darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
darladoodles's Completed Shelf
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2026
Bookish CatsBookish Cats, BookA Pawsitively Purrfect Collection of Litterary Classics
by Rozelaar, AngelaBook, 2019Book, 2019
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2026
Comment:
😻A Pawsitively Purrfect Collection of Litterary Classics😻
This may be in board book form, but it is just as fun for the adults in the room.
Here are some of my faves:
ANNA PURRENINA by Leo Tailstoy
CHARLIE & THE CATNIP FACTORY by Roald Paw
ROMEOW & JULIET by William Shakespurr
OLIVER HISS by Charles Lickens
LITTLE KITTENS by Louisa May Alcatt
THE GREAT CATSBY by F. Scott Fitzhairball
While my son was reading this with his baby, he turned it into a game for the rest of us. He would show us the picture and we had to guess the title and author in the language of cat puns. 😹😻A Pawsitively Purrfect Collection of Litterary Classics😻
This may be in board book form, but it is just as fun for the adults in the room.
Here are some of my faves:
ANNA PURRENINA by Leo Tailstoy
CHARLIE & THE CATNIP FACTORY by Roald…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2026
Comment:
Imagine yourself living on a canal boat that is six feet wide and fifty feet long.
That is the housing situation for the family in the latest title from Will Dean.
🚢The Lady Brett Ashley is a character all her own. As tension builds within the family of three, the boat seems to shrink in size. The head of household seems to enjoy moving as much as possible and thereby forcing the other family members to hunt down the boat at the end of a school or work day.
👨🦲Drew Jenkins rules the canal boat with an increasingly iron fist. He must go through certain rituals before sitting down to write (like shaving all of the hair on his body) and then work in absolute silence. Wife Peggy and son Samson gives us their perspective of life on the canal.
👩Margaret (Peggy) Jenkins has a plan. She realizes that life on the boat is becoming more restrictive for her and their son. If they can just make it to Samson's 18th birthday, they can be free. Or will that be too late? Her volunteer work at the library is a lifeline!
👦Samson (Sammy) Jenkins is a fourteen-year-old boy who is small for his age. He is bullied mercilessly at the private school he attends. Then he goes home to the boat and a father who does not understand him either. It's a miserable existence. Helping an older man around the house is a welcome outlet.
There were times when I almost wanted to close my eyes and not see what would happen next. Will Dean has a way of telling a story. This reminded me of The Last Thing to Burn which was my first read from the author.Imagine yourself living on a canal boat that is six feet wide and fifty feet long.
That is the housing situation for the family in the latest title from Will Dean.
🚢The Lady Brett Ashley is a character all her own. As tension builds within the…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2026
Comment:
There are many dangers lurking under the waves and a little jellyfish is especially vulnerable.
Ben Clanton has started a new series about Narwhal and Jelly in picture book format. And it's interactive!🤩
Jelly is the star of this one and is simply trying to get out of a tight spot in one piece.
Along the way there are sea serpents(EEP!), a sunken cannon (BOOM!), prickly things like a sea urchin and a lost porcupine(try to land on the blowfish instead), a pirate crab (GRRUMP), and the very spiky, toothy mouth of a big fish! THE END?
Never fear. With the timely use of a bottle of Dangerously HOT Hot Sauce (BLURP!) Jelly is out and about again with the prospect of waffles ahead. NOM, NOM, NOM!😋
I'll be back soon with a review for Book #2: This Book Is Seriously Silly!.There are many dangers lurking under the waves and a little jellyfish is especially vulnerable.
Ben Clanton has started a new series about Narwhal and Jelly in picture book format. And it's interactive!🤩
Jelly is the star of this one and is…
You And Me And You And Me And You And MeYou And Me And You And Me And You And Me, Book
by Lloyd, JosieBook, 2026Book, 2026
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2026
Comment:
What if you could time travel back through those old mix tapes? 📼
You have to travel separately so what rules would you put in place? 😎
What if your current version of the multiverse is totally different from where you started? 🙈
Here is what I liked about this tale of time travel via mix tapes:
📼The idea of making mix tapes for those you love is such an 80's and 90's touchstone. When you find those cassettes with nostalgic labels in a forgotten box, do you even have a way to listen to them in our streaming world?
