Charming and Enchanting
932696
And to think that before I read it I had assumed that this book must have been inspired by a dream the author had one night.  I expected The Night Circus to have a lot of mood and aura (which it did), but hadn't expected the engrossing plot.  Very, very nicely done work of fantastical fiction.
4658199
Rarely does a children's story book engender such immediate joy and love, but this marvelous tale certainly did. Author Jean Hanson and illustrator Launie Parry have put together a beautiful and enchanting story about a girl with a love of books that I believe will become one of your favorites. It's already one of mine.

Illustrated in a style that is warm and soft, reminding me some of the "Lyle the Crocodile" series, with lots of small details to marvel over yet never become encumbered with the larger purpose. The story is a rhyming tale of mistaken assumptions that end up with the revelation of the power, mystery, magic, and glory of books. There are plenty of references to children's classics for the knowing reader, as well as a straightforward message about prejudice and understanding.

I can't say enough how lovely this book is, from the spot-on cadence (practically Seussian) to the endearing artwork, this is a book I can't wait to read to my students, over and over again.

Reading level is primary (4-8 years). Enthusiastically recommended!
2659081
This is a charming romance taking place a century ago or so, with some touches of fantasy.  Well written and engrossing.  Very similar to the movie--also an enchanting experience with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison.
2881505
I received my copy from Riptide Publishing through NetGalley and rated it 4.5 stars

From the moment I started this book I couldn't get over how charming  and I mean that in the best possible sense of the word - Lessons for Idle Tongues is. The setting, the characters and the story seduced me from the first paragraph. I think its fair to say Ive been a fan of mysteries for almost as long as Ive been able to read, and to discover a new (to me) series is always a pleasure.

Lessons for Idle Tongues was no exception to that rule. This is the 11th title in the Cambridge Fellows series although it was my first introduction to Jonty and Orlando. I was delighted to discover that I could thoroughly enjoy this book without having read the previous instalments. It is quite possible I missed one or two in-jokes or references to earlier mysteries, but if that was the case I cant say I noticed it.

Theres a lot to love in this book. The dynamics in the Stewart family, Jonty and Orlando  both separately and together -, the mystery of the wooden cat and the mystery of the dead youngsters, the period the storys set in, the beautiful language, the pompous yet time-appropriate manner of speech.... I could go on but will limit myself to saying I read this book with a huge grin on my face.

I love how the author managed to convey that Jonty and Orlandos relationship is illegal without making that a huge plot point. The characters and therefore the readers too, are well aware theyd be up to their necks in trouble should their relationship become common knowledge and act accordingly, but this is a minor detail and not something that motivates either the story or Jonty and Orlandos actions.

Since this is a mystery  as well as an utterly charming story  I should mention that both mysteries in this book were intriguing, cleverly investigated and solved in a very satisfactory manner.

Im not entirely sure what else to say about Lessons for Idle Tongues without giving too much away, except maybe to repeat that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is wonderful that I have ten previous titles in this series to peruse at my leisure. Jonty and Orlando have found themselves a new fan.
1893304
The characters especially OVE were delightful and very clever keeping the reader involved.  The goodness and interaction of neighbors and various age groups was wonderful to experience in a book.  The clever character intermixing such that you could see them and hear them....especially the accents of various nationalities.  There was a whimsy that warmed my heart!
4746191
This is a charming and unique book.  I'm not aware of children's books that use fly fishing to tell an animal story.  "The Flying Mouse" will be enjoyed by children as well as by the adults in their lives.  Charlotte Otten combines childhood fantasy with an adult's view of nature. The language is musical and the illustrations are magical.
4840800
An enchanting coming-of-age story for children and adults, beautifully illustrated.
The young character deals with different issues, metaphorically depicted, to become a grown-up person.
Well written and charming, its a story for everyone that conveys important lessons.
2091953
I remember when Fiona's Luck first came out.  One of my fellow librarians and I literally squealed with delight when we saw it.  We said, "St. Patrick's Day.  Reader's Theatre." And that is exactly what we did.  Once a month, she and I did Reader's Theatre with library books at a local bookstore.  This was one of the featured books.

Fiona's Luck is a delightful story with a clever twist.  I didn't know how Fiona would resolve her problem until she actually resolved it.  Not many people can match wits with a Leprechaun King, but Fiona manages admirably.

As wonderful as the story is, the reason we two librarians squealed with delight was the charming artwork.  Kelly Murphy (good Irish name!) creates an Ireland that is both realistic and enchanting.  Even in the heartbreaking barrenness of the first few pages, magic lurks in the corners.  Her use of color and lighting effects for setting mood is masterful.
2967958
This book is a delight for children of ALL age! For those just exploring the magical world of nature to those young at heart.  The beautiful photography and illustrations along with the wondrous style of writing is enchanting.  This is a marvelous addition to any library, full of information from the practical and medicinal uses of herbs to a beautiful introduction to the wheel of the year and cycles of nature, with glimpses into ancient folklore of various cultures.
304726
This book is a joy to read thanks to the compelling story-line and delightful use of language - beautifully written. It is extremely evocative and totally charming, set as it is in the English countryside in the mid-seventies. I was thoroughly caught up in the lives of the protagonists and hope to meet some of them again soon, M L Eaton!! Highly recommended as a good read.
1041355
This is a charming story full of wonderful verse and beautiful, engaging illustrations. I have given this book to a Boston toddler and a suburban four year old. They both were entranced by the story and loved Willow's visits to places they recognized. This will become a children's classic. It is also a great book for anyone of any age planning a trip to Boston.
1311636
The Escape of Princess Madeline was a charming and pleasing read, not just for middle schoolers but for adults as well. A coming-of-age story set in a fairytale land of Soron complete with a king, kingdom and knights, The Escape of Princess Madeline takes us on an unexpected series of events as Princess Madeline, a young girl who dreams of adventure while being constrained by her gender and role in her fathers kingdom, balks at an arranged future and takes her freedom into her own hands.
Ms. Pulioff weaves an enchanting tale with engaging characters that interact in entirely believable ways. Her visual imagery is vivid yet leaves enough to the imagination so as to maintain an integral mystique, a technique she also applies with adept skill to the descriptions of the wizards and magic. She creates enough intrigue in the mystery of the wizards and their exile to support an entire series based solely on these people yet this intrigue only adds a delicious element to the main story.
Madeline is precocious and stubborn, every bit a sixteen year old girl. Her journey is one of profound realizations expertly crafted through a fairytale motif, the message easily discernable to the specified target reader. Daniels journey provides a distinct counter to Madelines; his quiet, humble and unflagging determination to serve his king and the princess despite the odds transitions smoothly into the gentle budding of romance. These two characters are different but provide a beautiful balance in their personalities and interactions.

