A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Books for Elementary School

Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂

Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy is a fun read.  It is somewhat about Doggo and Pupper but more about one of their household companions.  Child friendly prose and short chapters make this an appealing book for young elementary students.   I laughed because everything was so on point and children (especially those with cats) would totally get it.  

doggo and pupper search for cozy

The basic details for Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy

Title: Doggo and Pupper
Author: Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: Charlie Alder
Series: Doggo and Pupper, Book Three
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 96
Intended Audience: 6-9 years, grade 2-3
Genre: dog books, children’s friendship, chapter books
Available formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Audio
Received: Hardcover
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

About the Book and Author

Katherine Applegate also wrote Willodeen which I adored.  She lives with her husband and family in California.  She has written a lot of children’s books.   Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy is the third in the Doggo and Pupper series.   This one (I don’t know about the first two) brings Cat into the story.  Cat has a new situation in his life that leaves him searching for cozy and his friends step in to help. 

doggo and pupper search for cozy

Looking more closely

This is such a cute story.   Starting off with Cat telling his pals that something new has occurred in their lives, and a guessing game commences.  Oh, the things that Doggo and Pupper come up with!   Wouldn’t it be fun to ask children what they think might be new?  To think from the viewpoint of a cat or pup?

The facial expressions on all the characters really help to tell the story.  Can’t you just see Cat’s distress in the picture above?  And Pupper, in the picture below, looks so interested in what Cat has to say. 

The graphics and text work well together.  Easy to see details (including dastardly squirrels) and to read with a child at your side or as part of a group. 

Pupper and Doggo go all out (after a nap) to help out their friend Cat.  I love the community feel.  There is no Cat vs Dog vibe.   It’s just a very sweet story about friendship and caring about each other.  And working hard to see a need met.  Don’t we all need those kinds of stories?

I encourage you to check out the story of Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy.  Your youngsters will be glad you did! 

Agents of S.U.I.T.

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product Agents of S.U.I.T. through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂

Agents of S.U.I.T. is part of the InvestiGators Series of books, following up with some of the characters of that series.  This first book focuses on the Cilantro the Chameleon.   She’s getting her first mission!  Oh the excitement of that very first assignment. Her partner will be Monocle.   Let’s dive in yes? 

Agents of S.U.I.T

Basic Details for Agents of S.U.I.T.

Title: Agents of S.U.I.T.
Author: john Patrick Green, Christopher Hastings
Illustrator: Pat Lewis
Series: Agents of S.U.I.T, Book One
Publisher: First Second
Pages: 208
Intended Audience: 7-9 years, grade 2-3
Genre: graphic novel, animal comics, mystery, detective, humorous comic,
Available formats: Kindle, Hardcover
Received: Hardcover
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

Book and author

Agents of S.U.I.T. by John Patrick Green follows the InvestiGators series.   You may recall that I have written about this series in the past the books InvestiGators Take the Plunge and InvestiGators.  Agents of S.U.I.T. is the first in a series of six books.  

John Patrick Green and Christopher Hastings are the authors.  I was unable to find details about Mr. Hastings, but Mr. Green likes legos, being an artist, and humorous comics. 

Agents of S.U.I.T.

Taking a Closer Look

Agents of S.U.I.T. takes animal characters and gives them human jobs.   You’ll find cats herding sheep, dogs being deputies, and so on.  Cilantro the Chameleon has the job of being a detective, and is battling her desire to do her job the way she wants to, and doing it the way her job wants her to.  It’s hard to know how to fit in you know? 

Fortunately, Pat Lewis provides excellent graphics to help tell the story.  Loads of colour on bright pages delight the eye.   Clearly written text makes it easy to read the story. 

You will discover many puns and humorous situations throughout, perfect for grades 2-4.  Remember the adage of counting sheep so you can fall asleep?   You’ll find it playing an active role in this story. 

I love that the story line makes sense.  A detective sent out on a vague mission, discovers what needs doing, and uses their talents to solve the case. I love that Cilantro makes use of the skills of others to help resolve the situation with the aliens. 

Do I recommend?

I couldn’t find anything in this graphic novel, Agents of S.U.I.T. that was objectional.  Engaging story with a real problem, with characters that reacted differently depending on the scenario.  Having to think through problems and discover solutions by working together.  It’s good stuff packed into a fun read. 