🎧An old Sony boombox provides the portal for playing the tapes (and occasional CD) that transport Adam and Jules back in time. They figure out how to target their jumps and vow to just be "passengers."
🤯The temptation to make little tweaks here and there soon becomes an obsession. Can Jules remedy her lack of knowledge about French cuisine? What about Adam's "dad bod?" Their finances?
The butterfly effect is alive and well. Changing one thing in the past ineveitably leads to unforseen differences in other areas. It's a bit of a mindbending rush for a bit as the two dash back in independently without including the other in their plans.
🐶Groucho Barx - their faithful pooch is with them through it all. I love that his presence is a constant. What a great dog name, too.
🥂Cheers to this writing duo for a book that reminds us of the important things like wedding vows, family time, loyalty, and using your gifts. I loved the ending!What if you could time travel back through those old mix tapes? 📼
You have to travel separately so what rules would you put in place? 😎
What if your current version of the multiverse is totally different from where you started? 🙈
Here is what…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2026
Comment:
This beachy cover caught my eye on NetGalley and the comparison to The Penderwicks sealed the deal. I decided to give this audiobook a try.
Meet the Silver Sisters:
🌻Marigold is twelve-years-old and proud of her eldest sister status. She is a promising little actress and is so frustrated to leave LA for the summer in Cape Cod right after signing with an agent.
🌼Zinnia is eleven and does not appreciate the things that make her unique as the middle Silver sister. Her decision to write a play for a talent show will help her to realize how special she is.
🥀Lily is five and cute as a button. She hates the ocean after an unfortunate incident in the Pacific. On the Silver sisters To Do list for the summer is helping Lily enjoy playing on the beach again.
🌞Aunt Sunny is actually a great aunt to the girls. She is entrusted with the girls for three weeks while the Silver parents have work obligations away from home. A wise and resourceful character. Her Surprise Brownie recipe is included in the book.
While this seemed a bit slow getting started, I loved Stephanie Richardson's performance as narrator and look forward to reading the next two books in the series.This beachy cover caught my eye on NetGalley and the comparison to The Penderwicks sealed the deal. I decided to give this audiobook a try.
Meet the Silver Sisters:
🌻Marigold is twelve-years-old and proud of her eldest sister status. She is a…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2026
Comment:
Greg Heffley's story continues in this fifth book of the series.
With school starting, his To Do list is growing.
Why?
1. He and Rowley are no longer best friends. A guy in middle school really needs some backup.
2. Greg's mom is going back to school. Now the guys all need to pitch in with cooking and cleaning.
3. He needs to figure out how to get up on his own. Perhaps a loud alarm clock under the bed will do the trick.
4. His Uncle Gary is getting remarried for the third time. Greg is sure that since he has to wear a tux he is one of the groomsmen. Nope! He's the Assistant Flower Boy.
That's just a sampling of Greg's life experiences in this book. His life will never be the same when Gammie tells him THE UGLY TRUTH about growing older. Living life with the Heffley's for a few month may make you appreciate your own family.Greg Heffley's story continues in this fifth book of the series.
With school starting, his To Do list is growing.
Why?
1. He and Rowley are no longer best friends. A guy in middle school really needs some backup.
2. Greg's mom is going back to…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2026
Comment:
"One quiet neighborhood
Three different families
Bound by murder"
Dun. Dun. Dun.
That blurb on the back is about as clear as mud.
Here's what I liked about this suburban tale:
👩Klara is telling us the unsettling story of her relationship with Troy, her husband. How does their story relate to the other two perspectives?
👨Henry lives in a suburban neighborhood and has a new obsession with "the wife" across the street from his parent's home. He has a history of stalking women and needs a new project.
👩🦳Mary has a houseful of regrets. She may live in the same neighborhood as Henry. There is a tragedy in her past. Is it murder?
📚Nora Murphy tells a story and covers our eyes with blinders. Are these three people neighbors? They all seem to be struggling with family and/or spouses. How quiet is this neighborhood -- really???
Readers looking for a new popcorn thriller will find this one fits the bill.🍿🥤"One quiet neighborhood
Three different families
Bound by murder"
Dun. Dun. Dun.
That blurb on the back is about as clear as mud.
