Annie's Books

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary Jacky Faber, Ship's Boy by Meyer, L.A.

2010-04-09T22:27:00.004-05:00

I loved this book. People around me are sick of me talking about how awesome this book is. It is fast-paced book with tons of action. There are pirates, and thieves, good people and bad. All about Jacky trying to keep her cover and not get discovered.

This review isn't doing it justice, mainly because I am exhausted, but this book was faboo. If you love a lot of action in a book, I recommend this book. I did it as an audio and I used it as my hiking book. I couldn't wait to get on the trails each day. I liked it so much I requested the second book in the series.

I feel it would appeal to both boys and girls, but towards the end you are more aware that Jacky is a girl, but she earns her nickname. Any boy can appreciate what she does to keep up the deception.

Guernsey literary and potatoe peel pie society

2010-04-09T22:20:00.003-05:00

I listened to this book over the last couple of weeks. This was my office book. I usually like to listen to something laid back when I'm in my office. It was ok. I didn't love it like many others have. I thought it was clever to write a book in a series of letters, and it was an excellent and fresh way to look at WWII.

I never would have made it through this book if I read it. There were too many people and too much stuff going on. As an audio book each letter was read by a character. Like most adult fiction titles, I felt it was about 75 pages too long.

This is one of those, I read it because everyone was talking about it. That's never a good reason for me to read a book, but I did finish it.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Baum, L Frank

2010-03-10T14:18:00.003-06:00

Downloaded from Librivox. I have read this book before and loved it. I am not sure if it was how the book was divided (by chapters), how it was read (good but very choppy), or if I just wasn't in the mood for this, but I wasn't totally in love with it this time threw.

In the past I have loved the book so much so that I couldn't watch the movie for years because I was so mad at it. I found that the read while adequate tended to stumble over phrases and words more than I would have liked.

All in all, a worthy download because I want to listen to the whole series. Something I would never do if I read the books. It does help the time go buy when doing paperwork.

Lawn to Lawn by Yaccarino, Dan

2010-02-28T11:01:00.003-06:00

Once again, I pick a book for it's cover. I have a thing for gnomes. They crack me up, I just hoped this book would do the same. The story was cute. Pearl moves to a new place, but doesn't have room for her lawn ornaments. Like a page from Homeward Bound, they walk, run, and ride until the get what they need. They have funny encounters, but the soft edges of the illustrations really make the book. They have a retro feeling to them, but still quirky enough for today's kids.

Cupcake : a journey to special by Harper, Charise Mericle

2010-02-28T10:55:00.003-06:00

I really, really wanted to like this book. I love cake. It had some great illustrations, but it was a total let down. I the text seemed forced. The illustrations were good, but not enough to carry the book. A librarian read it to some younger kids and they liked the super silliness, but anyone over 6 will like the pictures, but the story kind of flops.

Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves by Renn, Crystal

2010-02-28T10:53:00.002-06:00

Surprisingly good. I don't know why I was shocked by this. I have always been impressed by Crystal Renn and her ability to overcome the hard horrible world of the supermodel. The story is told well, and I found myself getting sucked in. After knowing a lot of people who have had eating disorders, it takes someone who is strong to realize the errors of her ways. I didn't read every word of the last half mainly because I needed to get it back to the library, but I did enjoy it. It was something different and it might have gotten out of my reading slump.

Die Happy: 499 Things Every Guy's Gotta Do While He Still Can by Burke, Tim and Michael Burke

2010-02-28T10:45:00.002-06:00

Clearly my "trashy novel" run continues. I though this would be a typical guys doing guys thing. It was way better than that. It was more like a travel book. It talked about festivals, Mardi Gras and Carnival included, but also covered the best places to golf, hike, or just get away from the world.

It was surprisingly well written and full of interesting facts. I didn't know that they have a special superdome made for sambas for Carnival.

Because there was no plot and no pictures, it did drag on a bit. I did lots of skimming, but still it was fun to see what two guys thought every other guy should do before "it's too late."

