Audiobook Review: Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton

TITLE: Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet

SERIES: Agatha Raisin, Book #2
AUTHOR: M.C. Beaton 

NARRATOR: Diana Bishop
PUBLISHER: AudioGO Ltd.
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2012 (first published 1993)

FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook, 5 hrs and 17 mins
GENRE: Mystery

In the delightful Cotswold village of Carsely, the air is heady with romance. Agatha Raisin is convinced that the new vet has taken a shine to her. But before she can get anywhere, handsome Dr. Paul Bladen is accidentally killed while attending to Lord Pendlebury’s horse. So was it really an accident? All the evidence points that way, but the circumstances are decidedly suspicious....

MY REVIEW: 

I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own. 

 

In this second installment of the Agatha Raisin series, Agatha has just returned home from the Bahamas. When she found out that her neighbor, James Lacey, was planning a vacation there, Agatha decided to book a trip as well in the hopes that the "chance" meeting would result in some sparks! To her dismay, Agatha found out that James caught wind of her plans and changed his itinerary so that he could ditch her. He went to Egypt instead.

 

While she was away, a veterinarian set up a local practice and the ladies are all atwitter over Dr. Paul Bladen. At first, all of the ladies bring their pets as an excuse to see the good-looking bachelor. However, once they witness Dr. Bladen's brutish handling of their beloved canines and felines, the veterinarian loses his charm but not before he manages to swindle some money out of some of them.

 

When Dr. Bladen presumably accidentally injects himself with a lethal dose of a sedative meant for a horse that he is treating, Agatha finds that she has another mystery to solve. She is more certain than ever that it was murder when a local woman is also found dead. Agatha finds an unlikely sleuthing partner to help her: James!

 

I really liked how Agatha and James paired-up to solve this mystery! Agatha's feelings for James waffle from hot to cold. I felt a bit sorry for Agatha for constantly being rebuffed by James but, at the same time, it is a little amusing because she is a woman who is used to getting what she wants except in this case. 

 

Agatha's antics always have me in stitches! There is an incident in a pub's washroom when she stands on the sink so that she can change the light bulb, and the sink gives way and comes tearing out of the wall followed by a spray of water! A normal person would get the manager's attention to shut the water off so that the room would not become flooded. No, not Agatha! She high-tails it out of there to avoid any embarrassment, but she has to admit to the entire incident when the police find her.

 

I missed Agatha's assistant, Roy! He was such a hoot in the first book in the series, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. Agatha doesn't receive any visits from Roy in this book, although she does speak with him on the telephone.

 

I was extremely disappointed when I found out that Penelope Keith, who narrated the first book in the series, was not narrating this one. I did enjoy Diana Bishop, who did a perfectly fine job, although her narration was a bit more subdued. Keith gave Agatha a bit more of an attitude, and I liked the extra "spark" in her personality. 

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this one but not as much as its predecessor. Still, it is a most enjoyable series that I plan to continue reading! 

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  It was really good, and you should put it on your "TBR" list! A big thanks to AudioGO and Audiobook Jukebox for the opportunity to review this audiobook!

This book qualifies as: 

#111 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#40 for my 2012 Audio Book Challenge       
#46 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#2 for my Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2012
#44 for my 2012 ARC Reading Challenge   
#47 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#15 for my 2nds Challenge 2012    
#18 for my Review Copy Wipeout     
#2 for my M.C. Beaton Cozy Mystery Challenge  

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Book Review: Lyrical Life Science, Volume 1 by Doug C. Eldon

TITLE: Lyrical Life Science, Volume 1

SERIES: Lyrical Life Science
AUTHOR: Doug C. Eldon 

ILLUSTRATIONS: Eric Altendorf
PUBLISHER: Lyrical Learning
PUBLICATION DATE: June 1, 1996

FORMAT: Softcover, 91 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, Science
ISBN: 0964636700

An entertaining and award-winning text and tape set that combines foundational scientific information with old-time traditional tunes. The songs are part of systematic scientific studies which includes the illustrated text that amplifies and reinforces the concepts in the songs. 1995 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children.  