Here's what I liked about this suburban tale:
👩Klara is telling us the unsettling story of her relationship with…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2026
Comment:
This is a sweet read to share on Valentine's Day.💟
Mr. Panda is giving our free hugs, but all his friends seem to be hugging each other or themselves(Mr. Sloth) instead of him.
Never fear! This book ends with a big old group hug and Mr. Panda is right in the middle.🐼🤗
While I was reading this one, I took a few minutes to peruse the whole Mr. Panda series. It's a good one for helping remind kids of good manners and how good donuts are.
🐼Please, Mr. Panda is a good reminder for saying PLEASE.
🍩I'll Wait, Mr. Panda helps us all remember to be patient.
🎁Thank You, Mr. Panda establishes gift-giving etiquette.
😴Good Night, Mr. Panda sets up some wise night-time habits.
🧼Wash Your Hands, Mr Panda is perfect for flu season!
If you want a short read with a concise message and donuts, check out the Mr. Panda series.This is a sweet read to share on Valentine's Day.💟
Mr. Panda is giving our free hugs, but all his friends seem to be hugging each other or themselves(Mr. Sloth) instead of him.
Never fear! This book ends with a big old group hug and Mr. Panda is…
The First Cat in Space Ate PizzaThe First Cat in Space Ate Pizza, Graphic Novel
by Barnett, MacGraphic Novel, 2022Graphic Novel, 2022
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2026
Comment:
If you are like me, this title and cover leads to so many questions:
🐈Why is there a cat in Space? Well, who else do you send when the rats are eating up the moon?
🍕Is there actually pizza in Space . . . and does the cat ever get to eat it? Trust me, the cat was also wondering about that after getting interrupted so many times before that first bite.
👸There is a queen on the cover. What is that all about? She is the Queen of the Moon. And she has the key to the Dark Side. Very crucial if one is going to stop the rats.
🤖And what about that little robot on the cover? Looks about the size of a radio? That is actually a toenail-clipping robot. The little bot is quite limited in skillsets, but finds a way to be helpful to the mission.
You'll also be happy to know that this series has its own website with original music and a fan club. I'll be back later after I read the second book: The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom.If you are like me, this title and cover leads to so many questions:
🐈Why is there a cat in Space? Well, who else do you send when the rats are eating up the moon?
🍕Is there actually pizza in Space . . . and does the cat ever get to eat it?…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2026
Comment:
True confession: I always wanted to be a cheerleader, but it never worked out. 📣
When I discovered this debut featuring a Buffalo Bills cheerleader and a mystery, I was all in.
So how was it? I think I'll break down my thoughts in my usual review style:
👯♀️The Jills were the official cheer organization for the Buffalo Bills for decades. Our FMC Virginia is happily following all the rules for the Jills until her best friend on the squad (Jeanine) disappears. What happened to Jeanine. I wanted to know!
🥂As Virginia follows the clues she discovers that her white wine buddy was into some drug deals and hanging out with some seedy characters. Did one of those guys make her disappear?
👭Mixed up in all of this was Virginia's confusing relationship with her sister Laura. Having watched Laura get addicted to heroin and then go into rehab, Virginia was even more concerned about how she could help Jeanine.
🏈So in the end, this story is much more about Buffalo and some of its seedy underbelly than it is about football. I worked with a Chiefs cheerleader in the 90's and Virginia's dedication to the Jills was very much like the loyalty I saw in my coworker.True confession: I always wanted to be a cheerleader, but it never worked out. 📣
When I discovered this debut featuring a Buffalo Bills cheerleader and a mystery, I was all in.
So how was it? I think I'll break down my thoughts in my usual review…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 12, 2026
Comment:
It's a bookish cruise with a locked-room mystery and my favorite Melissa Ferguson to date.
The fact that my Terrific Darling Book Club friends joined me added to the fun. Thank you to the Terrific Tina, Barbara, and Molly for making this our February club read.
Here are some things that made this book great:
🎧Karissa Vacker narrates. A big thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for making an early audio copy available on NetGalley. Vacker shines in all the parts and makes this such an entertaining read.
🚢Most of the action takes place on a cruise that has been planned for readers to interact with some of their favorite authors. What a great idea! It's a relatively small ship (about 300 passengers), but still has all the amenities you would expect to find on a luxury cruise.
