Weekly Reads // Comics and Romance

This past week I read four books although I'll be only reviewing three since the other one is basically a self-help book for picky eaters. I'll review it one day if it actually works. Otherwise, I read some kids' comics and finally, after all this time I read a contemporary romance. One I've been planning on reading since January so I feel very accomplished.

A brand-new early reader graphic novel series about finding friendship in unexpected places This fun and funny buddy comedy is perfect for fans of Narwhal & Jelly, emerging readers, and all kids who love comics.

Ally the alligator is perfectly happy being alone . . . until one day a noisy bird named Beak lands on her snout.

Beak thinks Ally is lonely and needs a friend. He has all sorts of friendship goals in mind, like riding bikes together, going to the movies together, and even solving mysteries together But when a Long-Billed Party Pooper crashes Beak's nest-warming party, Ally decides to show Beak something important to her: sticking up for what's right.

Some of these comics for kids I don't see a point or their humor goes right over my head. I can actually see young readers enjoying Beak & Ally's adventures. It's cute, sweet, and has a little bit of humor. I loved that Ally spoke up for her friend which is a good lesson for kids to emulate in their own lives. The vibes are very much wholesome so I see the appeal.

HOW TO UPEND YOUR LIFE:

 - Get fired by gross, handsy boss

 - Fail to do laundry (again)

 - Be mistaken for famous Chinese actress

 - Fall head-first into glitzy new world

Gracie Reed is doing just fine. Sure, she was fired by her overly "friendly" boss, and yes she still hasn't gotten her mother into the nursing home of their dreams, but she's healthy, she's (somewhat) happy, and she's (mostly) holding it all together.

But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema's golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie's world is turned on its head. The famous actress has a proposition: due to their uncanny resemblance, Fangli wants Gracie to be her stand-in. The catch? Gracie will have to be escorted by Sam, the most attractive―and infuriating―man Gracie's ever met.

If it means getting the money she needs for her mother, Gracie's in. Soon Gracie moves into a world of luxury she never knew existed. But resisting Sam, and playing the role of an elegant movie star, proves more difficult than she ever imagined―especially when she learns the real reason Fangli so desperately needs her help. In the end all the lists in the world won't be able to help Gracie keep up this elaborate ruse without losing herself...and her heart.

Hallelujah! I read a contemporary romance. It's been ages... 

At a point in my life where I am very picky with my romance... this was not that bad. I thought Gracie lusting after Sam right away wasn't needed like I think with all romances. There seems to be a conspiracy where the two main characters fall in love/lust in minutes or in a couple of weeks like this one did but this wasn't too horrible. There was a closed door aspect which was a miracle because graphic sex scenes are also seemingly in every romance around lately. The main character did act too rashly and I wanted to just be like "Girl get a grip. You are getting paid 150,000 who cares?" But otherwise, again not that bad. 

Honestly, the love interest did it for me. He was protective of his best friend and was very sweet when he wanted to be. He was very attentive to Gracie and interested in her interests. I thought that the list app she was making was interesting in itself because I like lists so if you want to send me a link to the fictional app that would be great. I don't know. Their interactions were just really wholesome even with all the unnecessary drama. If they just fell for each with no lustful feelings a month in then honestly it would have been a four-star book. If Gracie was less silly about the lying and wanting to get out of getting all that money for her mom then it would possibly be a five-star. I appreciated what this debut author brought to the table. I'll read more from her for sure.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a . . . pancake? Here is a delightfully clever and endearingly funny graphic novel about a pancake named Peggy, who accidentally develops superhero abilities and must defend her home of Breakfast Town.

Life in Breakfast Town is pretty uneventful for Peggy Pancake. Her parents are always on her case, she's stuck in her perfect brother's shadow, and she just can't seem to avoid the Bacon Bullies at school. That is until one day, after an accidental mixup, Peggy finds herself with superhero abilities. . . . Now Peggy can flip! She can fight! She can FLY!

With the help of her new friend, Luc Croissant, Peggy must master her newfound skills. But danger is lurking in the Maple Mountains, where the evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich and his wicked Henchtoasts are plotting something sinister. Can Peggy harness her powers and save all that is dear? Find out in: SUPER PANCAKE!

I love foodie books so Super Pancake was calling to me. Kind of a miss however not compared to the other comics I've been reading for the elementary age group. The food characters added something positive especially with our main character being a pancake. Breakfast foods are the best foods so yeah they got me there. Otherwise, I can see kids enjoying this possibly even the Dog Man crowd in particular girls who like Dog Man. (I am writing this like I've read Dog Man but it's a superhero dog so very similar right?) There is some wisdom in here about being yourself, knowing who you are, and being kind to one another. It's got an evil supervillain who is the perfect supervillain for this world because breakfast sandwiches are evil. Make me some pancakes and eggs, not some dry egg sandwich. Anywho this was sweet and easily recommendable. I'll have to buy this for my branch.