This is a great science set, which contains a textbook with an Audio CD. The textbook contains 11 chapters that cover the scientific method, living things, invertebrates, vertebrates, birds, plants, algae and fungi, vascular and non-vascular plants, protozoa, genetics, viruses, and bacteria. Each chapter has an accompanying song that has a familiar tune (such as, "Clementine" and "If You're Happy and You Know It"), but the lyrics to the song have been changed to contain scientific facts! 

I bought this for my Grade 4 daughter to use, but my 4 year-old has just as much fun with it! There is nothing cuter than hearing a 4 year-old singing, "Oh, what do you think a scientist does to solve a problem found because many scientists are scientists 'cause they're great problem solvers. There is a systematic way they go about 'most every day, it's methodical and it's logical, the scientific method" (excerpt of lyrics from "The Scientific Method").

We also bought the accompanying workbook, which contains fill-in-the-blank questions for the lyrics to each song. That is followed by true and false questions, labelling diagrams, matching questions and answers, short answer questions, and long answer (essay) questions. The song lyrics contain the answers to all the questions, so it is a good review although not necessary.

 

It is a proven fact that it is easier to memorize information that is set to music, and this method really does work!

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  We really enjoyed it and would recommend it!!

This book qualifies as: 

#110 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#45 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#24 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#46 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge     
#78 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#46 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#18 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review - Real Science-4-Kids: Biology, Level I by Dr. Rebecca W. Keller

TITLE: Real Science-4-Kids: Biology, Level I

SERIES: Real Science-4-Kids
AUTHOR: Dr. Rebecca W. Keller 

PUBLISHER: Gravitas Publications, Inc.
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2005

FORMAT: Hardcover, 71 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, Science
ISBN: 9780974914923

Real Science-4-Kids Biology, Level I, presents college-level biological concepts at a 4th and 5th grade reading level. Chapters include topics such as taxonomy, the cell, the specialized organelle (the chloroplast), plants, protozoa, frog and butterfly life cycles, ecosystems and cycles.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children. 

This book is divided into ten chapters, and then sub-divided into sections varying between four to eight parts. At the end of each section is a summary before moving on to the next chapter.

We really liked this science book. The content is age-appropriate, and there is a great glossary of scientific terms at the back of the book.  Although the chapters on life cycles (flowers, butterflies and frogs) and plants (photosynthesis, parts of a plant, and how a plant grows) did not really contain any new information for my Grade 4 daughter, the chapters on taxonomy, cells, and protists provided good information at an introductory level.

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  We really enjoyed it and would recommend it!!

This book qualifies as: 

#109 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#44 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#23 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#45 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge     
#77 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#45 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#17 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review - The Story of the U.S.A., Book 1: Explorers and Settlers by Franklin Escher, Jr.

TITLE: The Story of the U.S.A., Book 1: Explorers and Settlers

SERIES: The Story of the U.S.A.
AUTHOR: Franklin Escher, Jr. 

PUBLISHER: Educators Publishing Service
PUBLICATION DATE: July 30, 1998

FORMAT: Softcover, 90 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, History
ISBN: 0838816312

Ideal for developing reading comprehension skills, this series presents basic topics in American history and includes illustrations, vocabulary lists, and questions.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children. 

This book is organized into 14 lessons, starting with The First Americans and ending with The American Revolution. Each lesson includes a vocabulary list at the beginning to read before the actual lesson to cover any words that the child may not be familiar with, and each lesson is followed by questions that are broken down into sections entitled A to E. At the end of the book is a great Final Test which reviews all of the information covered in the book.

We really liked this history book. Each lesson was no more than two pages, which was the perfect size for my older daughter (Grade 4) to assimilate. I loved the comprehension questions at the end of each lesson, which we found was a great aid in remembering the events.

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  We really enjoyed it and would recommend it!!

