Monday, April 14, 2014

Mom Monday - The Lonely Lake Monster!

 Kid Tested and Approved!

This review comes courtesy of my 8 year old daughter Olivia. I was woken up a few mornings ago at about 12:30 am to "Mom, I finished my book, I just couldn't put it down!"  This is how I found her at about 9:00 am the next day.

The Imaginary Veterinary series, starting with book 1 The Sasquatch Escape, are the first books she has ever read entirely by herself so you can imagine that we have a rather special soft spot in our hearts for these books. That being said these are really fun and engaging books and if you have elementary aged children (especially those with an adventurous bent) in your home these are books that will be well received by everyone.


 
Author: Susanne Selfors
Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre:  Middle Grade
Age Recommendation: 7-12
Rating: 5 Stars (Her words were, it was totally awesome!)

Book Description:
Pearl Petal and Ben Silverstein can't wait for their first official day as apprentices of Dr. Woo, veterinarian for imaginary creatures. That is, until they are tasked with clipping the sasquatch's toenails. Gross!

Then Pearl spots a monster in the lake behind the hospital. Even though they were told not to leave the building for any reason, Pearl sets off for a closer look, with Ben trailing cautiously behind.
The outing goes awry when Ben is captured by the creature and held hostage on an island in the middle of the lake. It's up to Pearl to hatch a rescue mission. Will she save the day or cement her reputation as the town troublemaker? And will the hospital's secret patient be able to help?
Suzanne Selfors takes readers on an incredible adventure full of mythical creatures and astonishing discoveries that are anything but imaginary.
This book includes bonus writing, art, and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in The Lonely Lake Monster. These activities are designed for the home and the classroom. Enjoy doing them on your own or with friends!


Review by Olivia (transcribed by mom, book quotes added by mom):

At the end of the first book, The Sasquatch Escape, Ben and Pearl get the Sasquatch back to the Hospital for Imaginary Creatures and they get certificates for catching the Sasquatch.  So now in The Lonely Lake Monster Ben and Pearl have become apprentices at a secret hospital that everyone just thinks is a worm hospital.  

"Pearl stiffened. "Yes, I am sure.  I'm totally sure.  I really, really want to be an apprentice."  She blew a lock of blond hair from her face.  "I don't understand why you're so excited about working at a worm hospital," Mrs. Petal said with a shake of her head."  -Pearl, Mrs Petal

On their first day Ben and Pearl are sent by Mr. Tabby, the mysterious helper who Pearl thinks is grumpy.

" Pearl didn't know Mr. Tabby very well, but from the short time she'd spent with him, she'd come to the conclusion that he was rather grumpy.  What kind of teacher would he make?  She opened her mouth to speak, and as she did, a low growl sounded in Mr. Tabby's throat. "

sends Ben and Pearl to clip Sasquatch toenails and Ben almost gets his neck stabbed with a toenail,but barely escapes by ducking.  When Ben turns around he points out the window, shocked because he sees a green face with eyes the size of basketballs

"Pearl froze.  "What is it?"  She whispered.  Ben? What are you pointing at?" "I...I...I don't know he stammered. "But it's...huge!"

Ben gets taken away to Button Island and Pearl runs to find help.  Unable to find anyone, Pearl had to figure out a way to help Ben herself.  

I really, really, really liked this book because I liked the Lake Monster and the Leprechaun.  I liked the idea of giving something with a small brain....(edited so not to be 'spoilery') something to help it be happy until in remembers.  I like that Ben and Pearl get certifications for helping the creatures and I always like how at the end of the book there are extra things to do!  After the first book I got to make chocolate pudding and now I am going to make a mirror.    -Olivia


 We hope you enjoyed Olivia's first book review, she may be making appearances from time to time, lending her mom a helping hand.  If you'd like to pick up this or any of The Imaginary Veterinary Series here are your links and as always don't forget to add it to your Goodreads!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17242445-the-lonely-lake-monster?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-Veterinary-Lonely-Monster-Number-ebook/dp/B00BAXFBR8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396819989&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lonely+lake+monster

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lonely-lake-monster-suzanne-selfors/1114308470?ean=9780316225618

 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. I will be recommending this series to my 9 year old daughter. She is in 3rd grade and I think she will enjoy this series. Thanks Olivia for the review it was fabulous! !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How did I miss this Joni? Thank you, I hope that she likes it, Olivia will love to know that her review helped someone choose a book :-)

      Delete