If I were a Fish

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product If I Were A Fish through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂

Looking for a fun picture book to enjoy with your littles? This book is the result of some bullying received on a Tiktok video.  Some people are weird (but aren’t we all to some degree or another?) and this is a book that celebrates that it’s okay to be a bit weird. I love that it has no overt agenda, it’s just a happy book the celebrates the uniquenesses of people.   And isn’t that something to be joyful about? 

If I were a fish

Basic Details for “If I Were a Fish”

Title: If I were a fish
Author: Corook and Olivia Barton
Illustrator: Mike Curato
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 26
Intended Audience: Kindergarten to Elementary
Genre:  friendship, music book, bullies, bullying, picture book
Available formats: Kindle, Audio, Hardcover
Received: Hardcover
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

About the Author and Book

corook also known as Corinne Savage is a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and a huge dork. Corook’s music is filled with vulnerability and sprinkled with humor. Corook currently resides in Tennessee.   Her companion is Olivia with whom a mutual love of music is shared. 

Olivia Barton a singer/songwriter who writes songs stream from who she is. Barton tours regularly and has release multiple albums. She received her bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music. She lives is Tennessee with her partner and her dog Cubby. 

If I Were a Fish takes us into the uniquenesses of who we are showing the reader that we all have someone who can celebrate with us. We don’t have to be stuck with the mean comments from bullies.

if I were a fish

Looking Deeper

If the catchy lyrics don’t immediately capture your attention, the bright colours the flow across the page, depicting under water scenes will!   Enjoy the vibrancy and joy is brilliant tones from across the rainbow.   Balloons, fish, socks, rocks, beats of rhythm, and unique fish dot the pages.  White space is used well and some pages of completely full of colour.

The lyrics are easy to read, written in a nice font, with a decent size.  Sitting with a group of children gathered around to listen (and possibly sing) would be easy to do.  And all the talking points within which makes it just lovely! 

I love it when a fun book with a good message doesn’t include overt messages about gender, sexuality, colour, race, or anything divisive.  It’s all about people being who are they, getting to be who they are, without having to deal with bullying.  Regardless of who you are, you are encouraged to live your life with meanness.  Find your people!  Celebrate living with each other and leaving the garbage of the world behind. 

It’s a good thing NO?  Find your own copy of If I Were a Fish and be glad you have your own uniqueness. 

Jawbreaker

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product Jawbreaker through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂

Braces, bullying, and reporting.  This fair sums up the themes of Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman. Max is a typical teenager in so many ways.  She wears braces, and tries to figure out life.  Hanging out with friends and managing school.  It would all be so much easier without the bullies!   How will Max find her way through?  I’d tell you but that would destroy the fun of reading her story! 

Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman

The Basic Details of Jawbreaker

Title: Jawbreaker
Author: Christina Wyman
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Pages: 320
Intended Audience: 8-12 Years
Genre:  bullying, friendship, middle school, siblings, family, braces, dental work, 
Available formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Audio, paperback
Received: ARC Paperback
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

jawbreaker by christina wyman

About the Author and the Story

Author Christina Wyman takes a moment of her life, her middle school years dealing with dental issues, and turns it into a story of courageous determination to become better. She doesn’t mitigate the pain of dealing with the bullying and family situations, but at the same time shows a light of hope.  This Michigan teacher has shed her tiny bedroom as a child for a home with hubby, rescue cats, and various wandering wildlife.  She wants more rescue cats and chocolate as she continues her dream of being an author. 

Her story Jawbreaker walks us into the first person experience of seventh-grader Max.  Living with her sister and parents on a paycheck to paycheck basis.  She deals with family dysfunction, bullying, teachers who just don’t understand, and a desire to be something more!  She loves reporting the news and writing opinion pieces.  Will her life ruin her love of reporting? 

Digging Deeper into Jawbreaker

One thing you’ll notice in this ARC version I received is the art work is not complete.   You’ll find placeholders for each chapter.  This did not detract from the story for me, but rather helped me to not pay attention to the non-essentials in pursuit of a solidly good read. 

