Review: Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

Title: Fortunately, the Milk
Author: Neil Gaiman
Format: E-book (Kindle)
Date Read: December 7, 2013
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: YES YES YES YES!

Summary: While picking up milk for his children's cereal, a father is abducted by aliens and finds himself on a wild adventure through time and space.

Review: The ability for this man to craft a story astounds me! Everything he writes, I fall in love with, and this one is no exception!  This one I read in a couple of hours, and it is such an adorable, whimsical story that had me sucked in from the very beginning, and the illustrations are just pure delight added to an already fantastic story. 

A father has to head to the corner store to obtain milk for his children's cereal so they actually have something for breakfast (and he has milk for his tea).  However, it isn't just a simple trip to the corner store for milk as the father is then abducted by aliens! 

This book features aliens, dinosaurs, time travel, strange jungle people, a volcano god, wumpires, and two children who ultimately can choose to believe or not believe their father's fanciful tale of what happened and why his trip to the store took longer than it should have.

Review: Saving Halloween by Lisa Ard

Title: Saving Halloween

Author: Lisa Ard

Format: E-book (Kindle)

Read: Dec 29-30, 2012

Rating: 3/5

Recommend: For 3rd Grade and Up.

Summary: When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see -- a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family's enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween?

Review: I had received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  Anne's parents had high expectations from her. They ensured that she did well in school, but weren't the kind of parents who would spend a lot of time with her. She didn't have friends, and in fact she was a target for bullies, that is until Halloween Spavento and her family. The townsfolk like the Spaventos despite their eccentric hobbies, well everyone except the bullies. Anne does end up becoming good friends with Halloween, and the strange traditions (talking to deceased relatives) don't bother her.

However, thanks to Mrs. Spavento, who overhears the bullies talking in a shop, saying that they “hate Halloween,” and she thinks that they mean the holiday, not her daughter, they will be planning and hosting the best Halloween party the town has ever seen!

I did like this middle grade story, and I do like how Ms. Ard tells her story, however I did find this book a little lacking and I can't entirely put my finger on just why that is. But, it is a good read for a young advanced reader, and definitely as a good balance of spooky and not spooky. Definitely a good book to read around Halloween.