Book 29: Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry

Title: Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry

Pages: 482.

How it was obtained: It was a Christmas present for Susan (I don't remember if I bought it or if someone else bought it).

Time spent on the "to read" shelf: 2 1/2 years.

Days spent reading it: 4 days.

Why I read it: I already read (and liked) the other two books in this series, so I wanted to read this one (obviously)!

Brief review: Since this is the third book in a series, I do not want to give too much away in regards to the series. But I do want to give a little review. Peter and the Secret of Rundoon continues the popular Peter and the Starcatchers series that re-envisions the Peter Pan story.
I went into this book a little nervous about the quality. Susan and some others I know read this book and were not as impressed as they were with the first two books in the series. So I thought I would not like it as much either. However that was not the case. I actually liked it quite a bit. Right there with the second book, not quite as good as the first book.

Barry and Ridley continue to create a magical world that is fun to explore. I liked the change of scenery that this book offered (a desert instead of an island or city). This book also explains more about the origins of the Starcatchers and the Others. It even explains a little more about what the mysterious and powerful starstuff is.

In my opinion this book was definitely worth reading if you enjoyed the first two. If you didn't enjoy them, you won't enjoy this one. The only real criticism I have about this book is that, as far as plot and storytelling go, there is nothing really new here. Sure there are some new elements (new bad guy, bigger picture). But clearly Barry and Ridley have a formula going. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And I'm fine with that. This series is fun and lighthearted and is a good read for relaxing.

Favorite quote:
"You trust [Hook]?" said Peter.
"I trust him to do what's in his interest," said Leonard. "Right now it's in his interest to take us where we want to goso that we don't toss him over the side, which I have assured him we will hapily do at the first sign of treachery."
Peter smiled and was rewarded with a personalized glare from Hook.

Stars: 4 out of 5.

Final Word: (Secret!)

Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems

Title: Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems

Pages: 48.

How it was obtained: I bought it for Susan's birthday.

Time spent on the "to read" shelf: None. We read it as soon as the package came.

Days spent reading it: 15 minutes.

Why I read it: Susan and I loved Knuffle Bunny, and I found Knuffle Bunny Too by accident as I was cruising around Amazon. I got it for her birthday and we read it together.

Brief review: Knuffle Bunny Too is as good, if not better than the first. The baby from the first book (Trixie) has grown up and is going to her first day of school. Great antics ensue as she brings Knuffle Bunny with her to show off to all of her new friends. But when she arrives, another girl has her own Knuffle Bunny.

This book has wonderful pictures, a funny plot, and great characters. It made me laugh out loud with Susan multiple times. I loved a few of the effects such as when Trixie first sees the other Knuffle Bunny. Classic, like an action film getting closer every shot. I could hear the music in my head--Dum Dum Dunnnnnnnnn.

If you enjoyed Knuffle Bunny, this is a worthy sequel. Check it out if you have little ones, or you enjoy a great children's book.

Favorite quote: Trixie and Sonja arguing over the pronunciation of "Knuffle." Classic.
Trixie: Kuh-nuffle!
Sonja: Nuffle!
Trixie: Kuh-nuffle!
Sonja: Nuffle!

Stars: 5 out of 5.
Final Word: Kuh-wonderful!

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Title: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

Pages: 40.

How it was obtained: Read it in an Old Navy of all places. Definitely on my "to buy" list.

Time spent on the "to read" shelf: None, never even made it to my shelf!

Days spent reading it: 10 minutes.

Why I read it: Susan and I were in an Old Navy, and I saw it sitting on a shelf with some other kids books and kids paraphanelia. We like Mo Willems because of his books based on Pigeon and decided to use a few minutes reading this book.

Brief review: Ahhh, Knuffle Bunny. This book was wonderful. Its a kids book, sure. But it has so much heart.

This is where I get tell you one way that Susan has had a wonderful impact on my life. Because of Susan, I enjoy reading kids books. I mean I liked them as a KID, but I love them now as an adult. For a great cheap date, take your date to the library. Go to the kids section, and read a kids picture book together. Heck, go to the kids section of a bookstore, sometimes they're all decked out with crazy decorations and showing off their newest, greatest kids book. Pick it up, grab a small chair, and read it. Its worth it. I promise.

Anyways, back to the review.

I fell in love with Knuffle Bunny on page 1, and loved it through its fantastic ending. Susan and I were cracking up in the store as we were reading this kids book. The baby in the book (Trixie) doesn't talk, and her facial expressions are priceless. I found myself wanting a Knuffle Bunny (which I found out they actually sell!). The pictures in this book were interesting, the backgrounds are black and white photos of a neighborhood. The characters are full color drawings that are wonderful. It has a very unique visual palate.

Knuffle Bunny gets my two thumbs up, and anyone with little ones should definitely consider checking out this gem.

Favorite quote: "KNUFFLE BUNNY!"

Stars: 5 out of 5.

Final Word: Kfantastic.