Getting in touch with your inner bitch by Hilts, Elizabeth

2010-02-28T10:39:00.001-06:00

Again, my version of a trashy novel...or so I thought. I picked this up because I wanted something fun to read. The fact that it was mostly pink almost turned me off. I took a chance, and I'm glad I did.

Hilts talks about toxic niceness, something many people suffer from because they would rather please others than say what was on their mind. The quotes were fabulous all from good strong women. I have flagged pages with quotes I want to reread, pages I loved comments on, I even went so far as to WRITE in this book. I know the horror.

It's a quick read, but something I needed to get me out of my reading funk.

The Complete A**hole's Guide to Handling Chicks by Indante, Dan and Karl Marks

2010-02-28T10:33:00.000-06:00

This is not a book for people who take themselves seriously. This is a very humorous look at how guys interact with women through out their lives. I have been going through my version of a trashy novel. I don't do typical romance novels. I enjoyed Tucker Max's book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, so I went on a look for similar books.

We all have our guilty little pleasures, this is one of mine.

How I live now by Rosoff, Meg

2009-10-21T11:22:00.002-05:00

The reader is quite good. This book seems a little far fetched. It never really explains any of the plot topics. Daisy is sent to England to live with family after her father and stepmother can't deal with her any more. She has an eating disorder, a love affair with her first cousin, a third world war, and many other issues flood this book. None of which are ever really explained or dealt with.

It has feelings of World War II but also a touch of what could have happened after September 11th. More than once the vivid language caught me off guard. I liked the writing style, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book. It was very different, and I can't think of a person I might recommend this book too. Perhaps if it was read instead of listened to it would be even better. There is something about the audio that makes it even more realistic.

Cry the Beloved Country by Paton, Alan

2009-10-19T13:50:00.003-05:00

So as part of the 1001 books to read before I die, I picked this particular novel. If I had to sum it up, it is the story of people from a small town. The kids move to the "big city," and they get into horrible horrible trouble.

It is much deeper than that, but that's all I got. I thought it was a bit too long. I was having a hard time seeing what the point of it was. The last 200 pages were quite good. The rest of it seemed unnecessarily long winded.

I can check it off the list, now only hundreds more to go.

Mercy Watson Collection 1 by Dicamillo, Kate

2009-10-19T13:48:00.003-05:00

I wanted to like these. I like other things by Dicamillo, but this was not one. I am not sure if it was the reader or if it was the book. It was like Dumb Bunnies, but not funny or entertaining. It was just daft. I can see how they would be a big hit with some younger kids, but it was not one for me.

It would be a great thing for parents in the car with kids or for them to listen to on their own. It is perfect for beginning readers and well illustrated (yes I looked at the book too).

Millicent Min girl genius by Yee, Lisa

2009-10-19T13:47:00.002-05:00

I thought this was a fun book. It was a read by Keiko Agena who also played Lane Kim on the Gilmore Girls.

I love Lisa Yee, she is a blast. Her writting and the reading by Agena meshed together to bring a great story together about Millicent and how hard it is for a genius. She goes through weeks of trying to adjust to the changes in her world.

She takes a college class and is getting ready to graduate high school at the ripe old age of 11.

I highly recommend anything by Lisa Yee. It is a good time.

A Room with a View by Forester, E.M.

2009-10-19T13:44:00.002-05:00

Down loaded from Librivox.org. It was just not my tastes. I tried to like it. I tried to listen to the whole thing. I gave up with only an hour left. I just couldn't take it any more. I can't remember one thing about this book other than I would find any reason to not listen to this book.

Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway

2009-10-19T13:42:00.002-05:00

Done as an audio book. Read by Donald Sutherland. Painful. After the first half of the book (most of which I didn't listen to because I wasn't in my office), I gave up. I love Donald Sutherland but as an audio book reader, PAINFUL.

Sometimes you have to give up when the book is just that bad.

1001 books...

2009-06-28T22:44:00.003-05:00

Otherwise known as my new project. I am trying to become a more well rounded reader, so about a year ago I decided to start on the 1001 books to read before you die. As you will see some, I liked, while others I did not. I promise I will make every attempt possible to finish each book, but sometimes it just isn't possible.

