First things first. Head on over to Twitter and follow @_JamesRiley_. You will not regret it.
Okay, back to business. HALF UPON A TIME made me want to apply for teaching jobs again just so I could read this book aloud to middle schoolers. As I laughed out loud by myself, all I could think about was how much fun it would be to laugh out loud with a room full of eleven-year-olds.
Here's the synopsis:
Life’s no fairy tale for Jack. After all, his father's been missing ever since that incident with the beanstalk and the giant, and his grandfather keeps pushing him to get out and find a princess to rescue. Who'd want to rescue a snobby, entitled princess anyway? Especially one that falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says "Punk Princess," and still denies she's royalty. In fact, May doesn't even believe in magic. Yeah, what's that about? May does need help though--a huntsman is chasing her, her grandmother has been kidnapped, and Jack thinks it’s all because of the Wicked Queen . . . mostly because May’s grandmother might just be the long-lost Snow White. Jack and May's thrillingly hilarious adventure combines all the classic stories—fractured as a broken magic mirror—into one epic novel for the ages.
Lila's Take:
HALF UPON A TIME has it all--voice (oh my gosh, what voice. Not that we're surprised. Hello? Twitter.), charming fairy tale characters with a twist, hilarity and an adventure-filled plot. Oh, and the end is totally unexpected and sets up the next book in the series seemlessly. It's like the book-version of Shrek (but better, obviously. I mean, come on, it's a book)--there's something for everyone and I can't wait to share it with my daughter one day.
Oh, and most importantly, this book is the perfect reminder that kids are never too old to be read to. Give it a try with HALF UPON A TIME.
And be sure to check out what the other Bookinstas are up to this week:
Elana Johnson is spreading the word about XVI.
Christine Fonseca is celebrating Cinders.
Shannon Messenger is inspired by Selling Hope.
Shelli Johannes-Wells and Myra McEntire can't get enough of The Near Witch cover.
Megan Miranda is excited about Monsters of Men.
Carolina Valdez Miller highlights the hottest November releases Christine Fonseca is celebrating Cinders.
Shannon Messenger is inspired by Selling Hope.
Shelli Johannes-Wells and Myra McEntire can't get enough of The Near Witch cover.
Megan Miranda is excited about Monsters of Men.
18 comments:
Alright, someone needs to let me quit my job and just read. This looks adorable! I haven't seen this one before. I'm reading Mistwood, Beautiful Darkness finally arrived, and the list just keeps growing! Thanks girls :)
Marissa
sounds fun! :)
Not to mention a ridiculous title (as in awesome).
Followed him on Twatter BTW and after reading a couple of recent twoots nearly fell out of my chair.
So, I'm thinkng I like this trend in fairy tale take offs...very very cool.
SOLD!!!!!
This sounds so fun!! Also, if you liked this--you should check out Dark City! It's older and grittier than this sounds, but it's still a really cool take on an old fairy tale!
sounds like an awesome read!
You have me intrigued. Added to my TBR list.
It's a conspiracy. That's what it is. Everywhere I look there are more books for me to buy!! My poor wallet. But *sigh* my happy brain.
Ahh--how have I not read this one yet? Bad Shannon--Bad!
Excellent review though. I will definitely be reading. :)
This looks very funny!I bet younger kids would enjoy it too!
This looks very funny!I bet younger kids would enjoy it too!
I think I will love this book! YAY!
I love books that mess with fairy tales. Sounds like fun times. Will have to keep this one in mind. :)
Love the cover. This sounds like a great book.
I love the cover and the name! So great!
This looks so incredibly cute! I love books that you can read out loud. I thought NIGHTSHADE CITY would be good for that, too. I'll have to jot this one down for my toddler.
Added to TBR. Sounds amazing!
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