TUMBLE AND BLUE by Cassie Beasley - Middle Grade Book Review

Tumble and Blue

by Cassie Beasley

(Dial Books, August 2017)

At a Glance

Genre(s):

Magical Realism, Adventure

Age Range: 

Middle Grade

Plot:

"When the red moon rises over the heart of the Okefenokee swamp, legend says that the mysterious golden gator Munch will grant good luck to the poor soul foolish enough to face him.

But in 1817, when TWO fools reach him at the same time, the night’s fate is split. With disastrous consequences for both . . . and their descendants. Half of the descendants have great fates, and the other half have terrible ones.

Now, Tumble Wilson and Blue Montgomery are determined to fix their ancestors’ mistakes and banish the bad luck that’s followed them around for all of their lives. They’re going to face Munch the gator themselves, and they’re going to reclaim their destinies." (source: Goodreads)

Strengths:

• Absolutely beautifully written
• The pacing is excellent - no slow parts
• The magical part of the magical realism was woven so expertly that everything felt natural
• The two main characters felt real and distinct
• Munch, the gator
• The opening!
• The ending!

Weaknesses

• It was over too fast (because I couldn't put it down--not an actual story flaw)

Would I recommend this title:

100% yes! 

Full Review

Every few years, I come across a book that leaps into my list of favorite books. I will proclaim my love for these books to anyone who will listen. Tumble and Blue is that type of book. 

First, let me talk a bit about much I enjoyed the actual writing in this book. I found myself repeatedly grinning from ear to ear at the beautiful prose. Now, I'm not saying it was flowery or gushy or showy. It was just a joy to read because of how well it was crafted. I knew after the first chapter that I wanted to slow down a bit and really enjoy the book.

Cassie Beasley's pacing was great throughout. I never felt like the story got bogged down (pun intended.) She did an excellent job at giving the reader just enough information to move the story forward, but left parts a mystery to be discovered later. 

And I loved Tumble and Blue. Both of these characters were vivid and fleshed out. Their problems were real, heartbreaking problems that most kids could empathize with.  I  also enjoyed all entire Montgomery clan and their crazy mishaps. 

One of the best parts about Tumble and Blue is that the emphasis of the magical realism is really on the realism part. Beasley doesn't rely on the fantastical parts of the story to dazzle and wow the reader. Instead, she is able to make everyday life in rural Georgia jump of the page. 

Tumble and Blue  was truly a delight to read. 

2018 A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal

The April A to Z Challenge is only a few weeks away and I will be participating for the 1st time!

If you aren't familiar with the challenge, bloggers from all over the world will post 26 topics from A to Z throughout the month of April.

And today is the big Theme Reveal Day! Drumroll please!

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#Kidlit Short Stories with A to Z Words Chosen by My 8-year-old Daughter

I am so excited to participate in this fun challenge. Most of the stories will probably be closer to flash fiction, but there may be a few that go longer. I can't wait to start sharing them with you, so please be sure to come back on April 1st!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 2/12/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

The Cybils round 2 judging has been taking up a lot of my book-reading attention lately--and I'm loving it. I am so excited for the winners to be announced on Wednesday. . Seriously, all the picture book and board book finalists were fantastic! It was hard to just choose one!

Dear Girl, A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful you!
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
illustrated by Holly Hatam

A few weeks ago, I read Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It was the first book of hers that I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I decided to read a few more of her books. This one came out just this past December and was brand new at the library. It did not disappoint. 

I think that this is the type of picture book that is appropriate for the entire age spectrum. I could have seen myself reading this to my squirming toddler to begin instilling a positive image early. I fell it is spot on for my daughter, who just turned 8, as she enters these pre-teen years and will soon be dealing with all sorts of inner and outer changes. I can see getting this book for a daughter who is graduating high school and getting ready to head off on her own.

The illustrations are just as beautiful as the text. The black and white characters with the splashes of color are fantastic. It is fun and cute and wonderful.  I would highly recommend this book. 

Poetry Friday - Losing My Head

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out the lovely Donna Smith's blog, Mainely Write, to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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I am all discombobulated. Here it is, 10:30 at night and I have a panic. "Oh no! I only have an hour and a half until it's Saturday and it'll no longer be 'Poetry Friday'!" Commence scrambling to get my stuff together. After about 15 minutes of sitting at the computer, I realize that it is still Thursday. Duh.

The stomach bug arrived at our home this past week and it decided to take no prisoners. I think we're out of the thick of it, but, as outlined above, the days have run together and I'm still trying to figure out which way is up. But we managed to get out of the house for a bit today and actually see the sun.

