by Annika Perry Author, and Gabrielle Vickery, Illustrator
I purchased “Oskar’s Quest” as a gift for my youngest granddaughter’s upcoming birthday and wanted to read and review it before wrapping it up. It is a charming story about a young bird, Oskar, who fearfully veers off from his group of birds hunting for dragons. He finds a sad little island where a cloud has taken the songbird. I love how the little bird finds his courage in a search for the songbird. This story teaches not only to push past fears but to understand each other. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. I enjoyed this tale and can’t wait to share it with my granddaughter soon!
Comes This Time To Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez
by Stephen Geez
“Comes This Time to Float” is an impressive collection of short stories that cover many genres. I enjoyed all of them, but “Vapor Girl,” “Comes Time to Float,” and “Age Eater” were some of the very favorites that I know will stick with me for a while. Each fictional piece had a common thread of attention to detail and emotions that drew me in. Before each story, Mr. Geez shared why he wrote or the history behind each one, which was fun to know. There was also an accompanying picture that added to my reading pleasure. There’s a lot of heart inside the 19 short tales, which I really felt in “Veneer,” but humor, intriguing insight, and variety were also woven in. It’s a wonderful read where each piece offers something different. A well-written collection that I can easily recommend.
Dead of Winter: Journey 8, The Lost Library
I was excited to explore the Lost Library with the characters. It’s a place I’d definitely go, even with all the other stuff going on around, and in it. There was some insight into the Deae Matres and a glimpse into what Arawn was doing. Then comes a leap of faith to save not only a friend but the world. I thought I had some characters figured out but found I might be wrong. This one was fast-paced and full of new things to ponder. I can’t wait for Journey 9 to see where this all goes. I highly recommend the Dead of Winter Series, but make sure you’ve read the other journeys before reading this one!
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Happy Birthday, Jeffry!
Newsletter goes out tomorrow 🙂
Watch for “Books That Changed Me—Fall Edition” on September 22nd!
Embrace that sweet inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
I loved Annika’s book, have read some of Teagan’s but not this one–really have to try it. Thanks for the reviews, Denise!
That was a great children’s book, and I’ve enjoyed all of Teagan’s Journeys. Thanks, Jacqui 🙂
Good reviews! I’ve read Geneviene’s Journey 8, which is really fun, but I haven’t read the other two. They sound great.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 I just finished Journey 9 and can’t wait for the next one. Yes, you can’t go wrong with any of these reads.
Oh! Now I’m really bubbling over! <3
I’m happy that you are part of the Journeys, Priscilla. Hugs on the wing!
I can see that you need to have part 1, part 2, part 3… of your reviews, Denise. Fabulous reviews of the three books here. I also loved Annika’s Oskar’s Quest. A perfect book for your granddaughter’s birthday gift. I have some of Teagan’s books on my Kindle. I’ve read some of Stephen’s short stories and loved them. Thank you for sharing.
I hope you will enjoy them, Miriam. I try to provide stories that are a little different. LOL, some are “a lot” different. 😀 Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!
We’re having a good time with our granddaughters. Will be going home on Tuesday. 😍
Thank you, Miriam 🙂 I used to put all my reviews together and decided that was too much to read at once. It was a great gift for sure. She certainly got excited. You have some good books on your Kindle. Happy reading xo
I love to picture a child being happy with a book. 🙂
me too!
Denise, what a wonderful start of the week! 😀 Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of ‘Oskar’s Quest’ and it’s great that your granddaughter got excited about the book! Will you have a chance to read it with her sometime soon? I love the eclectic mix of books you’ve reviewed here and Teagan’s series is on my Kindle and can’t wait to read in the near future. Thank you for the introduction to Stephen’s work and look forward to checking this out! Happy Reading and wishing you a brilliant week! xx
I didn’t get a chance during her birthday party but I plan to read it with her soon 🙂 She loves getting books. I’m sure you will enjoy the journey Teagan takes us on and glad to introduce you to Stephen’s book. Happy reading to you as well and have a fantastic week.
Annika, I’m sure your lovely book will bring happiness to any child who reads (or is read to). If you get to Dead of Winter, I hope you love it. I think you will relate to some of the characters. Hugs on the wing!
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 Happy to!
Nice reviews, Denise!
Thank you, Joan 🙂
Wonderful reviews, Denise! I had forgotten I have a hardback copy of “Comes This Time To Float.” I need to find it. 🙂 I am on book 4 of Teagan’s series and enjoying it. I need to catch up. 🙂 Oskar sounds like a wonderful story for my little granddaughter. Thank you for sharing!
I enjoy having the hardback copies of books. Teagan’s series is a fun one. Oskar was a good 5th birthdatly present:) Thanks, Jan!
Wow, you really are catching up, Jan. I’m honored that you are part of the Journeys. Hugs on the wing!
Nice collection of tales.
Thank you, Craig 🙂
I love that you bought a book for your granddaughter, Denise. It’s so important to give young ones a love of the written word. Great reviews, congrats to the authors!
It is very important, I agree 🙂 She’s the one who collects an armful of books for us to read. Thank you, Jacquie!
I have read Stephen Geez’s book, but regretfully not the other two. Your reviews have sparked my interest. Thank you.
Thanks, Karen 🙂 I’m happy to have sparked your interest!
Hi Karen. Dead of Winter is a different sort of fantasy, and published in monthly novelette-sized installments. If you have questions, I’m happy to answer. Stay safe. Hugs on the wing!
Hi Denise, these are all great reviews. I am currently reading Teagan’s Journey 6, I’m a little behind.
Thanks, Robbie 🙂 I’ve really been enjoying the journey Teagan is taking us on.
I am too.
Thank you for all your encouragement and feedback, Robbie. Also thanks for sharing this post. Best to Michael for feeling better. Hugs on the wing!
My pleasure, Teagan.
Denise, you treasure! Although I must apologize. Every time I think I’m caught up, I find that I’m actually woefully behind again.
Annika’s book is beautiful and I love her writing. Stephen is new to me. I can’t wait to check out his stories.
I am thrilled that you enjoyed Dead of Winter’s 8th Journey. I’m also taking an impish delight in surprising you about some of the characters. 😉 There is more in Journey 9. Your review means the world to me. Thank you. Hugs on the wing!
I don’t think it’s possible to ever completely catch up, Teagan 🙂 Glad you found a new authors to check out. Yes, you do have a good way of surprising me with your characters! Loved 9 looking forward to 10 xo
I enjoyed Annika’s book. It’s adorable. I have the other two and will read them at some point. Thank you for sharing your reviews, Denise❣️
It is an adorable book 🙂 Happy future reading, Vashti xo
Awesome reviews!
Thank you, Mark!