📚The Magnificent Seven represent many genres making them a diverse group: Neena(Romance), Jackie(Historical Fiction), Gordon(Fantasy), Crystal(YA) and the baby of the group, Ricky(Thrillers), Nash(Westerns), and Hugh(Mysteries). Our narrator is Penelope (Pip) and the administrator for the group aka the glue.
🤣While there were some moments of genuine peril, I found so many more times I was literally laughing out loud. A pleasure to read!
📖When I decided to read this title, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley were also offering the digital format as "Read Now." It worked out perfectly to listen to most of the book while then reviewing in the digital format and marking highlights for book discussion. Thank you to the publisher and NG!
This book is due for publication on Tuesday, February 17. I heartily recommend it to help chase away those Winter blues. Also be sure to check reviews from my Terrific Darling friends: Tina, Barbara, and Molly. I think they enjoyed it almost as much as I did.It's a bookish cruise with a locked-room mystery and my favorite Melissa Ferguson to date.
The fact that my Terrific Darling Book Club friends joined me added to the fun. Thank you to the Terrific Tina, Barbara, and Molly for making this our…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2026
Comment:
I don't know much about hockey, but that did not keep me from enjoying this first book in the Holidays with Hart series.
Here is why I am giving this one all the stars:
🧑🍳 Poppy Hart is a relatable small town girl with her own restaurant. A coffee shop meet-cute throws her into the path of Dallas Burke. They may not know it yet, but they are MFEO (Made For Each Other).
🏒 Dallas Burke has a bad boy reputation and his agent sees a partnership with Poppy as the ideal plan for rehabbing his image while also helping Poppy with her struggling business. His back story will show you the hurt little boy that lurks inside. You might need your tissues.
🎁There is a grand gesture that will melt your heart.
💕 This is an ideal read for Valentine's Day. Now I can look forward to reading Book #2 My Lucky Charm about Poppy's baby sister Eloise.
🧼 Courtney Walsh is an auto read author for me. She writes clean, humorus stories with heart. This particular book was written as a palate cleanser and meant to give her JOY. What a bonus as her joy in writing it is contagious.
If you haven't tried a Courtney Walsh book yet, what are you waiting for? Jump in and enjoy.🥰I don't know much about hockey, but that did not keep me from enjoying this first book in the Holidays with Hart series.
Here is why I am giving this one all the stars:
🧑🍳 Poppy Hart is a relatable small town girl with her own restaurant. A…
Added Feb 11, 2026
Comment:
Vera Vixen and her bestie Lenore, the raven owner of the Shady Hollow bookstore, hit the road in this fifth episode. They are acting as chaperones for a bunch of teenage animals and looking forward to visiting the site of a famous Summer ending archealogical site.🦊
As you might have guessed a mysterious death occurs to put a monkey wrench in their plans. And Lenore's estranged sister Ligiea has been framed for the crime. (The whole family has Edgar Allen Poe names and Lenore's bookstore is the Never More Bookstore.)📚
This was a solid addition to the series. Here are four things I especially enjoyed:
🌞The interesting change of venue. There were many interesting things to explore in Summers End and the new location allowed for new characters to be introduced like Ligiea.
🦚Speaking of new characters, Juneau Black includes some fascinating new species in this one: a peacock (poetry professor), a bearded dragon (a research professor), a vole (Vera's mentee), a stoat (somewhat shady), and a pica (owner of an astrology business).
🦝Lefty the raccoon comes to the rescue. Vera once again utilizes his unique skillset to assist her in solving the mystery. Could he find a way to leave his shady ways behind for good?
🎧Cassandra Campbell once again provides and entertaining audio book performance. With all the new characters included she had a challenging book to narrate. The only thing I would change would be to add a list of the characters to the audio book summary. It was tricky to keep track of them all at first.