This book qualifies as: 

#108 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#43 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#22 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#44 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge     
#76 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#44 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#16 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: Water by Trevor Day

TITLE: Water

SERIES: See for Yourself
AUTHOR: Trevor Day 

ILLUSTRATOR: Dave Cockburn
PUBLISHER: Dorling Kindersley Publishing 
PUBLICATION DATE: March 19, 2007 

FORMAT: Hardcover, 64 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, Science
ISBN: 9780756625627

DK covers new ground with this series of unrivaled family reference titles. With full-color photographs and a fresh new look at favorite subjects, these remarkable books uncover the real story behind the natural phenomena that shape the world around us. See for Yourself: Water explains how rain, rivers, currents, and oceans shape our landscape and climate, support unique marine habitats, and threaten our coasts and cities with rising sea levels.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children. 

The content is quite detailed and provides a good overview on everything related to water. We really enjoyed the chapters on clouds, the water cycle, and body water. Even though the book is recommended for Grades 4 and up, my 4 year-old daughter was engaged by the beautiful photographs.

This is a great science book. We really enjoyed it!

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  We really enjoyed it and would recommend it!!

This book qualifies as: 

#107 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#42 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#21 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#43 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge     
#75 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#43 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#15 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party! by Peter Cook

TITLE: You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!

SERIES: You Wouldn't Want to...
AUTHOR: Peter Cook 

ILLUSTRATOR: David Antram
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Inc.
PUBLICATION DATE: March 1, 2006 (first published 2002)

FORMAT: Softcover, 32 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, History
ISBN: 0531124479

The year is 1773. Your name is George Robert Twelves Hewes and you were born in Boston Massachusetts in 1742. You grew to manhood in a time of turmoil, when American colonists first began to rebel against the unjust rule of the British government. You were to be at the center of some of the most important events in America's history--events that led to the American Revolution. On the night of December 16, 1773, you were busy blacking your face with coal dust and disguising yourself as a Mohawk Indian. You are about to be a part of history. You are about to find out why You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children. 

What a fun way to learn history! This book was hilarious!! I am so impressed with the content, and it gives kids a real feel for what life was like back in this time period.

We learned about the events leading up to why the Boston Tea Party took place and how London responded when the news of the tea party reached Britain.

We loved this book so much that I have bought nearly every book in this series. This is a great addition to your American history studies! 

MY RATING:

5 stars!!  We loved it! Highly recommended!!

This book qualifies as: 

#106 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#41 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#20 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#42 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge     
#74 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#42 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#14 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz

TITLE: What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?

AUTHOR: Jean Fritz 

ILLUSTRATOR: Margot Tomes
PUBLISHER: Puffin
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 1996 (first published 1976)

FORMAT: Softcover, 48 pages
GENRE: Biography
ISBN: 0698113721

No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found tiime to try out new ideas. Such as a remote-control lock (so he could stay in bed and lock his door), a rocking chair (which powered a fan), and a windmill (to turn his meat roaster). aside from being a man of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time).

MY REVIEW: 

I read this biography aloud to my children. It is recommended for ages 8-11, but even my 4 year-old enjoyed it.

Fritz presents factual information in such a way that it is entertaining and fun! This is the second biography that we've read about Benjamin Franklin, and we think that he is the most remarkable historical figure! His inventions single-handedly changed America! From establishing the first circulating library to organizing Philadelphia's fire department, he is a truly brilliant man especially considering that he received no formal education (his father took him out of school when he was ten years old) and was largely self-taught!

We loved this biography, and we plan to read more of Fritz's biographical series! This book makes a great complement to your American history studies! 

MY RATING:

5 stars!!  We loved it! Highly recommended!!

This book qualifies as: 

#105 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#40 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#19 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#41 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge    
#41 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#13 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz

TITLE: And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

AUTHOR: Jean Fritz 

ILLUSTRATOR: Margot Tomes
PUBLISHER: Puffin
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 1996 (first published 1973)

FORMAT: Softcover, 48 pages
GENRE: Biography
ISBN: 0698113519

Everyone knows about Paul Revere's Big Ride to Lexington. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. And id you know that Paul Revere forgot his spurs on his famous ride? Or that he whittled false teeth to make extra money? Or that he had really sloppy handwriting? Or that he had sixteen children?

