The Kids of Cattywampus Street | A Review

Hiya! Today I’ll be reviewing The Kids of Cattywampus Street, written by Lisa Jahn-Clough, and illustrated by Natalie Andrewson. I picked this one up because I had been looking for a whimsical book to read. So when I found this one, I just knew I had to pick it up. Not to mention that Lemony Snicket himself liked the novel! Anways, let’s get into it!

In this delightful chapter book filled with black-and-white pictures, you’ll meet Jamal, Lindalee, Hans, Matteo, and others–the kids who live on Cattywampus Street, not far from the Waddlebee Toy Store. Each of the eleven chapters in this magical, mysterious, silly, scary, happy, and sometimes sad chapter book tells an utterly unforgettable tale about one of the kids. Whether it’s about Jamal and his magic ball, which knows how to find him after its been stolen away; or Charlotta, who shrinks so small that she can fit inside her dollhouse; or Rodney, whose pet rock becomes the envy of all the kids on Cattywampus Street, here are stories sure to charm, captivate, and engage all readers of chapter books, even the most reluctant.

First let’s talk about the plot. The Kids of Cattywampus Street promises wacky tales about children that live on Cattywampus Street, or somewhere near it. The stories are also said to have some sort of connection to a toy store called The WaddleBee’s Toy Store. While the tales present in the book are bizarre, they don’t necessarily tie into each other. I was hoping for the stories to be connected in some way, but that wasn’t the case. Furthermore, the stories felt unoriginal, and already-done-before.

In addition, the characters had beautiful designs, but not all of them were likeable. There also wasn’t much character development, nor were there any learning opportunities present for children. 

The dialogue felt bland and tried too hard to be funny. For example, there was a typical mean kid and their ‘sidekicks.’ When a character was crying, the words ‘Boo Hoo’ were used to enunciate her sobbing. (I hope that makes sense!)

Moreover, I really struggled with the writing. It would always reveal the events that occurred before it happened. This left no space for the readers to predict or imagine what would happen next. 

Fortunately, the illustrations were stunning! They were whimsical and vibrant, which I’m sure young readers will love.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with The Kids of Cattywampus Street. (Pun intended.) While I disliked the writing style, I adored how bizarre and vibrant the book was. This novel is perfect for kids transitioning from picture books, to chapter books!

Age Rating: 9 and up

TW: Some scenes might scare younger children

Final Rating: 6/10 or 3 stars

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What is your favorite short story collection? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have an amazing day!

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Together, Apart | A Review

Hey everyone! Today I bring you a review of the novel Together, Apart. It’s actually the first time I’ll be reviewing a collection of short stories. Anyways, let’s get right into it!

Erin Craig “delivers” on a story about a new girl in town and the cute pizza delivery boy, Auriane Desombre captures our hearts with teens communicating through window signs, and Bill Konigsberg takes us along on daily walks with every step bringing us closer to love. There’s flirting and romance from Rachael Lippincott, a tale of a determined girl with a mask-making business from Erin Hahn, and a music-inspired love connection from Sajni Patel. Brittney Morris turns enemies to lovers with the help of a balcony herb garden, Jennifer Yen writes an unconventional romance that starts outside a hospital, and Natasha Preston’s teens discover each other–and their love story–in a storybook oak tree.

Romantic, realistic, sweet and uplifting, TOGETHER, APART is a collection of finding love in unexpected places during an unprecedented time . . . each with the one thing we all want: a guaranteed happy ending.

 Love, Delivered by Erin A. Craig

Love, Delivered is a relatable story about what it’s like to move during a pandemic. It was interesting to see what it’s like to spend quarantine alone via the main character’s point of view. That’s something very hard to deal with, especially with the thought of constantly being worried about one’s parents. (The main character’s parents work outside the house.) Overall, it was sweet and enjoyable!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

The Socially Distant Dog Walking Brigade by Bill Konigsberg

This was such a warm and fuzzy romance about two teens walking their dogs. It had it’s funny moments, but also it’s serious ones. I really liked how the story touched on mental illness and friendship breakups. It had a nice balance of silly and serious!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25 out of 5 stars)

One Day by Sajni Patel

I liked how One Day touched on fatigue and boredom, it was very relatable. 😂 However, the main character was so rude and arrogant. She literally threw her shoe at a guy who was playing his guitar because the sound annoyed her, and she threw her favorite shoe too. It just didn’t make sense. The love interest also came off as annoying rather than cheeky.

⭐⭐ (2.25 out of 5 stars)

The Rules of Comedy by Auriane Desombre

This was a fun tiktok-themed love story that was fairly enjoyable. Unfortunately however, I was bored halfway through the story. I did like seeing how the older and younger sister dynamic played out between the main character and their sibling.

⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)

The New Boy Next Door by Natasha Preston

The New Boy Next Door was unfortunately, not my thing. The original concept of hanging out in a tree was cute. However, the story came off as flat and cringe-y. The main characters were very annoying. The girl was sort of pushy and made way too many Twilight references, and the boy was just rude for no reason whatsoever.

⭐ (1.5 out of 5)

Love With a Side of Fortune by Jennifer Yen

This was a light and fluffy read that left me feeling very hungry. It gave off such dark academia vibes, and I am totally here for it! However, I disliked how there was no real character development nor any relationship development between the main character and their mother. I also felt as though the main character was a bit rude to her mom. Moreover, I liked how the book touched upon having parents that work in healthcare, especially during these times. Overall, if you’re looking for a restaurant themed love story, this is the one for you!

⭐⭐⭐ (3.25 out of 5 stars)

The Green Thumb War by Brittney Morris

I loved this one! The concept of a plant war was absolutely hilarious and totally unique! The execution was pretty good too. I only wish it was a bit funnier, but that’s just my taste. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Stuck with Her by Rachel Lippincott

This was a cute story about what it’s like to live with a loud and messy roommate. I liked how the love interest was 🌟mysterious🌟. Moreover, I felt as though the romance escalated so quickly. One second the main character hates her roommate, then the next second they kiss? It just didn’t make sense. It also felt very repetitive as well. However, I do think people who live in similar circumstances will enjoy this short story more than I did.

⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)

Masked by Erin Hahn

Masked was a rather imaginative story that I ultimately feel like could have turned into an actual novel. It was fun, light, and exciting. I also thought it was cool that the main character cut fabric out of her prom dress to create masks for people working outside their homes. It was very kind of her.

⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)

Overall, this was a comforting book containing stories related to COVID-19, and I am totally here for it!

Age Rating: 12 and up

TW: Talk of friendship breakups and mental illness in The Socially Distant Dog Walking Brigade. Talk of deaths relating to COVID-19 in some of the stories.

Final Rating: 7/10 or 3.5 stars

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What did you all think of this collections of short stories? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have a wonderful day!