The Green-Eyed Monster in a Maltese Suit by Mark Tiffany

 

Genre:  Children's Chapter Book

Source: Purchased

In this book we learn how Carter and Jack came to live with their adoptive parents. Matthew and Erin adopted Carter. From the pictures they had seen he looked different than his brothers and sisters and they fell in love with him. When he arrived at the airport he was determined to get back at these people who had taken him from his family. He didn't realize that all of his brothers and sister would be adopted. He made life very difficult for his new parents. They tried everything including obedience school.  When even school failed they decided maybe he needed a companion. They took a chance and found another maltese from the same people.  He looked just as cute as Carter. He was actually Carter's half-brother. They had the same mother. When Carter was introduced to his new brother he could smell his mother on the little pup and the bond was made.  From that day forward Carter took it upon himself to train his brother right.

What a wonderful story of love and affection.  I, as an adult, loved this book so I think children of all ages would love it as well.

My Life is Good by Mark Tiffany

 

Genre:  Children's Chapter Book

Source:  I purchased a copy

Carter and Jack are two dogs living the good life. Even though they are brothers, their personalities are completely different.  Jack has smelled a coyote in the area. He knows the danger for all smaller animals.  Many have gone missing.  Carter, on the other hand, doesn’t want to concern himself with such things. He thinks they should be focusing on how humans need to take better care of them.  In his opinion, humans were put on earth to wait on them hand and foot. It isn't until he is attacked by a coyote that he learns what is really important in life.  

This is the perfect book for this time of year when we reflect on what we are thankful for. This is a time when we really practice gratitude.  What a wonderful chapter book for the young reader.  I definitely recommend this book to adults and children alike.

Blood Gone Cold by Katy Grant

Genre:  Young Adult, Thriller, Novel in Verse

Source: I own a copy.

This is a quick read. The novel is told in verse. The story starts out with two sisters snowboarding with their parents, Abby is the nerdy one and Natalie is the popular sister.  They used to be so close. They are constantly arguing with each other. After returning to the cabin and arguing about what to do for dinner the parents solve the issue. The two girls can figure out what they are going to eat and the parents are going to go out for dinner.  Abby hides her sisters phone while she is in the shower. Then she goes out and sits in the hot tub.  She sees car lights in the drive and assumes it is her parents returning. To her surprise and horror it is not her parents but two men in a pickup.  She hides in the hot tub and hears them break into the house.  Now she is worried about her sister.  When they bring her sister downstairs she has to come up with a plan to save her sister and escape from these men.

This kept me on the edge of my seat. Abby comes up with the plan and Natalie is grateful.  This is a book that accurately displays the relationship between sisters and how it changes over time yet often finds its way back again.