Max is a solidly real person, battling the angst of friendship, school, and family.   It’s not easy to be the one being bullied over something you can’t fix.  Only time is the answer, but that’s hard to see when you are in middle school you know?  Wyman does an excellent job of drawing us into the lives and actions of Max, her family, and her friends. 

This is a very readable, and relatable story.  My sister grew up having to wear braces, and a head piece, and she had to be so careful about what she ate. So Jawbreaker gave me a bit more of a glance into her life.  Being part of a family of six she came into her own amount of teasing, but then, so did I with wearing glasses.  We weren’t downright mean to each other though, so spared that! 

Jawbreaker would make an excellent story for any child (braces or no) experiencing bullying.  Not everything comes out excellent in the end, but it does come out better.  Through Max and her family, perhaps some reader will feel some hope, or at least some kinship, and know in the end, it will come out better. 

How to Catch a Mamasaurus

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product How to Catch A Mamasaurus through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂

I don’t know if you remember the fun of How to Catch a Daddysaurus, but today I have another in the series: How to Catch a Mamasaurus.   Just as the first was a quick spin on the attributes of being a dad, this fun romp delights in the joy of being a mom!  Come along for a rhyming good time about the loveliness that is mom! 

how to catch a mamasaurus

The Basic Details for How to Catch A Mamasaurus

Title: How to Catch a Mamasaurus
Author: Alice Walstead
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton
Series: How to Catch
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Pages: 40
Intended Audience: 4-10 Years
Genre:  children’s books, picturebooks, mother’s day, activity book, children parenting
Available formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Audio
Received: Hardcover
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

About the Author and The Book

Author and Illustrator

Alice Walstead (author) and Andy Elkerton (illustrator) have put together several how to catch books.  Children’s book author, Alice Walstead, loves to make kids smile with her stories.
Andy Elkerton, who is based out of the UK, is a children’s book illustrator who loves to create creatures that are impossible to catch! 

How to Catch a Mamasaurus

Filled with brightly coloured illustrations and busy active children, all things mom are celebrated.  Who is mom to you?  It’ll be covered in this fast-paced children’s book.  

how to catch a mamasaurus

Looking More Closely

First thing you’ll discover an any “how to catch” books is the mission.  Today’s mission… catch a mamasaurus.  They’ve tried for many creatures but this one… it’s a special one!!!!  

Colourful images filled with action flood the pages.  

Rhyming text to tell the story and make for ease of reading. 

Most pages are full-colour.  I love the emotion throughout.  Smiles, alarm, dissatisfaction, glee, concern, and determination.  Tons of great adjectives are used bringing home the importance of mom and all the different roles she plays.  Words that could generate great conversations with the children you are reading with.  Questions like how is mom a doctor?  Can mom be a referee? Is Mommy really an alarm clock?  How can mama be a teacher? 

The pages are so full of action they provide lots of talking points?  What kind of trap would you lay to catch a mamasaurus?  What type of meal would you make?  Does your mom like PB and J sandwiches, or would she rather have cheese and crackers?  Do you have a pet?  What kind?  So many ways to engage a child in this fun read. 

Find How to Catch A Mamasaurus before mother’s day this year.  Have fun reading with your children, and maybe they might find their OWN ways to trap their mom! (or their mom-like figure)!!  

The Curse of the Shaman

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So I’ve been slowly sorting through books that I held for my boy to read during our homeschooling years.   Sometimes I go “hey, that might make a good read” so I grab it up and kept it in my stash.  Unlike me, my lad didn’t turn into much of a reader, I would have liked for him to read though The Curse of the Shaman. Themes of determination, community, and help from unexpected sources.  

The curse of the shaman

The Basic Details for The Curse of the Shaman

Title: The Curse of the Shaman
Author: Michael Kusugak
Illustrator: Vladyanan Krykorka
Series: A Marble Island Story
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 168
Intended Audience: 9-12 years, Elementary Students, Middle School
Genre:  first nations, Canada, folk lore, Inuit, 
Available formats: Kindle, Paperback
Read: Paperback

About the Author 

Michael Kugusak is a Canadian author who has written several books.  Growing up in Repulse Bay, NWT he currently lives in Sooke, BC.   As a child he rode dog sled, went hunting and fishing, and lived a traditional Inuit lifestyle.  This history can be seen in The Curse of the Shaman. 

