Part Two of Aoleon the Martian Girl picks off right after Part One.  Gilbert and Aoleon are exploring Mars and Aoleon is teaching Gilbert all about her home planet.  Gilbert sees the Luminess, one of the leaders and notices something different about her, which results in a chase by the Elite Guards and a promise to go rooting around in the Luminons Palace.  Gilbert also learns that the main food source on Mars is Galact, a milk like substance.  Aoleon also takes Gilbert to Space Academy where he learns about the colonization of Mars, their history and the exciting game of psi-ball!

In this installment there was more explanation and information vs. action; although there is a lot of set up for action in the coming installments with the mystery of the Luminess and the Galact shortage.   The mystery of the Luminess is intriguing and the  psi-ball game was really exciting.  I really did enjoy learning about Mars’ history and technology; however there is a step up in vocabulary in this book that might make it a little more difficult for some middle-grade readers.  Scientific and technical terms are used throughout, such as names of stars that some people are familiar with such as Rigel and Betelgeuse, and AU’s which are astronomical units.   For kids with inquiring minds, this will get their curiosity flowing.  It was also interesting to see that school is the same no matter where you go, even mean girls exist on Mars!  There was one curious thing though for me:  a name of one type of Alien is a Viagraa’n, this looks a lot like a type of blue medicine we all know, doesn’t it?  And then there was this sentence: “He is a Viagraa’n…they get easily excited.”  Believe me, there were a few snickers from the pre-teen boys when they read this… Anyway, with that weird exception, I still want to see where Gilbert and Aoleon’s adventures take them in the third book.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Aoleon and Gilbert uncover the Martian Government's plot led by the Luminon to starve the Martian society by depriving them of their galact, invade Earth and steal their cows.  Aoleon and Gilbert race to the Galactworks plant to try and stop the sabotage.  After a strange discovery and a close escape, Aoleon has to take her final pilot's exam where trouble catches up to her once again. 

This book was filled with excitement from beginning to end.  After learning a lot about Mars and the government in the second book it was nice to have an action-packed third book. It was great to finally see the Luminon and his cronies, the pictures really helped to bring these characters to life.  Also, the galact factory, I had been wondering what those Martian Cows looked like.  The events within Aoleon's pilot exam were surprising, there was more excitement with more nefarious characters and I was glad that Gilbert began to step forward as the hero a bit.  With the event that Aoleon and Gilbert uncovered in book three, I'm sure book four will hold more mysteries and excitement as well.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Gilbert and Aoleon are hot on the trail on the Luminon’s plot to stop Martian Galact production and invade Earth for milk.  Now, the Luminon’s guards are chasing Gilbert, Aoleon, Bizwat and soldierbot Helios across the Martian desert.  They must all try to survive a dust storm and Martian worms before Aoleon’s parents are killed. 

 

Aoleon and Gilbert’s mission turns to real danger in this episode.  There is a lot of political and government conspiracy theory and secrets on both the Martian and Earth’s side, one thing we both have in common!  Some of my favorite and funniest parts were when the Martian’s went to Earth looking for milk dressed as Quakers and the soldierbot Helios, his defeatist and sarcastic attitude was perfect for defusing tense moments when the gang was in a tight spot.  As in the past episodes, the bright, digital pictures add to the story and really help me visualize the different Martians and robots.  Aoleon, Gilbert, Bizwat and Helios are left in another precarious situation and I will be looking forward to the next installment.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Aoleon, Gilbert, Bizwat and Helios are close to saving both the Earth and Mars from the Luminon's plot.  First, the must infiltrate a ship, defeat the Luminon and destroy the reactor core without destroying themselves.  

In this exciting conclusion to the Aoleon, the group is in constant danger and excitement from beginning to end.  I was very impressed by the way the characters developed.  There was a great sense of teamwork, bravery and companionship by everyone.  There was also a great emphasis on science that any fan of science fiction will love.  Filled with adventure, humor and new monsters, The Great Pyramid of Cydonia with excitement from beginning to end.  The pictures are a great way to add to the fun and were bright and colorful.   The conclusion is especially heart-pounding which was a great way to wrap-up the series.  