A few points to note (but none that truly detracted from the enjoyment of the reading):
 This may just be reader preference but I would have appreciated the presence of page breaks between the prologue and chapters. A nice gap between the end of the chapter and the start of the next provides an opportunity to take a mental pause  a brain-breather. When the next chapter starts on the next line of text the reading can feel rushed.
 There were a couple words misused: "Centered in the chaos, the trio of her favorite knights worked together, defeating the blue marked mean." (men, not mean); "He had about giving up hope as he approached the last house in the village."(given, not giving); at the end of Chapter Ten: Wizard's surrounded him, enclosing him in a circle of green." (wizards, plural not the possessive form); Chapter Eleven: "A green light surrounded him, until everything shone with a twinge of green." (tinge or tint, not twinge)
 There were a few instances of misplaced or unnecessary commas. IE: "One of his knights, proved above reproach, his right to the position."
 "He double-checked his spot, noting the streambed lined with hoofs, the periodic rocks he had jumped, and the full forest in front of him." Is the streambed lined with hoofprints? This was a little confusing.
 There appeared to be a formatting error at the end of chapter five: Bradens
gaze
darkened
with
disappointment.
 There also appeared to be a pretty big gap in text formatting in Chapter 8 between "He pointed to the door behind Daniel and motioned for him to leave." and Daniel refused." - almost an entire blank page between the lines.

On a final note, I would and will recommend this book (and series) to my sons middle school teachers for the important messages contained in the story and for the delivery of those messages. Well done Mrs. Pulioff. Well done.
152534
Charming, magical and highly entertaining story of loss and love.
2005234
M.L. Legette conjures up a captivating magical tale in The Orphan and the Thief.  I loved this story and I could not put my Kindle down until I finished the last page. I hope there is a sequel. It is a beautifully told and written story. I fell in love with the characters, especially little Hazel, the Spit-Fire tiny dragon.  Each charming character created by the author is so brilliantly drawn that each one captures the imagination and draws the reader in from start to finish. This charming story is so good that it may very well become a classic.
In the imaginary land of Calendula is thirteen year old Melena, the orphan, who has a talent for mixing magical potions and has been indentured for most of her life to Mr. and Mrs. Bell, the cruel owners of an apothecary shop.  A twelve year boy named Toad, an irascible thief, has lived with a band of thieves, called the Ramblers, since he was a toddler.  Together Melena and Toad embark on a quest, along with Melena's irresistible little Spit-Fire dragon, Hazel, and a strangely charming and enchanted beer mug, called "Joe" that has the esteemed title, "The Thief Lord's Beer Mug".
Melena's greatest desire is to find her long lost brother, and Toad's greatest desire is to save his "hide" from the likes of the evil Mr. Owl and his henchman, Mr. Ogg.  Along the way, during their perilous quest, they were snatched by a Snatcher, barely escaped being eaten by Ogres, nearly drowned by a Slinkwing dragon, and almost murdered by Mr. Ogg.
Fortunately, Agatha, a time-warping spider, and Joe, the Thief Lord's Beer Mug, help Melena and Toad out of their most treacherous predicaments.
In this enchanting tale, The Orphan and The Thief, we find that Melena and Toad discover a secret they never could have dreamed of and you will not want their story to end.  This enthralling magical tale is chock-full of unforgettable characters that will warm the cockles of your heart.
580430
Based in Korean folklore, this is an enchanting tale of love and courage, of tenderness and self-sacrifice. It moves smoothly and gently, beautifully told, and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I would read it again and again and recommend it to friends.
3698720
The Princess of Passyunk is a charming coming of age story about Ganady, a young Polish man living in Philadelphia with an eclectic set of friends and family. He is caught between two religions leading  to many amusing theological discussions with priests and rabbis.  He has an older friend in Mr. O who shares a truly magical love of baseball. It is this mysticism that becomes the basis of the book and leads to Ganny's attraction to Lana. I was never sure how this relationship would develop in Ganny's dream world.
I truly enjoyed this tale for it's inventiveness and magic. I waited for Ganady's miracle to take place and was frustrated several times waiting for it happen.  In the end I was rewarded with a "happy ever after" fairy tale. This book lets you set reality aside and live in a magical world where love can be found in the strangest of ways. .
2899193
Having this book I find a dear pleasure, the enchanting characters and fine plot that makes the days in the world pass so quickly and with great flow.