I have been reading through Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. Last month, I got to hear Lee Bennett Hopkins speak, and he mentioned Shel and some of his background. It intrigued me. I'd love to read a biography on Shel at some point, but for now, I am going through and rereading some of his poetry.   So I thought I'd share a few of his poems that were fitting for the past week.

(c) Shel Silverstein

Sick

“I cannot go to school today,"

Said little Peggy Ann McKay.

“I have the measles and the mumps,

A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,

I’m going blind in my right eye.

(read the rest of the poem here)

(c) Shel Silverstein

The Loser

Mama said I'd lose my head

if it wasn't fastened on.

Today I guess it wasn't

'cause while playing with my cousin

it fell off and rolled away

and now it's gone.

(read the rest of the poem here)

2017 Cybils Finalists Are Here!

January 1st is finally here and with it comes the shortlist for the 2017 Cybils Awards. Over 1400 books were nominated across 12 categories and the Round One panelists have chosen the finalists for each group.

I am especially excited to be a Round Two judge in the Fiction Picture Books and Board Books categories. It is a fantastic group of books and I cannot wait to dive in. I won't be posting anything on these finalists until after the winners are announced on February 14th, so be sure to follow the Cybils page for updates and information.

Congratulations to all the finalists.  Here's to the start of some great reading in 2018!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 10/30/17

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

I am giving away a copy of Ben Hatke's Mighty Jack and the Goblin King! Be sure to enter here.

Board Books

I'm the Scariest Thing in the Castle

by Kevin Sherry

Fun board boo with bright pictures. I like the bright, bold illustrations. My daughter especially enjoys reading this to her younger brother.

Picture Books

Pssssst! It's Me...the Bogeyman

written by Barbara Park

illustrated by  Stephen Kroninger

I really enjoyed this picture book. I like the cut paper style illustrations, and they were even a bit creepy. I liked the overall story, but some of the language (namely, the different nicknames the bogeyman call the boy in the story) feel outdated. But it was still a very fun, spooky read.

Pumpkin Town!

 written by Katie McKy 

illustrated by Pablo Bernasconi

Overall, this was an enjoyable book. The illustrations are whimsical and bright. I felt like it took the story a bit to get going, but once it picked up, it was great. Good October book to read with a good message about fixing mistakes.

Triangle

written by Mac Barnett 

illustrated by Jon Klassen

This is the type of book that gets better with each reading. The characters and the story made me smile. The illustrations are fantastic. There is a lot of texture in the pictures, despite not having much color. Definitely worth a read.

Hocus Pocus, It's Fall!

written by Anne Sibley O'Brien

illustrated by Susan Gal

This is a perfect book for the season. We enjoyed the fold out spreads throughout the book. The illustrations have a lot of texture and the colors are vibrant. I liked how each page incorporated magic words, like Abracadabra and Hocus Pocus. A definite fun read.

Graphic Novels

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
by Ben Hatke

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Together with the 1st in the series, it is a wonderful twist on an old fairy tale. You can read my full review here and enter to win a copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 9/25/17

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

I'm participating in the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril (RIP) challenge! Click here to see the books I'll be reading.

Board Books

The Bunny Rabbit Show!

by Sandra Boynton

 We have been on a Sandra Boynton kick the last few times we've visited the library. I love her style and this board book is really fun. I love the fact that it can be read, or you can make up a silly theme song to sing the words instead. My daughter and I took turns reading and singing this to baby brother.

My Lucky Little Dragon

Joyce Wan

This is my first book by Joyce Wan that I have read and it was really fun. I love how cute and bright the illustrations are. My little boy got a kick out of the mirror at the end of the book. The cover has some great texture to it as well. We'll definitely be checking out some of Wan's other board books.

Picture Books

Gravity

by Jason Chin

I picked this one up because my daughter has been acting how gravity works and this was a great introduction. The simplicity of the text, coupled with the beautiful images were wonderful. The back matter explains gravity in more detail, but in a very accessible manner. 

Professional Crocodile

written by Giovanna Zoboli

illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard at the end of this book. The payoff is so great. There is no text in the book, but the beautiful illustrations stand on their own while moving the story along. There is so much detail that you'll want to reread it and just study all the little things in each panel.  It is such a fantastic book.

Sometimes You Barf

Nancy Carlson

This book is exactly what you would expect. It goes into how everyone--including all sorts of animals barf. It could be used to teach young children that, while it is no fun to throw up, that it can be a normal thing when you get the stomach bug and it will pass. For me, the best part of this book was the illustrations on the end pages with all sorts of animals poised to barf.

