Read this aloud to the kids. The whole story is in verse, like Dr. Seuss or Bill Peet, but longer and with minimal illustrations. It is impressive to write that much verse, but the plot felt a bit weak. The kids seemed to enjoy it, but quite a few times it was hard to follow and we had to go back and figure out exactly what was going on. ( )

Technically I didn't read this one, but since he and his dad read it I'm recording it here so that they can find it later. The liked it a lot.

Children's fiction/a novel in verse.

"Here is a story that's stranger than strange.
Before we begin you may want to arrange:
a blanket,
a cushion,
a comfortable seat,
and maybe some cocoa and something to eat."

Does that not make you want to read this?! With charming Edward Gorey-esque drawings and a fresh cast of characters (sprinkled with lots of exciting new vocabulary words for youngsters to learn), this should definitely satisfy those girls and boys craving a bit more danger in their daily reads. Probably best for older grades, since some of the parts are quite scary (knives and teeth feature prominently). ( )

This audio was read by Alan Cumming, which should really be review enough, because Alan Cumming is funny and brilliant and I love him. It's a kids book about a little girl with an evil guardian who discovers monsters living underground, and she goes on an adventure. It's written in verse and is rather clever and I sometimes found myself snorting out loud. Also, Alan Cumming narrates it (did I mention that?) and it's a wonderful listen.

4.5 stars ( )

(Audio & Physical Books)

This was the cutest little story that was written all in rhyme!

It was about a little girl named Katrina Katrell and her friend Morty. Katrina was the one who wasn't afraid of adventure & Morty who didn't think he could ever do an adventure because he thought he wasn't good enough! Both learned so much from each other in this little story that seemed to have been based some where in Scotland based on the accent of the Narrator, that I adored! And the fact that Loch Ness was mentioned.

So much happened in this 288 page book that I couldn't even try to tell any of it. this is a great book for children of about age 5 on up. Whether read allowed or to themselves (those who are ready for chapter books..depending on the child). It's just enough creepiness in it that you do need to base it on your individual child and what they like and don't. So, those that like children's books/middle grade...This book is worth at least a try. I generally am not into middle grade books except maybe in classics, and even then, I'm not always first to pick them up. I like the more, would may be today's YA (maybe? Would Little Women be kind of YA'ish? Although I do like the Oz series and kind of like Chronicles of Narnia a bit but those books are individual based)

I really did love this little story & the narrator was, for me personally, amazing! Just too cute for words! ( )