Recommend Me is a weekly event hosted by Kate at The Neverending Shelf. All you have to do to participate is share a book that you loved reading for whatever reason. It can be something you read yesterday or years ago. If you have a second try it and let me know! I’d love to hear what books you have to recommend.

My choice for this week:

The Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz

Published by Hyperion Books for Children

Publishers Summary for Blue Bloods: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.
The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated “blue bloods” of American society. The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries.
But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food — and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a girl from her school is found dead . . . drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn’t know what to think. Could those vampire legends really be true?

“These books have been some of the most enjoyable vampire books I have read recently. They’re full of mystery, have a little bit of romance, a new take on the vampire legend and they are an incredibly quick read. The main character Schuyler Van Alen is one of my favorites. She’s tough, strong willed, has an amazing best guy friend and even goes after the wrong guy. There are so many reasons to love this series and I could go on forever, but I’ll just say…you should definitely read this series!”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Age 14 and up. Anyone who loved Twilight, Mortal Instruments, Vampire Academy or The House of Night series will love these books!

Other/Upcoming Titles in the Series You (meaning I’m dying for) may want to check out:

The Van Alen Legacy (currently out…and sitting in my TBR pile)

Misguided Angel (Due out October 5, 2010)

and…

Keys to the Repository: A Collection of Short Stories (Due out June 29, 2010)

For the Comments: Is there another vampire/paranormal series out there you’d recommend? I’d love to hear about it!

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

I Love My New Toy! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

Published by Hyperion Books for Children

Pages: 64

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary: In “I Love My New Toy!” Piggie can’t wait to show Gerald her brand-new toy. But will an accidentally broken toy accidentally break a friendship?

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Give me a minute…thanks! I needed a second to compose myself. The best part about this book…my mom, reading it to me. She’s amazing! If I could get her to read it over and over for hours every day I would, because it’s great. Hold on, I think I might be able to get her to read it!…

“Hahaha! That was great, I mean really! You are missing out on life if you haven’t read this, because if I’m not mistaken they have studies proving that laughter helps you live longer, right? I can’t stop laughing! Haha! Every time I even see this book I have to chuckle, it’s so much fun. And if it couldn’t get much better, it’s all about a toy! Wonderful. Mo Willems is by far one of my favorite authors and illustrators. He’s a genius! Go out get this book and read it to the nearest 2 to 4 year old you know, they will love you forever for it.”

Mom’s Two Cents: “One of my favorite things about this book, The Turkeybird’s reaction. I honestly can say that very rarely do I see him light up the way he does when I read this book to him. And who doesn’t appreciate that? It was a joy, yet again today when he ran into my room with this book in tow and a huge grin on his face. I’d read it once and then he’d say ‘again! again!’. How could I refuse such plea’s? It truly was the highlight of my day.

“I Love My New Toy! is the story of a little Piggie (insert the nearest preschool age child in your life) and her adventure getting, losing and regaining a toy and more importantly a friend. Piggie initially chooses to share her toy with her good friend Gerald, but he causes strife by breaking it…or so they think. Piggie goes through a range of emotions and eventually finds that it’s better to forgive than hold a grudge. It teaches children that friends are the things to be treasured not just our possessions.

“When we purchased this for The Turkeybird it was in the hopes that it would help him with sharing. I’m not entirely sure that it’s helped so far, but it has taught him some other very valuable lessons. It’s helped him put names to feelings and emotions he’s had. Recently he had a toy break and I think reading the book helped him understand it was okay, he had other toys and friends to play with. He still values the things he has, but I’m pretty sure it’s helping him to see they aren’t what is important in life.

“A great book with a great message that’s also very entertaining. Perfect for reading together between you and your toddler or even a group of toddlers together could be great!”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Toddlers of any age will love being read this book. Also great for teaching children about different emotions by putting a name to them in a way they can understand. And helping them to see what is important in life.

Also check out Mo Willems site for some fun activities for little ones.

Winner of the 2009 Cybils Easy Reader Award. More about this later this week!

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.