MY REVIEW: 

I read this biography aloud to my children. It is recommended for ages 8-11, but even my 4 year-old enjoyed it.

Fritz presents factual information in such a way that it is entertaining and fun! We enjoyed learning more about Revere's involvement with the Sons of Liberty and, of course, all the details surrounding his famous ride to Lexington.

We loved this biography, and we plan to read more of Fritz's biographical series! This book makes a great complement to your American history studies!

MY RATING:

5 stars!!  We loved it! Highly recommended!!

This book qualifies as: 

#104 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#39 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#18 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#40 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge    
#40 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#12 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: Can't You Make Them Behave, King George? by Jean Fritz

TITLE: Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?

AUTHOR: Jean Fritz 

ILLUSTRATOR: Tomie dePaola
PUBLISHER: Puffin
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 1996 (first published 1977)

FORMAT: Softcover, 48 pages
GENRE: Biography
ISBN: 9780698114029

Before England's King George III was king, he was just plain George - a bashful boy who blushed easily. But by the time he was twenty-two, George was a king, and he tried his hardest to be a good one. That meant marrying a princess, having sixteen kids, and being very careful with his country's money. He taxed the Americans so that England would have enough, but that was the end of good King George as far as the Americans were concerned.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this biography aloud to my children. It is recommended for ages 8-11, but even my 4 year-old enjoyed it.

Fritz presents factual information in such a way that it is entertaining and fun! I found the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party to be very interesting, and I did not realize how much the independence of the American colonies bothered King George.

We loved this biography, and we plan to read more of Fritz's biographical series! This book makes a great complement to your American history studies!

MY RATING:

5 stars!!  We loved it! Highly recommended!!

This book qualifies as: 

#103 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#38 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#17 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#39 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge    
#73 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#39 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#11 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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Book Review: The Usborne Science Encyclopedia by Annabel Craig and Cliff Rosney

TITLE: The Usborne Science Encyclopedia

AUTHOR: Annabel Craig and Cliff Rosney

PUBLISHER: Usborne Books
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 1997

FORMAT: Softcover, 128 pages
GENRE: Non-fiction, Science
ISBN: 9780746030523

What makes a rocket go? Why is the sky blue? What is gravity? How do computers work?

The Usborne Science Encyclopedia introduces children to the fascinating world of science. Arranged thematically, it provides clear explanations which uncover the basic scientific principles behind everyday life. Hundreds of illustrations, both realistic and cartoons, together with quizzes, experiments and amazing facts, help to make science fun. Lists, charts, a glossary and an index complete this invaluable children's reference book.

MY REVIEW: 

I read this non-fiction book aloud to my children. 

This book covers a lot of ground, including: Energy, physics, light, sound, atoms, and electricity. Due to the nature of the topics, there is a lot of information presented on each page. I personally would have preferred a little less information so that the pages did not look so "busy."

The book was published in 1997, so I had to laugh at the section on "Records and Tapes." My kids pointed to the record player and cassette tapes and asked what they were! The book could really stand some updating in the technology section.

One thing that my kids loved were the science experiments, which were simple to do and a lot of fun! I love that the book incorporated some "hands-on" things to bring further understanding to the topics.

The book covers more mature topics that the other Usborne books that we have been reading, so the depth of information is a bit more complex. We still really enjoyed it, although it wasn't our favourite Usborne science book.

MY RATING:

4 stars!!  We really enjoyed it, and we would recommend it!

This book qualifies as: 

#102 for my 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge    
#37 for my 2012 The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge  
#16 for my 2012 Dewey Decimal Challenge 
#38 for my 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge    
#72 for my New Author Reading Challenge 2012 
#38 for my Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012  
#10 for my Five-Year Reading Challenge: A Non-Fiction Adventure  

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