This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

The Specific Ocean is a beautiful book about a girl who slowly comes to love the Ocean.  She does not want to leave her city home and friends to go on a vacation to a beach house on the Pacific Ocean.  She is dismal when she arrives, saying everything is boring; however once she sets foot in the Ocean, her senses come alive and she cannot let go.  

With lyrical, but simple beauty, the sense of wonder for the ocean is awakened for a young girl.  Through opening your emotions, the sights, smells and sounds of the ocean are brought to life.  This book is perfect for opening children up to new discoveries and appreciation for the environment and the world around them.  The artwork is in gentle hues that goes perfectly with the memories of the ocean.  A great book for any child or child at heart.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A educational non-fiction book about how to plant and grow tulips.  This is a step-by-step easy to read guide that explains the how and why behind tulip planting and growth.  Real-life, close up, and colorful photos show tulips in all their glory.  Each step in the tulip planting process in clearly explained with simple phrasing and vocabulary.  

Great for early gardeners and a good introduction to how nature works and life cycles.  Perfect for kids aged 3-7.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A fun and silly book about horses that takes an unexpected turn when the horses come in for the night.  The book begins describing a normal day for the horses and general horse routine, galloping, racing, eating, getting a bath; but as soon as the horses are put in for the night, out comes the disco ball!  From here, the goofy side of the horses comes out and the laughs follow.  Illustrations are simple, colorful and fun.  We liked finding the mouse on every page!  For kids ages 2-6. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A rhyming book about rain perfect for toddlers.  This book introduces the weather concept of rain in a simple and fun way.  Kids enjoyed different animals showcased on each page and it was interesting to see that they pointed out all of the different things that raindrops can do rather than just fall from the sky.  The illustrations were bright and captivated with plenty to keep kids interested in each page.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A fun, rhyming book that encourages kids to use all of their senses.  I love that this book highlights all of the benefits of wind from wind as an energy source, to weather patterns, transportation and pure enjoyment.  Imaginative illustrations bring the wind to life as the text encourages kids to observe and enjoy this part of nature.   A great book for kids ages 3-5 that will stir their senses and awaken their appreciation of nature.

The book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A magical story of what happened when Kikiko walks through the woods alone to deliver a pie to her grandmother's house.  The story seems to blend together elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Alice in Wonderland into a imaginative and fun new story.  The illustrations can seem dark at times, with a splash of color here or there within charcoal drawings, although this can add to the mysterious and ominous feeling of Kikiko being in the woods alone.  Overall, an enjoyable story appropriate for ages 4-7. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

A perfect bedtime story for fathers to read to their kids.  Beautiful illustrations and simple phrasing make this book perfect for toddlers.  Each page captures what a different animal father might do for their children; for example giraffe fathers help their kids reach the tall leaves. The illustrations are what really shine and children will love seeing and learning about the different animals.  A great activity for dads and kids.


This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Sophia has won a trip to Costa Rica for her family.  Sophia is excited to go hiking, canoeing, swimming and to see all of the jungle animals.  She and her family also see some of the destruction that people are doing to the rainforest.  Sophia has a wonderful adventure full of beautiful sights and great activities. 

I love that Sophia’s Jungle Adventure is interactive, assigning a yoga pose to certain words.  Through Sophia’s adventure kids will be led on a short yoga flow that is perfect for waking up and getting moving or relaxing before bed.  Many of the poses correspond with activities kids are familiar with, such as going on a plane or swimming and animals that they love: monkeys, cats, butterflies and snakes.  Kids who are learning Spanish will also find it easy to learn some of the highlighted words.  Overall, a fun and interactive books that teaches kids about the jungle, jungle animals and gets kids active.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.