Suite Francaise by Nemirovsky, Irene

2009-06-28T20:26:00.006-05:00

Oh I tried to like this book. I listened to it, couldn't make. Tried the book, wow that was a bad. Then went back to the audio months later, gave up. Then tried the abridged version of the audio book.

I know there are many people who like this book. It is often talked about and people just fawn over it.

I did not like it. Not one bit. I didn't even come close to finishing it.

Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, F. Scott

2009-06-28T20:26:00.005-05:00

This is the second time I have listened to this audio book. I much prefer the version read by Tim Robbins. I read this earlier this year so I don't remember it much. Only that I remember thinking, I wish it was the other version of this book. That's what I get for not updating more quickly.

Reluctant Fundementalist by Moshin, Hamid

2009-06-28T20:25:00.006-05:00

This was an ok book. It is supposed to take place in Afghanistan or something. It was interesting to listen to, but every time I would get into the story the narrator would comment on what an unusual sound was coming from the other person's pocket. Thus breaking the flow of the book.

I listened to this months ago so not the best run down, but I am just trying to get back on this horse.

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Gilman, Susan Jane

2009-06-28T20:25:00.004-05:00

This book was AWESOME! I think everyone should read or listen this book. I would recommend listening to it because it was abridged and I didn't feel that much was missing from the story.

This is a great tale of youth and the naiveness that happens so often with youth. Two young women decided to backpack through China shortly after they open the borders to Westerners. This book reads like a thriller at times and often you find yourself saying "no they really aren't going to do that." Only to find out that they really are.

Their luck is impressive and I am sure I wouldn't have had a similar situation.

It is a great look at China back before it became commercialized.

Highly recommended.

Reader by Schlink, Bernhard

2009-06-28T20:24:00.008-05:00

Well it was made into a movie, and it dealt with World War II, I figured it would be a good fit for me.

It was weird, but I liked it. As I listened, I found I was fascinated on how they would do this in a movie. I can see why there were scenes in the movie they couldn't shoot until the actor turned 18.

The text flowed and the story was gripping. It pulled me along right up until the twist I didn't quite see coming at the end.

I recommend this to people who would like to have something slightly different. There is a reason this is a part of the 1001 books to read, I think everyone should at least try it.

Hattie Big Sky by Larson, Kirby

2009-06-28T20:24:00.006-05:00

This was a book that many people read for last year's Hot Reads Program. Almost everyone who read it, loved it, so I figured I'd give it shot. I listened to as I hiked in Maplewood. At one point, I even stopped listening because I remember my Grandfather talking about how German people were treated during and after WWI.

I did finish it and I was glad I did. The author went to great lengths to make this book real. It really showed the struggles of people proving up the land and making a homestead. Some people made it, some people don't.

I recommend this to people who like prairie historical fiction. I'm glad I read it, but not something I would have picked up on my own. Thank goodness I'm competitive. :)

Postman always rings twice by Cain, James M

2009-06-28T20:23:00.003-05:00

This was a fast moving book. I had to start over the first disc 2 or 3 times because I didn't think I got the whole story.

I haven't seen the movie, but this was a good book. At the time it was published (1934), I'm sure it raised some eyebrows.

Since I listened to this over a year ago, I don't remember much of the intricate details. While I generally like books that are short and use limited words to tell the story, this one at times felt a bit too quick. I felt left with questions that the story couldn't tell me.

All in all, I liked it. I might even watch the movie, maybe.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adams, Douglas

2009-06-28T20:22:00.006-05:00

Ok I loved this book. It is another one I did as an audio. While it was clearly a science fiction, it didn't feel like it. It was funny and enjoyable. The reader of the book captured all the characters perfectly.

I would definitely suggest this book to people who don't like Sci Fi. It is a nice easy read that pulls the reader along.

The best part is at the end of the book you find the answer to the universe.

Bluest Eye by Morrison, Tony

2009-06-28T20:22:00.005-05:00

Well, I can finally cross this one of the list. It is one of the shorter books I have read for the 1001 books before you die project.

Just because it is short doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Many people have had to read this for a class, but up to this point I haven't had too.