About the Book

The Curse of the Shaman takes us into the life of Wolverine from birth through to young adulthood.  We get to see him grow up within the Inuit lifestyle. The anger of a Shaman led to a curse which is later rescinded, but Shaman’s magic helper disagreed. And so the story unfolds…. 

The curse of the shaman

What Did I Think?

There were things I loved in this story and things that took me a bit to adapt to.   

I struggled with some of the names in this story as well as some of the Inuit language.  And a part of me wanted the author to make it easier for me!   How my… how selfish of me is that eh?   Good thing I recognize that eh?   Changing the names would also have changed fundamental parts of the story, which I so much enjoyed. 

The focus on family and community is fantastic!  People care for their family units deeply, and getting together with others is a time of work, celebration, and appreciation of each other.  People shared what they had and who they were freely because that was the best way to live in community.  Share and share alike is how folks survive in a harsh environment. 

Stories told to Wolverine as a youngster prove to be invaluable, again showing the importance of family.  And as children grow up and develop new skills, so do shamans!  🙂   It is good to see not only children learn new skills but the grown ups on their lives as well!   It’s a pleasant twist on a story, and another twist (though as an adult reader I rather anticipated it) is a good one as well.  🙂 

All in all, a good story that immerses us into the lives of the Inuit and a possibility of how shamans work their magic.  The Curse of the Shaman is well worth reading if you are looking at doing a study on Inuit of Canada.    

The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan

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Reviewing The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan just because I like reviewing books and this was my latest read.  🙂   Well, okay, perhaps I didn’t sit down and read it, Maddie and her family kept me company as I took care of the rabbits over this past week.   

We spent long hours in the car when my lad was young on car trips listening to the Ranger’s Apprentice.  Flanagan does an excellent job of bringing the Ranger core of Araluen to life.  A word of horses, kings and kingdoms, and men guarding the kingdom.  Sworn to protect the king and their people. Anyways, those stories centred around Will and Holt, the royal rangers series focuses on Maddie.  Maddie is the first female ranger with a tough job ahead of her.  

The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan

The Basic Details for The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan

Title: The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Royal Ranger (book two of six)
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Intended Audience: 10-13 years, Elementary Students, Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Arthurian Folk Tales & Myths, Children’s Fantasy, Children’s action and adventures
Available formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audio, Paperback
Received: Audio

The Author:

Australian John Flanagan began writing stories in an effort to encourage his son with his reading.  Those stories eventually become The Ruins of Gorlan, Book 1 of the Ranger’s Apprentice epic.  His family now includes grandchildren! 

The Story

The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan continues the story of the ranger core’s first female ranger in training.  Maddie, the princess, is learning what it takes to be a ranger.  While on summer holidays disaster strikes!   The Red Fox Clan seeks to overthrow the king.  Maddie and her family are in trouble.  Can she, together with her mom Cassandra, save the kingdom?  Can they prove that yes indeed, women can rule effectively in times of trouble? 

The Royal Rangers: The Red Fox Clan

My Thoughts

As much as this is a children’s story it’s a fun interesting story to read/listen to.  Full of action and intrigue, with people doing good. 

Lessons in honesty, doing your best, humility, asking for help when needed, being patient, and working hard to achieve your goals.  

I love the development of characters and how they say true to themselves.  Maddie’s insatiable curiousity and determination are evident in all her actions.  Her inexperience shows through at various moments which I think is excellent for Flanagan to portray. 

This book is part one of a two part book.  I was admittedly VERY disappointed when the book just stopped.  No good conclusion. Just stopped.  ALMOST but not quite made me stop wanting to read the series. I did pick up the next in series The Royal Ranger: Duel at Araluen. I’m listening to it as I write this review!  

Just so you know, Duel at Araluen picks up exactly where The Red Fox Clan picks up.   I really wish it had been written as one book, but perhaps that would make the book too long for the intended audience?

Should you read it?   YES!   If you like a good adventure story with good morals, no bad language, just overall a good story, this will fit the bill.  As interesting for adults to listen to as well as children.   Go out, introduce yourself to Series from Flanagan of The Brotherband, The Ranger’s Apprentice, and The Royal Ranger.  Immerse yourself in the days of knights, rangers, kings and kingdoms.  🙂