meg reads and reads

Title: Five Flying Penguins Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath Looking for a vibrantly illustrated counting book with a twist? Five Flying Penguins might surprise you! While the title might spark questions from astute young readers (after all, penguins are flightless, and no penguins in this book fly!), this book delivers a pleasant story with adorable artwork. The rhyming text incorporates counting, adding a layer of learning to the narrative. The meter and rhythm may not be perfect, but it's still easy to read aloud. What truly shines are the illustrations. The artist brings a diverse group of penguins to life, showcasing their colorful plumage against a backdrop that goes beyond the typical snowy white. This creative choice adds visual interest and avoids monotony. If you're searching for a cute counting book with a touch more story and stunning artwork, Five Flying Penguins might just take flight on your bookshelf. Be prepared, however, for some potential scientific correctio...

Title: Mrs. Fletcher Author: Tom Perrotta Tom Perrotta's Mrs. Fletcher is a delightful surprise. The story of a middle-aged woman embarking on a sexual reawakening resonated deeply, even though the premise seemed familiar. Eve Fletcher, a divorcee facing an empty nest, grapples with a newfound freedom. A community college class becomes a springboard for self-discovery, leading her to explore romantic possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. The concept of an older woman's sexual awakening isn't new, but Perrotta breathes fresh air into it. Like Something's Gotta Give , the story celebrates the vibrancy of women beyond their youth. Perrotta's writing is a winning combination of humor and insightful social commentary. He tackles themes of dating failure, feminism, and the pervasiveness of pornography with a sharp wit that entertains and provokes thought. The chapters following Eve's son, Brendan, felt like a drag on the narrative. His self-absorption and lack...

Title: Nothing Rhymes with Orange Author: Adam Rex Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex is a juicy read (pun intended!) that bursts with humor and a heartwarming message. The story centers around Orange, a dejected citrus fruit left out because, well, nothing rhymes with orange! As other fruits sing their rhyming praises in a playful parade, Orange feels like the odd one out. But fear not, fellow readers! The astute fruit step in with a clever solution that not only includes Orange but celebrates his unique identity. Rex's witty wordplay and use of silly rhymes will have kids giggling, while the underlying message of acceptance and embracing differences resonates with adults as well. The vibrant illustrations, a playful mix of photographs and drawn expressions, perfectly capture the personalities of each fruit. Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a delightful tale perfect for story time or independent reading. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving both children and adults with a...