Again, I'm finally posting on book I listened to a year ago, so the details are about hazy. I remember I spent a lot of time with my mouth hanging open.

Basically, I'm just cleaning up a backlog of drafts.

Invisible Man by Wells, H.G.

2009-06-28T20:21:00.004-05:00

After Pride and Prejudice, I thought it was time for me to get serious about catching up on those classics I always planned to read but never got around to it. After much searching, I found a list called, "1001 books to read before you die." Hey it sounded like fun, so I figured why not. It even came with a downloadable version in Excel so I could keep track of my books.

I went to Librivox.com to see which titles I could download without fear of copyright to my iPod. I found out that I could get hundreds of books that way.

This was the second book I downloaded this way. The reader was quite good. This being a science fiction title, I didn't think I would like it. I was amazed at the story. More importantly I liked it.

It has a feeling of book that was written a 100 years after it was. It was written in 1897, but it didn't feel like a stuffy classic. I think more people should go to librivox and try out some great classics.

Hound of Bakservilles by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan

2009-06-28T20:18:00.008-05:00

The first book I downloaded from librivox. This is one of those books that everyone thinks they have read, but haven't.

I still (almost a year later) haven't decided if it was the story or the reader that made this hard to listen to. I felt like the reader was trying too hard to be Holmes. Again, it's been awhile, but it didn't leave a mark on me.

Mary Poppins by Travers, P.L.

2009-06-28T20:18:00.006-05:00

After years of putting this off, I finally read the book that lead to one of my favorite movies.

I had a nasty experience with The Wizard of Oz. I loved the movie, then I read the book. For years I was so mad at the movie I couldn't watch it. This is why I haven't read Mary Poppins until now.

Well clearly I didn't have to wait so long. It was ok, but nothing like the movie. In all fairness, I know they took stories from all the books to make the movie. The movies is woven together with care.

The book is a disjointed mess. Bert has a very small almost non-existent role in the book while Miss Corey has a chapter all to her own. However the Miss Corey story freaked me out, but there ya go.

Interestingly enough the only chapter I really enjoyed had characters that didn't even make the movie, the twins John and Barbra.

This would be a good read aloud at bedtime, and if I was introduced to it when I was younger I might have liked it more.

In the end it is a rare time where the book isn't, in my opinion, better than the movie.

Mighty Queens of Freeville by Dickenson, Amy

2009-06-28T20:17:00.003-05:00

After reading the "good for me" Pride and Prejudice, I felt like I earned a fun book. I love Amy Dickenson on the Public Radio show, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me so I figured I would give her book a try.

Once again, I put it on my iPod and hiked to Maplewood State Park. I loved it. While the audio was abridged, I found it funny, uplifting, and delightful.

Amy also writes a column called, Ask Amy. She took over for Ann Landers. Amy tells her life story about her heartbreaks, her frequent trips to her small hometown, and he ability to "fail up."

Her life was facinating, and like everyone's life we have these quirky family memebers that make life interesting. There were stories about her father, her ex-husband, but mostly about the strong women in her family. Her life in the city of Washington, DC and in the small town of Freeville.

Her storytelling is top rate. I highly recommend it. If you don't read it for any other reason, read it for Peanut Jesus. :)

Pride and Prejudice by Austen, Jane

2009-06-28T20:16:00.005-05:00

This is the book that started it all. I have been in a reading dry patch. I haven't been able to read much so I turned to audio books. I discovered the joy of hiking, but didn't like giving up my few hours of possible reading time.

I picked Pride and Prejudice mainly because everyone talks about it and I had never read it. I wish it was deeper than that, but there it is.

So I downloaded this book to my handy dandy iPod so I could hike and listen to the book. I never would have finished this book if I read it. Too many times I felt that it was pointless. More than once I was ready to give up on it because the characters were so petty. Once I looked at the book as a historical commentary on society at the time, then it was tolerable. I finished it, but I didn't love it. I am not shocked. I am not a fan of fiction and I am not a fan of romance novels.

