Ratatouille

ISBN: 0736424393
Pub. Date: May 2007
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

I saw this trailer when the hubs and I went to watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but too bad it will only be released on 30 Aug over here. I told him I will watch it with or without him when the day arrives, because knowing him he will only watch the animations on DVDs. But I have got the hunch that he will follow me in the end though, hehehe. Anyway, I saw this book during a trip to the bookstore one day and decided to pick it up. And I was glad that I enjoyed reading it, despite the story is short and it is meant for children (OK, please don't laugh).

Remy is not your typical ordinary rat. Well you see, he has a sharp sense of smell and taste, and on top of that he loves to cook, not to mention he is also a great cook too and he dreams of becoming a gourmet chef one day. But how could he be when he is viewed as the dirtiest and most unhygiene thing to be seen in the kitchen! However, his fate is about to change after he flees from an old lady's house when she threatens to kill his family and he ends up in the Gusteau's restaurant.

Linguini got a job as a garbage boy in Gusteau's restaurant, through a letter left by his mother Renata who happens to be the great chef's old flame. He died shortly after the fine reputation of his restaurant is tarnished after a scathing review by France's top food critic Anton Ego. However, he left Linguini a will but only Skinner, the head chef knows about it and he will think of every possible way to get rid of Linguini.

The thing about Linguini is he doesn't know how to cook. One day he accidentally ruins a soup and just when he is about to make a remedy, he is shocked when he finds Remy adding up spices and making the soup. Unfortunately Skinner noticed the rat and he ordered Linguini to get rid of it. But Linguini has a soft spot for Remy, and to top it off he knows how to cook so they decided on a plan. Remy gets to stay but he will help Linguini to cook. The only way he could do is to hide himself inside Linguini's hat and gives him instructions through tugging at his hair.

Soon, everyone came to know about Linguini's skills and this includes Anton. And Skinner is going to ruin Linguini's plan after knowing his little secret. So, what do you think the people will react if they find out the whole truth? And do you think Skinner will get his way? I am not going to spoil it for you, but I definitely have a great time reading the last few chapters, and have laughed out loud on several occasions. I just can't wait to watch the animation!

New Moon

ISBN: 0316160199
Pub. Date: September 2006
Publisher: Little, Brown Children's Books


Well, what should I say about New Moon? I have been looking forward to reading it after being hooked to the first book, Twilight. It is this book that has made me fallen in love with Edward Cullen, although he is a vampire, and a very charming one to boot.

However, in New Moon, I was very, very disappointed to note there is only a slight mention of Edward. Although Stephenie Meyer has done a great job in weaving a great suspenseful paranormal story, New Moon doesn't captivate me the way Twilight does.

Bella celebrates her birthday with the Cullen family but a small papercut accident puts her in danger as some members couldn't resist the smell of blood, although they have sworn off blood. To ensure Bella's safety, Edward decided it is best for them to leave town and to end their relationship, although it pains him in doing so.

Devastated over his departure, Bella is depressed until she finds good friend in Jacob Black. However, Jacob has romantic feelings for her, and to make things worse, he isn't what she thinks he is. Bella is shocked when she later finds out the truth about Jacob, and on the other hand she is trying to escape from Victoria, the evil vampire who vows to kill her in return of Edward killing her lover during the last installment. Jacob protects her fiercely, and it is after this episode that the story began to speed up and it gets better when Bella finally meets up with Edward, only to find he is in grave danger and she has to race against time in order to save him before it is too late.

Although this second installment isn't as good as compared to the first one, this book is focusing more on Jacob and this is where we get to know his inner thoughts and how he struggles to be a 'normal' person. And I like the way how he protects Bella. There are also some scenes that makes my heart goes out to him. I can't wait to get a copy of Eclipse and find out more.

Note: Alice, it was a pleasure reading with you once again. I'm hoping we will read Eclipse together soon.

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