THE BEASTS WE BURY by D L Taylor

Mancella lives in a world ruled by magic. The Primes of each kingdom flaunt their magical powers to incite war or promote peace. Mancella is the heir apparent to her brutal father, who puts his power before the safety or wishes of his family. Schooled by his vicious ways of persuasion, she has been instructed to kill every animal her father brings to her. Her magic absorbs the spirit of each beast, but she can summon them back at will.

Silver, a homeless pickpocket and thief, is recruited by a stranger to steal something from the castle. He is given three specific tasks to accomplish and is promised a house and work papers to secure a job. It is everything he has ever dreamed of!Silver realizes he must acquire Mancella’s cooperation to accomplish the tasks he is required to do. They find common ground where neither expected it, as his job becomes more difficult and deadly than he could have imagined. Just as, Marcella becomes more desperate than ever to escape her father’s cruel authority and manipulation.

Silver’s desire to acquire a decent life is palpable. Marcella’s abhorrence of the deeds she must accomplish for her father is heartrending. Both main characters are believable and draw the reader’s sympathies. Overall, a quick exciting read!

This book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

BUNNY MADE TEA by Amanda Baehr Fuller

Bunny gathers flowers one rainy afternoon and takes them home to brew fragrant tea. Possum arrives without invitation and makes it very evident that he would like tea, too. Opossum drinks all the tea in Bunny’s pot. Still craving tea, Bunny gathers berries and makes a second pot of tea, but  Opossum returns with four babies. All of them want tea! Bunny and the babies forage for berries and flowers. Bunny makes a full pot of tea, which the babies gulp down. Bunny goes to bed without any tea.

As you might guess, generosity is often returned in unexpected ways. This sweet book rewards the gift giving even when it is not what Bunny would like to do. It examines the ways that friendship is forged, even reluctantly. With pastel pictures and adorable animals, this is a book to be treasured one on one or with a group!

This book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.