Since I have read this book, I talked to many others about it. Most aren't shocked that I wasn't jumping from the rafters in love with it. Others were surprised I finished it. I ended up thinking it was too long, too frilly, and too perfect. But on the upside, I finished it! :)

It's the best I can do

2008-01-01T17:33:00.000-06:00

After months of not posting my book reviews, this is the best I can do. It is frustrating because I know I read more books than this, but these are the ones I remember. I apologize for the short reviews, but most of these were months ago. I will review them to the best of my ability and try better in the new year.

There are two reasons I keep up a blog like this:
1)Let people know what I am reading.
2)Allow me to remember what I read.

Hopefully in 2008 I will be able to get back around a normal reading level for me between 150 and 200 books.

Kabul Beauty School : an American woman goes behind the veil

2008-01-01T17:16:00.002-06:00

Title: Kabul Beauty School : an American woman goes behind the veil

Author: Rodriguez, Deborah.

Publisher: Random House

CIP

To aid Afghan women, an American runs a beauty school in Kabul.

Comments

This was a thought provoking book. Ms. Rodriguez goes to Afghanistan to help women better their lives and the lives of their families. In this strict society she faced challenges in teaching the students how to perform the most basic beauty techniques safely. Most of these women were using products that were harmful to their health or that were too old to use any more. It was interesting watching how this one American woman gave up so much to help so many women.

After reading the book, I heard an update on NPR. Then it left a sour taste in my mouth. I felt that the author was careless with the women's lives and safety for her own gain. Now I don't know where I stand.

Either way it is a good read. I would love to know what you think.

Good Girls

2008-01-01T17:16:00.001-06:00

Title: Good Girls

Author: Ruby, Laura

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Synopsis In this new novel, Audrey Porter is a "good girl" -- a good student, a great daughter, an amazing friend. She's also the last person anyone expects to be hanging out with Luke DeSalvio, the hottest guy at Audrey's school. But Luke is a liar, a player, a dream, and Audrey knows it. She dumps him at her friend's Halloween party with no intention of looking back. But everyone else is looking -- looking at a mysterious and humiliating photograph that has popped up on their cell phones and computers. But who took it? And why? And how will she ever live it down?

Comments

This was well written. I don't feel it received the attention it deserved. On the surface it looked like your average teen angst novel with the good girl gone bad angle. But if you look a little deeper to also is a cautionary tale to teens about protecting their privacy. In this age, anyone can take a picture at any time or place. Then with the click of a mouse or a push of a button everyone in school, town, or the world can receive it.

Audrey learned this lesson the hard way. These embarrassing photos aren't just for celebrities anymore. Every student in her school has the photo and then when it can't get any worse, it shows up in her parents email.

Broken moon

2008-01-01T17:10:00.000-06:00

Title: Broken moon

Author: Antieau, Kim

Illustration:

Publisher:Margaret K. McElderry Books

CIP When her little brother is kidnapped and taken from Pakistan to race camels in the desert, eighteen-year-old Nadira overcomes her own past abuse and, dressed as a boy and armed with knowledge of the powerful storytelling of the legendary Scheherazade, is determined to find and rescue him.

Comments

To be honest, it has been a few months since I have read this book. There is nothing like a holiday to help me catch up on the last six months of book blogging.

I read this book after I had read Sold. While some elements are similar, most readers will find the traditional format of the book easier to read. Other than having female characters in developing countries being sold into some sort of captivity, they are totally different. Nadira goes into the camel camps dressed as a boy to save her brother. Throughout her experience she comforts other boys in the camps with stories of the legendary Scheherazade.

It is a short book which provides a window into another country and the things families need to do to stay together.

Impulse

2008-01-01T17:09:00.000-06:00

Title: Impulse

Author: Hopkins, Ellen.

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

CIP Three teens who meet at Reno, Nevada’s Aspen Springs mental hospital after each has attempted suicide connect with each other in a way they never have with their parents or anyone else in their lives.

Comments

Ms. Hopkins's books are always interesting to read. They are about five inches thick, but you will hear lots of people comment that "it doesn't count each page only has a paragraph of text."

I would disagree. The format of the book makes is accessible to a larger group of readers who normally wouldn't attempt a book that size, but also provides the readers with a sense of accomplishment when they finish it. The format also allows for separation of characters and division of storylines.

