Reviews written by C.J. Redwine

This is a strong finish to the epic adventure that began with last year's REBOOT. As with REBOOT, the plot is relentless, the stakes are incredibly high, and the characters are worth investing in. The plot is full of twists and turns, alliances and mutiny, surprises...

I love the Judy Moody series, and was very excited to see the spin-off of Judy Moody and Friends. This book is as lively and inviting as the original Judy Moody books, and readers will love Jessica's pig-themed bedroom and obsession with finding her birthday presents early so that she...

FAIRIES delivers exactly what it promises to deliver--a thorough resources on fairies and the folklore surrounding them across the globe. Part One examines fairy characteristics, behavior, relationships with humans, and fairy tales. Part Two looks at fairy folklore from a variety of cultures. The wealth of fascinating information is beautifully...

In this quirky, fun tale of Churchill the pig's quest to find a new tail when his goes missing, a heartwarming lesson is hidden within enticing artwork and a delightful quest. Young readers will laugh as Churchill tries on all kinds of different tails. The artwork is designed to draw...

What I Loved: Creepy creatures and a spooky old house with secrets provide the vehicle for a heartwarming story of three siblings who learn to stop fighting and start working together as a team. The initial tension and fighting between the siblings is entirely realistic, especially given...

The cover, the illustrations, and the way the art draws the reader from page to page are definitely the selling points of this book. My four year old was immediately captivated by the artwork. It's colorful and playful in keeping with the tone of the story. ...

In this lovely, heartwarming story, little Gray wonders what would happen if he grew up and his mother grew down. He lists all the things he'd do to take care of her the way she takes care of him. The story is sweet and moving, the illustrations reflect the gentle,...

I read this book to my four year old daughter, and she absolutely loved it. Each page has a simple sentence about birds (The sentence is given in both English and Spanish, which is great for bilingual families or families who love to expose their children to other languages.), a...

Lighthearted humor is the hallmark of this story. Hooey is a boy with big ideas and grand plans. Twig is his best friend and consistent fall guy, and Will is his brainy brother who graciously helps make Hooey's big ideas a reality. Madcap mishaps ensue, but...

What I Loved: This book is impossible to put down. The individual voices of Vane and Audra are distinct and fascinating. Vane sounds like a teenage boy, and his head is an entertaining place to be. Readers will feel strongly connected to him and will want him...

What I Loved: The opening scene in DOROTHY MUST DIE is absolutely compelling and does an excellent job of making readers feel strongly connected to the heroine. Throughout the novel, the writer continues to touch base with the heroine's emotions and deliver them in a way that...

What I Loved: Fans of true dystopians will find elements to enjoy in BREATHE. All of the pieces are there: evil dictator/government, conspiracies to keep the government in power, a class system that keeps the people in their place, a growing resistance movement, secrets to uncover, and...

From the first chapter, ASK ME pulls the reader in and refuses to let go. The premise is fascinating--an Oracle hiding in a small Florida town who accidentally starts solving a murder mystery and puts herself in the killer's crosshairs? Yes please--and the narrative is compelling. This is the perfect...

This well-researched novel is fascinating from start to finish. Ms. Hopkinson does an excellent job of bringing the setting of London circa 1854 to vivid life. From mudlarking on the Thames to the bustling community of Broad Street, London's poverty, filth, class system, and colorful cast of characters are brilliantly...

What I Loved: Non-stop action and a conflict that grows page by page make this a fast-paced story readers will have a hard time putting down. The plot is often smart, the heroine is interesting and relatable, and the spy aspects feel authentic. The book is also...