188. Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan
Published July 2012 Allen & Unwin


From the publisher:
Mel and Cathy and Anna have passed vampires on the street, and sat near them in cinemas, but they don't know any. Vampires stick to their own kind, and Mel and her friends hang out with other humans - until a vampire boy in a bizarre sun-proof suit shows up at school and captures Cathy's heart.
Mel is horrified. Can she convince Cathy that life with a vampire is no life at all? Should she? And then all her assumptions about vampires are turned on their head when she meets Kit, a boy who makes her laugh - a boy with a very unusual family history.
Will Mel's staunch anti-vampire stance jeopardise her closest friendships? And where does Kit fit in? In the end, who will choose...Team Human?

So we have had Team Edward and Team Jacob now we can consider Team Human as a preference.  Welcome to New Whitby, where vampires and humans live side by side, well…kind of.  It is no secret that vampires exist, albeit in the slightly less 'sunshiny' parts of town.  Vampires might be living in the same town, but due to their nocturnal habits, it’s a bit unusual for one to enrol at the local high school. Enter Francis Duvarey, 100+ years old, turning up at school with his protective Hazmat suit (so the sun doesn’t kill him).  Mel doesn’t have a problem with vampires in general, but it's another story when her best friend looks like she’s falling in love with one.  When Mel digs a little deeper into what Francis is really doing at school her concern deepens.

187. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore by William Joyce illustrated by Joe Bluhm

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce illustrated by Joe Bluhm

Published July 2012 Simon and Schuster

From the publisher:

The book that inspired the Academy Award-winning short film, from "New York Times "bestselling author and beloved visionary William Joyce. "Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books. But every story has its upsets. "Everything in Morris Lessmore's life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.  But the power of story will save the day. Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children's literature, "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today's world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it's story that we truly celebrate--and this story, no matter "how" you tell it, begs to be read again and again.

I think that this would have to be THE book for the National Year of Reading.

The proofs were shown to me in April and I LOVED it, and that was just colour copies on A4 paper.  Now that I have the actual book I am so excited.  I manage to restrain myself from buying too many picture books for myself, but this is one for all book lovers adults and children alike.  It actually gave me goosebumps, and that doesn’t happen very often.

186. Ella and Olivia: Cupcake Catastrophe by Yvette Poshoglian illustrated by Danielle McDonald

Ella and Olivia: Cupcake Catastrophe by Yvette Poshoglian illustrated by Danielle McDonald
Published July 2012 Scholastic


From the publisher:

Ella and Olivia are sisters. Ella is seven years old. Olivia is five-and-a-half years old. They live with their mum and dad and little brother Max. Ella and Olivia are making cupcakes for Dad's birthday. All the family will be there! But when a cooking disaster strikes, will the party be ruined?

In the last year there have been a large number of easy novels coming out. The kind of novel that still has illustrations throughout, shot chapters and large font.  Here’s another series to join the ranks.  Ella and Olivia are sisters. Ella is seven years old. Olivia is five and-a-half years old. They live with their mum and dad and little brother Max.

185. Arkie Sparkle Treasure Hunter Book 1: Code Crimson by Petra James

Arkie Sparkle Treasure Hunter Book 1: Code Crimson by Petra James
Published July 2012 Pan Macmillan

From the publisher:

The biggest treasure hunt in the world is about to begin
Eleven-year-old Arkie Sparkle's archaeologist parents have been kidnapped. With the help of her genius cousin TJ and basset hound Cleo, she must find seven treasures across the seven continents in seven days.

DAY 1: Egypt
A golden queen, a famous pharaoh, greedy explorers, a pair of pyramid pants
Arkie Sparkle must find the first treasure in the temple of the famous Egyptian pharaoh, Ramses II. But first she has to find the temple, buried deep in the sands of the Sahara Desert.

I have commented many times this year that I have chosen particular books, based on how much I liked the covers.  This book, I must admit I read in spite of its cover.   I am not a publisher, I am not a designer or an artist, so my opinion is only a personal one, but I don’t like this cover.  To me, something just isn’t right about it.  The good news is that there is a lot right about what is going on inside the book!

184. Bink and Gollie: Two For One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee illustrated by Tony Fucile

Bink and Gollie: Two For One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee illustrated by Tony Fucile

Published July 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher

If you're looking for two marvellous companions, who will make you hug the page with delight, look no further than Bink and Gollie!

The state fair is in town, and for Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and very best friends - three comical adventures await!

This is the second Bink & Gollie book , written by the amazing Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee.  It's also illustrated by Tony Fucile, whose style is perfect for these stories.  They are an unlikely looking pair of friends, but their differences are what makes their friendship so interesting.  With her crazy yellow hair and her wonderful expressions, Bink is a character you will just love.

Woo Hoo ....six months down

A few books off actually being halfway through my year of reading, but still an amazing feeling.

People keep asking me how the reading is coming along, and am am I still going?  How could I give up now?  I know people are reading it, and I have had wonderful comments from those who have been following, so I will be her until the 366th book has been read!

No time to actually celebrate (that happens NYE), lets look at what's to come in July.

183. The Horse Road by Troon Harrison

The Horse Road by Troon Harrison
Published May 2012 Bloomsbury


From the publisher:

A thrilling adventure perfect for horse-mad girls. Set during real historical events in Central Asia in 102 BC.

As you can see, this is a May release, and I am only just getting around to reading it.  Truth be told, I didn't know if I would read it as I am didn't think I would enjoy a book about horses.  I was not a horsey girl, and I have never been a fan of horsey fiction.  This is most definately about horses, but it's not just about horses, it's also a story rich in history and full of adventure.