The Fold by Peter Clines

This is the type of science fiction that I enjoy. It is set in a time in which I can relate and with people I can understand.  Mike Erickson seems to be an ordinary small town guy, but he is hiding behind his very unique talents. He is quite satisfied teaching high school English, but he is finally offered an opportunity to use his talents for something so much more important.

I liked the character of Mike, and as the story progressed understood the references to ants that the character used to describe what was going on in his brain. I thought the pace of the story was very good, building up steadily to the climax. There was a bit of a mystery added to the story, and I did not guess the outcome until it was revealed.

My only complaint about the book is the totally unnecessary language.  One character in the book uttered the phrase “f- me” so many times I decided she was just not even a relevant character to the story and should have been left out.

If You Were Me and Lived in China by Carole P. Roman

The next stop in Carole P. Roman’s trip around the world is China. A little more detailed than previous If You Were Me… books, and it contains many more details about the country and people. As in the previous books, I learned about location and landmarks in China, favorite foods and games, and festivals and customs. All of the information a child would want to know about children far away is answered, including naming conventions for the children and what children call their mothers and fathers. The illustrations are always bright and colorful and the text is an easy-to-read size. These are a series of informative and interesting books that bring places around the world to life. I recommend the entire series of books for parents, grandparents, day care, and early school years. They would also be helpful for Sunday School groups to create interest in missions.

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cashw

After failing in his position working for his father in a special federal undercover department, Wes has been reassigned to an even more undercover position with the Witches Protection Program.  I rather felt sorry for Wes as he just could not seem to live up to his father’s expectations. Would he be able to prove himself with his new assignment? His new job was to help protect the good witches, keep the bad witches under control, and keep it all secret from the public. The bad witches have a devious plan to control women around the world.

I liked the characters and the humor sprinkled throughout the book.   It is a fast-paced and fun story although I usually stick to stories that have even a toe in reality. Michael Phillip Cash is a good enough writer to make me believe in the Witches Protection Program

Princess Joy Sticker & Activity Book by Jeanna Young & Jacqueline Johnson

Once upon a time, there lived 5 princesses: Joy, Grace, Faith, Hope, and Charity. This book is about Princess Joy. The book has 16 pages containing a word find game with a word bank for a little help, color pages, a maze, a secret code game, a hidden object page and a counting page.  There are two pages of stickers (50 stickers) in the center of the book, and since the pages are a heavy glossy paper, the stickers are reusable! I found a couple of problems, although minor. The lamb sticker does not match up with the picture where it is to be placed. It is about half the size it should be. Also, in the Spot the Differences puzzle, the princess is crying with no explanation as to why. At one time the dog was missing, but in the photo it is in front of her.

There isn’t too much of a story to the book, but the captions for the pages are about loving God and family and about giving to others.  This is a very nice little workbook for 4-8 year old girls.