This is one of her more complex stories with three characters talking at the same time. It took me a long time before I could keep the story straight in my head. I was frustrated, but engaged by the characters.

She builds a very realistic setting for these teens. Each comes from a totally different background proving that no one is immune from mental issues. She gives adults a look into the minds of teens. She also allows teen readers to see what other teens might be facing and just because things look good on the surface, doesn't mean that is what it is like behind closed doors.

It tackles tough teen issues.

Harry Potter and the half-blood prince

2008-01-01T17:08:00.000-06:00

Title: Harry Potter and the half-blood prince

Author: Rowling, J.K.

Illustration:Mary Grandpré.

Publisher:Arthur A. Levine Books

CIP

The war against the Voldemort is not going well and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort -- and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.

Comments

Finally after years of trying to get this book read, I achieved it today. When this book was published I had a month left of grad school. By the time I got around to reading it in Missouri, I moved. I have been trying for a few months to read it before I go to bed, but I would fall asleep and then the hard covered book would smack me in the head. A friend of mine finished her paperback copy and was nice enough to loan it to me.

I know this series isn't for everyone, and that is ok. But Harry Potter is one of those characters that has a special spot in my heart. It is because of him that I discovered the fun of working in a library. It is because of him I went to grad school.

I have to admit, the book started off a little slow. I finished a number of other books in between when I started it and finished it. But the last half of the book was non-stop action. There are hundreds of other reviews you could read to find out about the plot line. I am more fascinated by Rowling's ability to give readers a character they can understand and sympathize with.

One of my 2008 goals might be to listen to each of the books. I have a lot of painting to do in the next few months, what better way to pass the time than with an audio book read by someone who has two Guinness World Records, nine time Audie Awards and much much more. Jim Dale is one of a kind.

Whistling in the dark

2008-01-01T17:06:00.000-06:00

Title: Whistling in the dark

Author: Kagen, Lesley.

Publisher: NAL Accent,

CIP A story of 2 young sisters in the summer of 1959, left, virtually, to fend for themselves when a murderer and molester terrorizes their town.

Comments

This year I was invited to join a book club. I have never been in one before mainly because I am such a picky reader. I thought I would give it a try and read some books I normally wouldn't even pick up. For the most part it has been a good experience.

This book should go down in the record books. It is the first book I have finished, since I graduated, that I didn't really like. Something about it kept me going, but I didn't feel it flowed. others in the group identified with the time period and the music. I felt it was a disjointed story that left me unsatisfied. At the end I feel the author rushed to tie up the loose ends.

Most of the book group liked it. I will chalk it up to different tastes and experiences.

The glass castle : a memoir

2008-01-01T17:05:00.001-06:00

Title: The glass castle : a memoir

Author: Walls, Jeannette.

Publisher: Scribner

CIP The author, a contributer to MSNBC.com, recalls a bizarre childhood during which she and her siblings were constantly being moved from one bleak place to another by dysfunctional parents, and in which she and her siblings learned to prosper on their own.

Comments

For those of you that have read Dave Peltzer's books, I recommend this as well. It was my first book club book. I received it rather late, so I wasn't able to finish it before our meeting, but it was fascinating. The life that this woman lived growing up is something some people feel must be fiction.

It is parents like Mr. Peltzer and Ms. Walls that give us a chance to look our lives to realize how good we have it. Books like these need to be available so that we can learn about people. Not everyone has a great childhood, but that doesn't mean that they grow up to be worthless people. Ms. Walls comments on a time when she was on her way to a fancy party, and along the way passed her mother on the street digging through the garbage. She tried everything to help her mother, and she didn't really want it.

I know this is a common book with book clubs. It is well reviewed and well written. Parts are difficult to read, and I wanted to strangle the mother about every other page. Our histories are what make each of us different.

I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you

2008-01-01T17:04:00.000-06:00

Title: I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you

Author:Carter, Ally.

Publisher:Hyperion Books for Children

CIP As a sophomore at a secret spy school and the daughter of a former CIA operative, Cammie is sheltered from "normal teenage life" until she meets a local boy while on a class surveillance mission.

