Showing posts with label children's book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children's book. Show all posts

Friday, 20 March 2020

Furry Fiction on Fridays #125 at Amber's Library featuring **Rumblestar** by Abi Elphinstone PLUS Friendly Fill-Ins Blog Hop

Welcome To

Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil™

With Amber ~ The Best Library Cat in the entire Mewton~Clawson Parish.

amber bibliokitty Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil™

Supurr salutations pawesome furiends

*waves paw*

Hello gorgeous library guests and welcome to my private library.

Now I know it's getting a little crazy and scary out there in the wurld with this covid-19 virus, so I hope mew're all keeping well and staying safe from this invisible threat.
Feline Fiction on Fridays #125 ©BionicBasil® Amber reclining
We, aka The B Team are keeping a supurr low profile just in case, and any new book deliveries are being carefully wiped down and disinfected prior to entering the library.

Sadly non of us can avoid the ramifications or the effects that this virus is causing, i.e.; peeps panic buying - food hoarding - monumental toilet roll fixations - leading to empty supermarket shelves etc... Dad has been into many shops in the last week and they've been picked bare.  I think we all need to try to show a little kindness, consideration and compassion throughout the coming months, especially to those who perhaps can't buy 1 or 2 weeks food ahead of time.  I'm thinking of those who live day to day, or the elderly on a pension, or families on government credits - what about them?  We need to try and keep calm and help one another where we can.

If mew do have a little stockpile, purrhaps think about sharing a bit with your local food bank or check with an elderly neighbour that they have sufficient.

We are all going through the stages of fear, panic, anxiety etc... living with this unprecedented stress as it escalates on a daily basis and we head into uncharted waters which we as a modern society have never experienced before.

The news channels are just all bad news, social media is full of fake news, and then there's the downright stupid spreading ridiculous news with supposed cures for the virus.  Our advice on watching the news, keep it limited and save your sanity.

Our Prime Minister scared the bejeezus out of us and probably most of the country when he said; Be prepared to lose family members and loved ones before their time.  While we understand his candidness and the seriousness of this virus, that single statement sent shivers of dread to our core. 

This is just some of what we're doing at BBHQ to try to slow/stop the threat of covid-19 at home. 

Obviously, general daily cleaning is continuing as usual.

Hand-washing regularly is the norm here anyway, but we are washing a little more frequently. 

Anything new that is brought into the house is disinfected.

Door handles, telephones, keyboards etc... are disinfected daily. 

The dustbins; Handles and lids disinfected regularly especially after being emptied.

The gate furniture is disinfected daily.

Dad and the P.A. keep disinfectant wipes in the car usually, so hands can be sanitized upon returning, and also to wipe down the steering wheel, gear-stick, handles etc...

At the P.A.'s wurk, like above; door handles, telephones, printers, keyboards, communal area's, chip and pin machine, customer areas etc... are being disinfected several times a day.

Basil Says Keep Calm and Clean Things @BionicBasil

We know this may sound crazy to some, but we really don't want to, a: catch it or b: spread it.  The P.A.'s parents are in lock-down, as they are both over 70.

Mew remember we mentioned last week about the family who had been to Italy? Sadly, the grandmother who's in her 60's is now in isolation in a hospital about 60 miles away.  The family's children also went to school with the grandchild of a lady who helps the P.A.'s mum at home. This grandchild came down with a high fever last Sunday - now the lady who helps hasn't been in face-to-face contact with the P.A.'s mum for over 9 days prior to this.  So we're hoping that the grandchild hasn't got covid-19 or his granny either as she's just over 70.

We'll keep mew posted on the situation as it unfolds, but in the meantime let's all wurk together - at a distance of course and try to slow the spread of this virus while the boffins wurk on finding a vaccine.

How are things in your area, and what measures are mew taking?


This week we're also joining in Friendly Fill-ins Blog Hop with the fabulous 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. Lately, I have done a lot of _________________________. 

2. My ______________are__________________. 

3. I can’t help but _________.
4. When I meet a stranger, I _________.
The P.A.'s answers are...

1. Lately, I have done a lot of crafting; from jewellery to cat toys. [it takes my mind off things]

2. My cats are total heathens! LOL

3. I can't help but be tidy, mess stresses me out.

4. When I meet a stranger, in our village I always smile and say hello. 

And now I think it's time to share this weeks book.
Amber's Actual Library Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil™

This week I'm letting Melvyn share a title from his Top 10 Book Pick from Wurld Book Day, I know its seriously benevolent of me and quite out of character, but hey cats can change...by the second and then back again! MOL

Feline Fiction on Fridays #125 ©BionicBasil® Rumblestar - Melvyn's Purrsonal Copy
Melvyn's Purrsonal Copy

Rumblestar

by

Abi Elphinstone 


Here's A Small Snippet of the Book Blurb:      

Eleven-year-old Casper Tock hates risks, is allergic to adventures and shudders at the thought of unpredictable events. So, it comes as a nasty shock to him when he accidentally stumbles into Rumblestar, an Unmapped Kingdom full of magical beasts.

