Striking Turkeys, Sleepless Owls, and a Few Picks That Wandered In From the Teen Shelf

by Kim Richardson

This is a teen paranormal about Kara Nightingale, who dies at sixteen and gets drafted into the Guardian Angel Legion to fight demons. It's sitting at 3.7 with over 7,000 readers, which tells you it's divisive, and the reviews I saw were brutal in places. Grab it if you like angel-and-demon YA and can forgive some rough edges, but it's not a kids' book.

“No, monkey, NO! Do NOT mislead the readers! I give up. If you asked me whether gauging my eyes out with a spoon would be less painful than the thought of finishing this book, I'd be inclined to agree. Well, not really. But still. I read 50% of this book, and I can't read any longer. This book is jus”

by Sierra Prynne

Let's be clear, this one is an adult romance with seduction right in the blurb, so keep it away from the little ones. Natalie inherits a Scottish estate, a riddle, and two stepbrothers who want it all back, and the hint of something supernatural makes it sound like pure guilty-pleasure reading. A 4.25 from just over 200 readers is a solid showing, especially for a free download.

by V Moua

Sammy runs from Sticks and Stones because he's sure they mean trouble, and the whole joke is that he never stops to listen. It's a clever spin on the old saying, and one parent said they used it to practice phonics with their 6-year-old. At 4.56 with over 130 readers, it's the highest rated book on this week's list, and I get why.

“Very fun and engaging This book was fantastic for my 6yo and I to partner read and work on phonics. He loves these sammy Bird books and we often read them together. This story had a fun play on the old phrase with a sweet twist at the end. Looking forward to more Sammy Bird Adventures!”

by Jennifer Jones

The turkeys leave a letter and fly the coop, so Thanksgiving dinner is in jeopardy. It's a rhyming read-aloud with bright art, and it holds a 4.13 with just over 100 readers. One reviewer found the premise a bit morbid for little ones, which is fair if your kid is sensitive about the whole roasting thing. Others liked the simple message underneath.

“Four Point Five Stars Lovely story of the turkey birds going on strike just before Thanksgiving. Bright vibrant colours with a simple deep message for older children. Good read for kids and adults.”

by Laurel Veil

Haley Elizabeth is a miserable middle schooler who gets invited to dinner and finds out she's the main course, which is a great hook. Then the mysterious Juniper Hagglesworth shows up, and there's a wicked witch too. One reader shared it aloud with her 9-year-old granddaughter and got several real laughs. It's a 4.44 from about 40 readers, and I'd call it a good pick for a quick, funny bedtime chapter book.

“Short, delightful and charming, Fairy Godmothers Are For Wimps by Laurel Veil is an adventure full of magic, fun, mystery, humor, a wicked witch and more. This excitement-packed entertainingly bewitching book will tickle all members of the family though it has been primarily designed for young...”

by Natasha Moutinho

Rudy the Owl wakes up at sunset and goes looking for friends who are also up at night. Along the way, kids pick up the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals without it feeling like a lesson. It has a 4.41 from about 30 readers, and one babysitter said the pictures were a big plus. It's a good wind-down book for toddlers and preschoolers.

“When the sun begins to set, Rudy the owl wakes up. Most animals can’t see well in the dark, but Rudy has very good sight and can see well at night. He tries to find some of his friends, but nearly all of them are sleeping. This was a sweet little book that teaches children that some animals sleep...”