Kara LaReau

The eponymous Ugly Fish enjoys having his tank to himself in this darkly amusing picture-book from author Kara LaReau and illustrator Scott Magoon. Each new fish that is added to the tank is eaten by our ugly piscine hero, until loneliness prompts him to try a new tack. Unfortunately for him, the new addition to the tank, Shiny Fish, is just like him, only bigger...

The ending of Ugly Fish is sure to raise some eyebrows amongst those who expect picture-book fare to be sweet and light, with show more edifying morals. For those who enjoy more Jon Klassen-style tales, with a dark, pointed sense of humor however, it will probably be just the ticket. Parents and librarians be warned, the ending here (Ugly Fish is eaten by Shiny Fish) isn't happy, although it certainly isn't unexpected. For my part, I found myself wondering: who's taking care of these fish?! Why do they keep adding more, if they're being eaten? Clearly someone isn't a responsible pet owner. Somehow I expect that wasn't the point the author had in mind. Recommended to those who enjoy picture-books with a sharper, less sweet feeling. show less

This is a cute kids' book about two sisters who are content in their boring existence (even if they do wonder what happened to their parents), until they are kidnapped by a crew of female pirates. It's fun and amusing, with some charming illustrations, and while it's clearly aimed at kids, there are a few jokes in here for us older folks, too. (For instance, there's a pirate named Captain Ann Tennille. I do not expect there are many children who will get that reference, but I laughed out show more loud.)

The one thing I'm not thrilled about is the part of the adventure involving the fat pirate cook. Come on, can't we have a story about women that doesn't involve harping on their weight? Or giving kids the impression that all one needs to stop being fat is a better attitude? Because there is a bit of that here, and I look askance at it.

That aside, though, it's enjoyable, playful, and pleasant.

Rating: I'm almost tempted to dock it half a point for the fat pirate thing. But I'll give it a 4/5, anyway. show less

A bedraggled cat escapes from a sinister corporation's lab and is too exhausted to get beyond a garbage can nearby. Science-loving Mellie and her horror film-loving friend, Danny, find him while they're shooting a scene for Danny's next film. Mellie decides to sneak the cat home and names him Bert. The corporation, Yummco Foods, owns the entire town and Bert has a penchant for decapitating the animals he eats. What kinds of awful experiments are Yummco performing on animals, and which adults show more haven't been compromised by Yummco's penchant for making large donations around town?

Mellie narrates the story. A few chapters feature Bert's viewpoint or a look at the evil corporation's doings. By the end of this first volume in The ZomBert Chronicles, Mellie and Bert have formed a friendship. She remains clueless about Yummco Foods' laboratory. Rise of ZomBert is an enjoyable start to a middle grade series that blends mystery and light horror. Bert is a charming cat.

LOL the Yummco owner's orange, swirly combover and his robotic, lifestyle obsessed daughter. show less

This is the first book I have read by this author. There is so much to love. First we have the Bland sisters named Jaundice and Kale. From the minute I saw their names I knew this would be a very unusual book. This is a humorous mystery book with allusions to Murder on the Orient Express. The girls go to meet their aunt at the train station. They are snatched as assistants to the magician Magique, Queen of Magic. While on the train Magique disappears and they are assisted by the famous show more detective Hugo Fromage, in finding her. I loved that the characters are very bland yet their adventures are completely the opposite. I felt like I was reading a book very similar to the Lemony Snickett series, which I loved. I have read so many serious books lately that this was a refreshing break. This is a fun and quirky book that I highly recommend. show less