>^.^<

Melvyn had this to say; 

What an entertaining adventure story, now I know it's aimed at 8 years and up but if mew like a fantastical tale, this could be fur mew.   And in my humble intern-opinion... actually, I'm not really allowed an opinion in the library, as that's fur Amber alone, though she's made an exception fur me today!

So in my humble opinion mew could read this at any age and really enjoy it.

It's very well written, has a great plotline, with plenty of drama, complications and hurdles to offurcome by the main character/s.  The characters are interesting and develop nicely as the story unfolds, and there are some cute beasties too, but I won't spoilerize anything - Amber doesn't allow that either.

This is the furst in The Unmapped Chronicles series, and I'll definitely be reading the next one.  A purrfect read fur mew, your kids, your grandkids, nieces, nephews and anyone that loves a terrific story.

Melvyn

*    *    *
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Age Range: 8 years and up
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's U.K.

The Amber Biblio Rating System Fur Offurall Enjoyment:

Melvyn's Ratings of:

Rumblestar


Offurall Enjoyment



I do hope mew enjoy this fun kids lit book if mew give it a try... 

...and if mew've read it already, what did mew think?

*    *    *

Sadly it's time fur me to say BFN or bye-fur-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just fur mew. And don't furget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.

Until next time

Keep calm and read on

Purrs

Amber xox








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 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com and www.pizap.com

Friday, 8 March 2019

Feline Fiction on Fridays #93 at Amber's Library featuring **To Be A Cat** by Matt Haig

Welcome To

Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil®

With Amber ~ The Best Library Kitty in the entire Mewton~Clawson Parish

amber bibliokitty Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil™

Supurr salutations pawesome furriends

*waves paw*

Hello gorgeous library guests and welcome to my private library.

Amber in catservatory review 93 @BionicBasil®

Happy Friday gang and how's your week been?  Mine has been relatively quiet in the library, the P.A. finally finished the big clear up and I'm purrleased to say that the new organisation of her stuff is much better, oh and I see that she's got the candle making paraphernalia out, so it looks like something is going to be happening imminently.  

Although, I do know that Pandora is keen fur the P.A. to get her Crystal and Magickal Supply Shoppe sorted as that is still in a bit of a mess and needs a lot of rearranging, plus a stock take.  Pandora has been looking for a shop counter on Fleabay, though most are far too expensive as she's aftur a vintage/antique vibe ~ yes Pandora does have rather expensive taste.  I did say to her just the other day, "Pandora, if I were mew and needed a rather lovely shop counter, I'd go sweet talk Parsley as he's the one with a credit card."

"Great idea Amber!" Pandora replied in her funny, little foreign accent. "I know vhere he keeps it, so I'll just borrow it."

"Pawesome!" I laughed just imagining Parsley's face when he sees his next credit card bill! MOL OOPS!

And now I think it's time to share this weeks book.
Amber's Actual Library Feline Fiction on Friday's with Amber @BionicBasil™

This week I'm sharing

To Be A Cat



Amber's Book Reviews To Be A Cat by Matt Haig @BionicBasil® Feline Fiction on Fridays
[copy belonging to Erin the Cat Princess ~ on loan to The Mewton-Clawson Library]

What would happen if a hooman could become a cat? Well, mew need to read this book to find out.

This is an absolutely fabulous read, Matt Haig is a veteran writer and tells the story of Barney Willow a rather unfortunate 12 year old, not unfortunate in his own right but unfortunate at the mercy of others. Bullied by other kids and even his headteacher, Barney thinks things can't get any wurse until one day he wakes up as a cat.

Now mew know the above paragraph had more info than I usually like to share, mew know the drill; **No Spoilers Here** but I had no option! MOL

So what did I think to, To Be A Cat? 

I thought it was fluffing brilliant; comical, witty, dark, mysterious and bucket loads of fun!

I don't know what else to say apart from this is my newest fav book of 2019.

But the burning question of the day is... would I recommend it to mew? Yes, indeedy I would, purrfect fur all ages and the illustrations throughout are sure to add much flavour to your read. 

A TOP READ!