This series is in high demand on Libby at my library. I will look forward to reading Book 6: Mockingbird Court when I get my turn.Vera Vixen and her bestie Lenore, the raven owner of the Shady Hollow bookstore, hit the road in this fifth episode. They are acting as chaperones for a bunch of teenage animals and looking forward to visiting the site of a famous Summer ending…
The Way of the WildflowerThe Way of the Wildflower, BookGospel Meditations to Unburden your Anxious Soul
by Chou Simons, RuthBook, 2025Book, 2025
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2026
Comment:
Thirty meditations featuring the gorgeous artwork of Ruth Chou Simons and a new wildflower for each one.💐
"To the ones who imagine that
unburdened
is possible only when you're surrounded
by wildflowers and mountain air;
Jesus is better, and you are more loved
than the flowers of any field." ~Dedication by Ruth Chou Simons
The book is organized into five sections with six meditations under each theme:
🌼DEPENDENCY - Forget-Me-Not, Snowdrop, Alpine Aster, Columbine, Wavyleaf Thistle, and Lily of the Valley
🥀FREEDOM - Honeysuckle, Yellow Wood Violet, Lupine, Jacob's Ladder, Mountain Iris, and Larkspur
🌷RESILIENCE - Foothills Paintbrush, Oriental Poppy, Queen Anne's Lace, Lady's Slipper, Coneflower, and Morning Glory
🌹UNHURRED - Azure Bluet, Compass Plant, Whiplash Daisy, Evening Primrose, Parry's Primrose, and German Chamomile
🌻BELOVEDNESS - California Poppy, Common Sunflower, Heather, Yarrow, King's Crown, and Bluebell
In addition to the artwork throughout there are many Bible quotes and inspiring passages from authors like C.S. Lewis, J.C. Ryle, Bonhoeffer, and Elyse M. Fitzpatrick. This is an ideal book gift. Buying a few copies for Mother's Day and birthday gifts.
On the last page is a final encouraging note from Ruth:
"Hey friend,
You're gonna make it.
I promise. Keep rehearsing
the TRUTHS of God's word.
Keep hiding it in your heart.
And keep walking in the
rest and freedom that
is yours, wildflower.
You are loved.
God is faithful.
Don't give up.
🤍RCS"Thirty meditations featuring the gorgeous artwork of Ruth Chou Simons and a new wildflower for each one.💐
"To the ones who imagine that
unburdened
is possible only when you're surrounded
by wildflowers and mountain air;
Jesus is better, and you…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2026
Comment:
This book is just plain silly and so very readable.
Imogene comes down to the breakfast table on a Thursday with antlers.
How did this happen? What can she do to get rid of them?
We don't care, perhaps because her mother keeps fainting over the new difficulties that antlers present for daily life. And Imogene enthusiastically embraces all the new challenges and happily proceeds with her day.
The book jacket asks the question: With such a surprise on Thursday, whatever will Friday bring?
You'll have to read it yourself to find out.
This book was originally published in a small run. David Small thought it was done, but then came Reading Rainbow. Once Imogene's story was featured on the show, sales took off. Last year was its 40th anniversary.🥳This book is just plain silly and so very readable.
Imogene comes down to the breakfast table on a Thursday with antlers.
How did this happen? What can she do to get rid of them?
We don't care, perhaps because her mother keeps fainting over the…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2026
Comment:
The Titanic is a subject that continues to fascinate us all. We wonder if we would have found a way to survive? Would we have helped others at the expense of our own lives? Why weren't there enough lifeboats? In this latest title from Jennifer A. Nielsen, we see the voyage through the eyes of a young girl who has stowed away on the ship. Hazel Rothbury has dreams of being a journalist and is encouraged to cling to those dreams despite her third class status. I was enthralled by the story and, while reasonably confident that Hazel would be a survivor, was still on the edge of my seat as the ship began to sink. Readers will learn many true facts about the disaster and the ship in the reading of this book. It is hard to know what we would do if faced with such an emergency. One thing I do know: if my husband was on that ship with me, he'd be looking for floatables. He repeatedly assure me of this when we first watched the James Cameron version many years ago.The Titanic is a subject that continues to fascinate us all. We wonder if we would have found a way to survive? Would we have helped others at the expense of our own lives? Why weren't there enough lifeboats? In this latest title from Jennifer A.…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2026
Comment:
This new locked room mystery is a little bit meta while also paying tribute to the Golden Age.
A storm has suspended travel to and from Utakos, a small Greek island. The resort occupants are shocked to discover one of their own dead in the beach cabana -- with a chair wedged under the doorknob. Suicide? Not so fast.