Noisy Night

written by Mac Barnett

illustrated by Brian Biggs

For whatever reason, when i picked this up I thought it was going to be about all the sounds outside in the city at night. It is not. It is about all the sounds within an apartment building (duh me--it's right on the cover). The illustrations are vibrant and I enjoyed the repetition and rhythm of the text.

The Darkest Dark

by Chris Hadfield

illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Another one where I thought it was going to be about one thing and it ended up being about another. This is the true story of astronaut Chris Hadfield when he was a boy and what helped him get over his fear of the dark. The illustrations are rich and beautiful and the story is one that any kid can relate to. This would make a good book for biography book reports as it does have more info on Chris's life in the back matter. 

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

by Kenard Pak

Another great book with great illustrations. The text is simple in a good way and is a back and forth conversation between a boy and nature as it gets ready for the season change. The watercolor is so well done and I especially like the way the trees look in the background. I will definitely be checking out Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter when winter is a bit closer.

Cap'n Rex & His Clever Crew

written by Henry Herz 

illustrated by Benjamin Schipper

Is there much better than dinosaurs and pirates? This seems to be a theme lately as I reviewed Dinosaur Pirates by Penny Dale last well. The illustrations in Cap't Rex are what make the book for me. They're cute and comical at the same time. I also like how the abilities of each dinosaur helps it contribute to the crew in a unique way. It is a fun book.

No Room For Baby!

by Émile Jadoul
Publication Oct. 3, 2017, Kids Can Press

I received an ARC of this book to review

This is cute book for new big brothers/sisters. I really liked the illustrations. The crayon gave the pictures a nice texture. One of the things that I especially liked about this book is that it isn’t your typical “I’m the jealous older sibling” story line. The baby shouldn’t go on Daddy’s shoulders because it is simply too high—not because it is a place only reserved for Leon. Leon’s solution to where to put the baby is heartwarming and shows that he genuinely cares about his new little brother. 

Middle Grade

Hoot

by Carl Hiaasen

read by Chad Lowe

I listened to the audiobook of Hoot and enjoyed it. I knew next to nothing about the book, and was pleasantly surprised. Chad Lowe does a good job of reading the book and is not distracting. Being from Southwest Florida, I felt like the descriptions of the area were vivid and accurate. Overall, the story seemed plausible and realistic. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 9/18/17

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

Board Books

 Dinosaur Dance

by Sandra Boynton

I enjoy Sandra Boynton's books. The illustrations in this one are cute and my 7yo daughter loved reading this one to her baby brother. 

 Diggers Go

by Steve Light

I love the layout of this book. Long and narrow, the illustrations are really fun and it gives you a bit of scope on how big the machines are. It make for a fun, interactive read.

Picture Books

 I Am Bat

by Morag Hood 

I really enjoyed this cute book. Readers of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus will like I Am Bat. The character is really comical and fun. The book invites plenty of reader interaction. The illustrations are funny too and I especially like the bat’s cute round tummy. 

 The Bad Seed

written by Jory John

illustrated by Pete Oswald

Oh my gosh, this book was so much fun. Everyone in the house now wants me to buy it. My husband read it to the kids multiple times before it had to go back to the library. The story is clever and original and the illustrations are great too.

 Bonaparte Falls Apart

written by Margery Cuyler

illustrated by Will Terry

This is a book that I couldn't wait for it to come out. I love Will Terry's illustration style. The story is also great. It could easily be used as a text on therapy/service dogs and why some people need them. All around great read.

 The Tooth That's on the Loose

by Chris Robertson

I received an ARC of this book for review.

The premise for this book is great, I just wish it would have taken it a bit further. The cowboy narrator talks about how T.B. Wiggly can be found in your mouth hiding out--so quite literally. I wish that it would have been a straight western and the child reading the book could make the parallels between the story and real life. The illustrations are fun and overall I would recommend the book.

 Use Your Imagination (But Be Careful What You Wish For)

by Nicola O'Byrne 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The illustrations are fun, and I liked the twist ending. I thought it was a good take on the big bad wolf idea. And I liked the nod to Red Riding Hood without that character actually being in the story.

Now
by Antoinette Portis

I have been trying to get a hold of a copy of this book for awhile, and it did not disappoint. I love the simplicity of it. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is beautiful. After reading, my daughter and I talked about enjoying the small quiet moments and how they are important. It also led us to talk about being grateful for everything--not just the large things in life.

 Dinosaur Pirates!
by Penny Dale

Pirates and dinosaurs. What's not to like. The illustrations were detailed, especially on the ships. I loved the repetition in the verses. I also liked that it was 100% dinosaurs--no humans or other creatures. Sometimes it seems that it's always dinos vs. something else, so that was a nice change.