Furry many thanks to HRH Princess Erin, fur kindly lending me her purrsonal copy, I have it nice and safe in the 'restricted access' part of my library so no other paws can get it!

*    *    *

  • Audio: 5 hours 29 mins
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Age Range: 9 - 11 years
  • Publisher: Corgi Childrens (2 May 2013)

The Amber Biblio Rating System Fur Offurall Enjoyment:

Ratings of:

To Be A Cat

Offurall Enjoyment



I do hope mew enjoy this book if mew decide to give it a try... 

...and if mew've read it already, what did mew think?

*    *    *

Sadly it's time fur me to say BFN or bye-fur-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just fur mew. And don't furget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page

Happy reading or listening until next time

Soft purrs

Amber xox








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 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com and www.pizap.com

Friday, 19 October 2018

Feline Fiction on Fridays at Amber's Library featuring ~ **Petula, Circus Cat ** by Marylouise Sholly Review #76

Welcome To


With Amber ~ The Best Library Kitty in the entire Mewton~Clawson Parish


Supurr salutations pawesome furriends

*waves paw*

Hello gorgeous library guests and welcome to my private library.

Oh my gosh I am laughing and laughing and laughing today!  And I bet mew want to know why?  Did mew see yesterdays post, Supurr Smooch versus Supurr Fudge? Cape Wars is upon us! MOL


At the moment - Thursday 1pm - Smooch is in the lead by 2 votes and Fudge is not a happy camper as he so wants the cape. Several of mew suggested that the P.A. make another cape, and yes, this will be happening only apparently she's now going to make one fur each of us, but in the meantime, Smooch and Fudge have until the voting closes on Caturday to see who wins the cape. Who did mew vote fur?

#TeamSmooch or #TeamFudge

In all honesty, while I love Smooch in the cape, I think that it suits Fudge tremendously, especially with his mask on too!

So if mew haven't already, purrlease go cast your vote at the Polling Booth and hopefully Fudge's dreams will come true. The Cape Winner will be announced on Sunday's selfies post.

And before I furget, I'm supurr excited about my birthday next Wednesday, as Pandora and I are having a joint pawty...



We've got a Halloween Extravaganza planned, so get your spookiest costume on and join us fur a fabulous fright-fest and give-away... Muwahahahahahahaha!!!

It's going to be epically epic, so mew won't want to miss it.

And now I think it's time to share this weeks book.

This week I'm sharing




**Furstly I have to let mew all know that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange fur a fair review**


Here's the book blurb:

"Bright lights, big city" may sound exciting, but sometimes the quiet life is better, especially if you are a shy little cat.

Petula, a black and white cat, is happy at home, but her pet-parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, may have other plans.

Petula can do a trick and the Bumbles want to take her on a world tour, so Petula can make lots of money for them.

Mrs. Bumble wonders if making Petula a star is what Petula wants.

This Story also touches on the transforming power of love. 

Mrs. Bumble's affection brings Petula out of her shell, while Mr. Bumble gives up his dreams of fame and fortune for Petula's happiness.

*    *    *
Today I'm sharing another uber-cute book fur younger readers. The story is lovely, and tells of a stray cat who appears one day at Mr and Mrs Bumbles house; though Mr Bumble isn't too impressed until he sees that Petula can walk on her hind-paws, but I'm telling mew the plot!

So what did I think of Petula's story?  I thought it was a well designed and thought out read with a subtle message fur younger readers; that fame and fortune aren't necessarily impawtant, what is impawtant; is home, family and happiness.

Would I recommend Petula, Circus Cat to mew?  Of course, I would because it's a really cute story and the accompanying illustrations are just adorable. 

If mew're looking fur a little book with a pawsitive message, this is definitely fur mew and would make a purrfect gift fur younger children. 

I'd like to say furry many thanks to Austin Macauley for sending me a copy of Petula, Circus Cat, thanks so much guys, it is a wunderpurr book! 

*    *    *

  • Paperback: 35 pages
  • Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers (30 Aug. 2018)


The Amber Biblio Rating System Fur Offurall Enjoyment:


Ratings of:

Petula, Circus Cat 


Offurall Enjoyment


I do hope mew enjoy this book if mew decide to give it a try... 

...and if mew've read it already, what did mew think?

*    *    *

Sadly it's time fur me to say BFN or bye-fur-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just fur mew. And don't furget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page, plus if mew'd like an exclusive Library Card fur speshal access to my library, just email me at:

deardrbasil @ gmail . com

Happy reading or listening until next time

Soft purrs

Amber xox








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 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com and www.pizap.com