Here are some reasons you might want to read this one:
🔍Staying on Utakos is the former Sherlock Holmes himself. Ormond Basil did such a good job of portraying the legendary sleuth that he has become the face that the world associates with the man. Since he is there and the police are delayed, why not do some investigating?
📚Sherlock has to have a Watson and a mystery author steps in to fill the bill. Paco Foxa seems to know the stories almost as well as Basil. Will their collaboration stop a murderer?
📨Despite the efforts of Ormond and Paco, the murderer seems to always be one step ahead of them. They are given so many clues, yet seem to get further and further from the truth.
🎥Throughout the book, Ormond name drops a plethora of star names from the Golden Age. He has worked with Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Jane Russell, and many more. All those references do a great job of immersing the reader in that time in history.
While I enjoyed this one, the translation seemed a bit clunky. The many quotes from Sherlock Holmes were a delight, but I often had to reread chunks of text to get my bearings.This new locked room mystery is a little bit meta while also paying tribute to the Golden Age.
A storm has suspended travel to and from Utakos, a small Greek island. The resort occupants are shocked to discover one of their own dead in the beach…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 09, 2026
Comment:
This adventurous cat tale is downright hilarious.😹
Poopsie is lured out of her cat bed by an unreliable narrator and finds herself in the jungle with snakes, crocodiles, and tigers.
Now, I know your humans probably told you never to leave the yard, but that's only because they are party poopers.
Fortunately for you, I know where the best fun is.
As you might have guessed, Poopsie finds herself in some dangerous situations. Can she find her way back home? You will be surprised at how this fluffly little housecat transforms herself into a tiger.🐅
And when she gets back home, the narrator will be disappointed when she closed the book and keeps him/her out.
. . . well that was rude.
This was another book that our 5-year-old grand quoted incessantly. My son said he was reading it almost every night at bedtime. So, this has the preschool stamp of approval. 😻
Read at your own risk.This adventurous cat tale is downright hilarious.😹
Poopsie is lured out of her cat bed by an unreliable narrator and finds herself in the jungle with snakes, crocodiles, and tigers.
Now, I know your humans probably told you never to leave the…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 08, 2026
Comment:
It's Fern's word against Haven's in this mean girl story.
Mindy Kaling declared it to be both dark and delicious. Dark and dismal is more like it.
Sutanto begins the book with a scene in the Principal's office where both young women are confronted with the death of their friend Dani. What do they know? They say nothing. Haven threatens Fern and bullies her into keeping silent. They part ways.
Fast forward about ten years and both have been out of touch. Both manage to sell their first book and are due for publication in the last part of 2020. Cue the fireworks as they are both in the same conversations threads on Slack. The bullying starts again causing Fern to spiral. How can she break out of the cycle?
The book was told from Fern's perspective. Personally I would have liked to have alternating chapters with Haven's viewpoint. Not my favorite read from Sutanto.
.It's Fern's word against Haven's in this mean girl story.
Mindy Kaling declared it to be both dark and delicious. Dark and dismal is more like it.
Sutanto begins the book with a scene in the Principal's office where both young women are confronted…
To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird, eAudiobook
by Lee, HarpereAudiobook, 2014eAudiobook, 2014
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 4 copies
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 08, 2026
Comment:
Top notch narrating by Sissy Spacek. 🎧
This has been on my list of all-time favorites and a reread has reminded me why that is.
Many others have presented eloquent and thoughtful treatises on this classic. I do not know how much I can add to the discussion.
Here are my five things to go with my five star rating:
🪶One thing that I look for when reading a book is the reason for it's title. This is one book that has been aptly named. After doing a search in the digital version, I discovered the six times when MOCKINGBIRDS are mentioned in the book. That last Scout quote has got to be one of the best in fiction: Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?
🧒The characters are so richly drawn. Scout (Jean Louise) is our narrator and has always been a favorite. Atticus Finch is right up there and I also fell in love with Calpurnia Tate with this reading.
🎧SISSY SPACEK - Kudos to her for a stellar performance in reading this one. Her voice will always remind me of Scout from this day forward.
💯Remember The Great American Read? This book came out #1 for a reason. Harper Lee must have had some secret sauce. Her 1935 setting holds up so well over time. Maycomb, Georgia is immortalized and treasured.
