Title: The Trouble With ToadsAuthor: Danyelle Leafty
Publisher: Curious Leaf Press
Published: May 2013
ASIN: B00CVLI2X8
FTC FYI: Received an eCopy via the tour host in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon
Book Description:
Once upon a time a young girl wanted revenge. But first, she wanted to be beautiful.
Twelve-year-old Bettony has read enough stories that begin with ‘Once upon a time’ to know what happens to the ugly stepsisters at the end, and she’s determined to escape that fate by any means necessary—even by magic.
Unfortunately, when it comes to magic, there is no place for regret, refunds, or exchanges. Even if you accidentally turn your older sister into a toad.
If Bettony wants her Happily Ever After to end well, she’s going to have to find a way to turn her sister back into a person before their mother finds out she’s been dabbling with magic and grounds her for life.
Tracking down the family magic turns out to be surprisingly easy. Now, if only it came with directions . . .
THE TROUBLE WITH TOADS (45,000 words) is the first book in a new upper MG series The Secret Stepsister Society. The second book will be released Summer 2013.
Review:
In general, I don't seek out Middle Grade books, but when I read the description for The Trouble With Toads and saw the cute cover art, I thought my third grader would really enjoy it.
The Trouble With Toads is clean and has likable characters. Plus, this Cinderella-ish spin-off told from the point of view of one of the ugly stepsisters is fun. Some of the vocabulary might be over a third grader's head, but the "big words" aren't in excess, so I don't think kids would be lost.
The pace of the story is put on hold at the beginning of about half the chapters where the author takes several paragraphs to write about witches, problems, types of people, etc. The topics aren't irrelevant, but may frustrate those anxious to find out if Bettony can fix her error.
The pace of the story is put on hold at the beginning of about half the chapters where the author takes several paragraphs to write about witches, problems, types of people, etc. The topics aren't irrelevant, but may frustrate those anxious to find out if Bettony can fix her error.
I would definitely let my daughter read The Trouble With Toads, but I would probably wait until the sequel comes out. It's no secret that this is part of a series, but other than a potential familial bond, it lack resolution. Bettony's adventure is entertaining, and she goes through a lot, but I prefer at least some closure (thinking of other first books in a series, Voldemort is still on the loose, but at least Harry found the sorcerer's stone).
About the Author:
Danyelle Leafty writes upper MG and YA fantasy, and is the author of THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DILEMMA series. Danyelle has always loved fairy tales, and prefers stories where someone gets eaten, or at the very least, transmogrified. Much of her inspiration has come from fairy tales, because as G.K. Chesterton so aptly states, "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."
In her spare time, she collects dragons, talking frogs, and fairy godmothers. She also collects books, and one day hopes to make a house out of them. She enjoys learning languages, fiddling with her harp, and perfecting the fine art of mothering. (It's a lot like trying to herd chickens during a lightning storm while a goat stampede is going on.)
One of her heroes is Albert Einstein, particularly for the following quote: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning."
Blog Tour Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/28/13
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