Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy

Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy *****

by Daisy Meadows 

Overview: Kristy and Rakil help fairies get their magic items back. This time they’re helping Joy get back three magic shells. The bad guy is Jack Frost and his goblins. They are the ones who steal the fairies’ magic things, but they all have a good ending. The goblins can be funny some times, and they`re not scary.

The books are part of a series, and they all have a map at the front and a poem.   

Positive elements: It had funny parts.

Negative elements: None

Conclusion: I like these books because they`re a fun read for girls. Joy is a special edition so it is like three of the magic fairies books in one, one for each shell there fun easy adventures. I think that kids 7 and up should read this book. 

By Sabrina Staples, 8

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas *****
by Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy is very fancy, and I think that's why it's called Fancy Nancy. This book is about Christmas. I like the pictures. So I think it is fun to read at Christmas. Fancy Nancy is a fun book for age7 and under.

by Sophie Staples, 6

The Simplest Way to Change the World

The Simplest Way to Change the World *****
by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements

Overview: Hospitality is a lost art. This book is divided into two sections: the Potential and the Plan. The potential is the argument behind why we should pursue hospitality. The authors talk about some values we have in our society now that fight against hospitality such as the idea that our homes are our own private retreats or that we are just too busy for other people. 

The Plan section was fun to read because it is full of ideas on how to become more hospitable. The authors begin with how to meet your neighbors and continue all the way to fun, neighborhood ideas such as serving free coffee in your driveway one morning a week or BBQing in your front yard instead of out back. 

They share encouraging and challenging stories of the blessings (and hardships sometimes) of getting to know their neighbors.

Positive elements: short, organized and to the point, full of stories and examples

Negative elements: A hospitality book written by two men seems kind of funny since it seems that women are usually the force behind organizing and hosting. However, they do mention the team effort needed between husband and wife. They also encourage singles and young adults to pursue hospitality. And I guess it is interesting to see hospitality from a man's perspective.

Conclusion: This is an encouraging book that makes you want to reach out and invite others into your home and life. I loved the simple ideas like having people over on a regular basis for Taco Tuesday or Waffle Wednesday. So far we have done annual or just random gatherings, but we'd like to start some regular gatherings. Lots of good ideas in this book!