the Fox, Frogs & Toads

(Illus. Colin Jack. Kids Can Press, 2012)

Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George

This is Petunia's story. Youngest of the twelve sister princesses, she remembers less of the horrors of their dancing curse. Sent to visit a grand duchess, Petunia is kidnapped (albeit accidentally) by Oliver, leader of a band of thieves and by rights an earl. Of course, he sees Petunia safely to her intended destination, but he's less than enthusiastic to leave her there. Something evil lurks on the grand duchess's estate. Soon they all realize it's the old curse. King Understone is making one last attempt to secure brides for his sons.

What I thought: Very interesting story. I was eager to read the last book in this series. Princess of the Silver Woods did not disappoint me. The connections to the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" were slight which was good. It wouldn't do to overpower the main story. Oliver is quite an appealing hero. This book is filled with action, danger, and wit. I feel the need to re-read the previous two books.

Links to my other reviews of books in this series:
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass

Looking for more fairy tale retellings? Click here to read all my reviews of fairy tale retellings. Click here to see my YA Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads. Click here to see my MG (middle grade) Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads.

(Bloomsbury, 2012)

Let's Go for a Drive! by Mo Willems

Gerald has a great idea. He and Piggie should go for a drive. After numerous preparations, they realize they have one important item--a car!

What I thought: Such fun! Let's Go for a Drive! might be my favorite Elephant & Piggie book. I may use this for my Mo Willems story time in the spring. I love how Gerald and Piggir adjust to not having a car...much like children would.

(Hyperion, 2012)

#FlannelFriday: Winnie-the-Pooh & Beehive Hand Puppets

I made these puppets back in 2010. I used Lionbrand's free crochet patterns for a Bear Potholder and Beehive Potholder. I modified the patterns and left the bottom open so I could use them as hand puppets. When I first saw the patterns, I knew they would be perfect to tell chapter 1 (In Which We Are Introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees, and the Stories Begin) of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne.

You could also make a felt set for your felt board, felt hand puppets, or even stick puppets so the children can participate more.

I prepared myself a script complete with verbatim sections from the book and engagement questions for the children.

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

Celia is a triplet. Each sister has a gift. Jane sees the present. Anne sees the future. Celia sees the past. She finds it a useless gift until she meets Lo, a mermaid who can't remember her human life. Each day, Lo forgets more and more. Celia helps Lo remember who she once was. As always, a boy complicates things. Celia and Lo are both responsible for saving Jude. Celia wants to date him. Lo wants to kill him so she can regain her soul. Which girl will have her wish?

What I Thought: A dark finish to Jackson Pearce's fairy tale series. Fathomless is an intriguing story but I much prefer Sisters Red and Sweetly. There's less of a link between Fathomless and Sweetly. No characters from Sweetly make an appearance at all except in name only (Lo/Nadia's sister). This book definitely considers the other side of mermaids. Too many have accepted the Disney version. I haven't read Hans Christian Andersen's tale, but I know it doesn't have the happy ending the animated film portrays. Fathomless is well worth reading. The book will appeal especially to fairy tale fans.

(Little, Brown, and Company, 2012)

Mr. Cat's Things by Genevieve Cote

Mr. King likes things, new things especially. The old things he tosses in the pond. While fishing, Mr. King catches what he thinks is a monster. It's really a clump of all the old things he tossed in the pond.  Friends rushing to his aid find the things and love them. Mr. King discovers a new passion--turning old things into new things.

What I thought: Cute story with a good message about taking care of the environment through reusing and re-purposing. The illustrations are lovely--bright appealing colors with soft lines. Pair Mr. King's Things with More by Springman for an interesting story time.

(Kids Can Press, 2012)