📚Book connections! Last week I read I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 with my grandchild. It was also set in 1935. On a more personal note, with two grandbabies around lately I have been singing them to sleep. Guess which song works the best. Yes, it is "Hush, little baby don't say a word. Grammy's gonna buy you a MOCKINGBIRD." The older grands call it The Magic Song since it works so well.
How long has it been since you have revisited this classic? If you have never read it, there is no time like the present. You can thank me later.😁Top notch narrating by Sissy Spacek. 🎧
This has been on my list of all-time favorites and a reread has reminded me why that is.
Many others have presented eloquent and thoughtful treatises on this classic. I do not know how much I can add to the…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2026
Comment:
Animals and kids vs the Nazis in WW II France🐎🐈
When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. ~ African Proverb
🐎Alice is hiding her beloved mare Bia from being snatched up by the German army. The role Bia plays in assisting both Alice and Lucas is inspiring.
🐈Lucas Dubois saves a litter of kittens. His tender care of God's little creatures is a reminder of our mandate to be good stewards of our world.
👶Felix is a newborn at Lamorlaye, the local Lebensborn house near Chantilly, France. His mother Claire is determined to reunite with her little one after the war. How can Lucas and Alice help her?
✉There are resistance workers sprinkled throughout the area. Just as these unassuming people are invisible to the Germans, so is an orphan like Lucas. His deliveries of messages and other relatively small acts are like a termite taking tiny bites.
📖Sara Pennypacker clearly lays out her reason for writing this book in a letter to the reader at the beginning of the book: Will Lucas and Alice be brave enough to get away with what they are daring to do?
If you have read any of Sara Pennypacker's work (Clementine and Pax), you would snatch this one up just like I did. She is an engaging storyteller and takes some time at the end to clearly define what was true from history and what was not.
One thing I did not know is that she published an adult HF title about Lebensborn almost twenty years ago using her maiden name (Young) and it is called My Enemy's Cradle. As soon as I found that out I put a copy on hold at my library.Animals and kids vs the Nazis in WW II France🐎🐈
When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. ~ African Proverb
🐎Alice is hiding her beloved mare Bia from being snatched up by the German army. The role Bia plays in assisting both Alice…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2026
Comment:
Emma is cynical about love at the tender age of seventeen.
She has never recovered from the breakup of her parent's marriage.
Her wish is to see proof that love is real and can last.
With a deft touch of magical realism, Emiko Jean takes us on a journey through Emma's senior year.
Here's what I liked:
💌That first note came out of nowhere: If I'm being honest, I loved you from the beginning.
Could it be for her? More follows and then an email exchange. All from the future. So mysterious!
❓ Who is this future love? She examines all the boys in her life against the clues in the notes. Is that the point of the notes? Or is is more about Emma and the sadness she carries from the divorce?
3️⃣Emma has three potential candidates. Her bestie Delia is a master collage artist. She sets up a murder board to help sift through all the clues.
🧼This content is squeaky clean and will charm readers from preteen on up. I found it to be an enjoyable read, especially since the f-bombs are kept to a minimum. Only three in the entire book.
If you, like me, dearly loved Tokyo Dreaming and Tokyo Ever After; give this new release from Emiko Jean a try.Emma is cynical about love at the tender age of seventeen.
She has never recovered from the breakup of her parent's marriage.
Her wish is to see proof that love is real and can last.
With a deft touch of magical realism, Emiko Jean takes us on a…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2026
Comment:
💙Blue hat,
🟩Green hat,
🔴Red hat,
🤪Oops.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite board books from Sandra Boynton.
🐘An elephant, 🦌a moose, and a 🐻bear model primary-colored clothing. Their partner, 🦃 the turkey, can never get his clothing article in the right place. Oops.
Even babies under a year can look at a picture of turkey wearing his hat on his feet or his jacket on his nose and see the humor. It never gets old.
And early readers can "read" the book to babies just by looking at the color and clothing article. We tried that with our five-year-old grand just last week. Such a great experience for the reader and baby.🤗💙Blue hat,
🟩Green hat,
🔴Red hat,
🤪Oops.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite board books from Sandra Boynton.
🐘An elephant, 🦌a moose, and a 🐻bear model primary-colored clothing. Their partner, 🦃 the turkey, can never get his…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2026
Comment: