The Red Bandanna

The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi, 216 pages

This is a memoir of Welles Crowther’s short life. This amazing man gave his life to help people escape the Twin Towers on September 11^th.  It’s not very long; he was only 24 years old when he died, but he had a huge impact for several people who survived the attacks because of him.  He was an employee in the building but had been a volunteer firefighter and was applying to be a firefighter in New York.  This book made me cry, which doesn’t happen often.  It was touching and amazing.  I would highly recommend this to people who like biographies, or anyone interested in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

The Royal Rabbits of London

The Royal Rabbits of London by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore   208 pages

I love books about animals. Remember the All Creatures Great and Small series by James Herriot that came began in 1973? If you haven’t read them, do so. They are wonderful.  I also love rabbits, so how could I pass up a chance to read a book about a little rabbit that has to wear an eyepatch to help correct his vision?

I couldn’t, and I’m glad that I didn’t. This novel, aimed at middle school readers, is adorable and a fun read, even for middle-aged adults.

In this first book in the Royal Rabbits series, readers are introduced to Shylo Tawny-Tail, the runt of his litter and Mom’s pet. Shylo has made friends with an elderly rabbit who lives on the other side of the pasture. Horatio, the old rabbit, tells Shylo about the Royal Rabbits, the noble defenders of the royal family, a secret society of rabbits that live beneath Buckingham Palace.

On his way to visit Horatio, Shylo encounters his oldest brother, Maximilian. Rather the divulge his secret path, Shylo takes off in a different direction and looks for a low place to hide. He is successful and Maximilian soon tires of chasing him. As he waits to make sure that his brother has truly left, three Ratzis, under the control of Papa Ratzi, amble up the path, making plans to snap photos of the Queen in her nightie and selling it to the tabloids for big bucks.

When Shylo finally makes it to Horatio’s burrow and explains what he has just heard…and smelled, Horatio convinces him that the only way to save the Queen from total humiliation is for Shylo to travel to London, find the Royal Rabbits, and alert them to be on guard. Shylo, small and timid, rises to the challenge.

What an adventure Shylo has! This is a fun, light-hearted that teaches children about privacy, facing your fears, and being the best bunny that they can be.

The Royal Rabbits of London gets 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

As Brave As You

As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds, 410 pages

Genie and Ernie are spending a month at their grandparents’ house in Virginia while their parents go on a trip to try to save their marriage.  Living in Virginia is a huge change for two boys from New York, especially since Genie has only ever talked to them on the phone.  However, being in Virginia is also allowing Genie to learn more about his entire family, not just his grandparents.  This is a great book for kids who like realistic family stories.

Max the Brave

Max the Brave by Ed Vere   32 pages

A cute book for Preschoolers through Grade 2.

Max is very brave, very black kitten who chases mice. Problem is, Max doesn’t know what a mouse looks like. So off he goes in search mouse. Since this is such a short book, I don’t want to be a spoiler. You’ll just have to read it to find out what obstacles get in Max’s way.

I give Max the Brave 5 out of 5 stars.