Comments

Every few books, I throw in one that is just plain fun. I loved the title of this book. There was no deeper meaning. No great teen angst or historical perspective that I learned. It was just a fun story about a secret spy school. Classes teach the girls how to blend into a crowd, different surveillance techniques and technologies, and the languages. Imagine having to go to a lunch with people you see every day, but you don't know what language you will be speaking until you enter the room.

I recommend it to anyone who feels life is getting a bit too serious.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-01-01T17:03:00.000-06:00

Title: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Author:Cohn, Rachel David Levithan.

Publisher: Distributed by Random House,

CIP High school student Nick O'Leary, member of a rock band, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and asks her to be his girlfriend for five minutes in order to avoid his ex-sweetheart.

Comments

This is a well reviewed book. It is being made into a movie due out in late 2008. I read it months ago, so the details are pretty hazy. I liked it. It is kind of your average teen angst boy/girl disses by friends, significant other, or society. They are brought together by their taste in music. The two authors work together to write the book Levithan writing Nick's portion and Cohn penning Norah.

It will be interesting to see what kind of air play this book will receive with an movie and a sequel out within the next year.

Does my head look big in this?

2008-01-01T17:02:00.002-06:00

Title: Does my head look big in this?

Author: Abdel-Fattah, Randa.

Illustration:

Publisher:Orchard Books

CIP Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.

Comments

I have been pushing this book on anyone who asks. I went into this thinking it was just another teen novel, but it provided so much more. I gave me a glimpse into a what it is like when a person choses to wear a hijab full-time.

Even though the story takes place in Australia, the author keeps the Aussie slang to a minimum. It isn't just a book about a Muslim girl and the trials she experiences with her choice, it is a book that any teen girl can identify with. The author did a great job showing the difference in Muslim families and the worried Amal's parents had with her decision.

The ending is a bit too neat for me, however the characters are realistic. There are students that are supportive, and those that are not. There are concerns from the school administration, and from her parents. Her parents support her all the way as do her close friends. In the end a lot of her classmates get to know her better because of her decision.

Highly recommended.

The watchman

2008-01-01T17:02:00.001-06:00

Title: The watchman

Author: Crais, Robert.

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

CIP A former Los Angeles police officer becomes the bodyguard of a troubled heiress marked for death.

Comments

Crais is one of my favorite authors. He writes the Elvis Cole series that I discovered years ago. Cole's partner is a man named Joe Pike. While you don't need to read the Cole series it does give you a little more background about Pike. On the same line of thought, this book provides more of Pike's history than any other book Crais has written.

He is hired to protect an heiress, and as usually where Pike goes trouble follows. He does everything possible to keep her alive. At one point he can't trust anyone but Elvis. Elvis provides him what he needs with no questions asked.

It is a fast-paced, action-packed novel. Anyone who likes James Patterson should give Robert Crais a try.

Who's sorry now? : a Grace & Favor mystery

2008-01-01T17:01:00.000-06:00

Title: Who's sorry now? : a Grace & Favor mystery

Author: Churchill, Jill.

Publisher:William Morrow

Synopsis Times couldn't be tougher in the Hudson River Valley during the Great Depression, so penniless sister-and-brother duo Lily and Robert Brewster are in good company. Even the much-revered chief of police in poor, tiny Voorburg has been forced to abandon his boardinghouse. But there's something even more sinister going on around town.

Comments

Just noting that I read it. This is one of my brain candy reads. I nice light cozy mystery that takes place after the Crash.

The cat who had 60 whiskers

2008-01-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

Title: The cat who had 60 whiskers

Author:Braun, Lilian Jackson.

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

CIP The columnist Jim Qwilleran and his cats probe a mystery in the 29th "Cat Who" book.

Comments

I love the Cat Who series. They are nice cozy fun mysteries. It is one of the reasons I moved back north. I am not sure what happened to Ms. Braun, but this was not her best. It felt unfinished and left too many things unfinished. The barn just burns and Qwill is okay with this? Polly goes to Paris and decides to not return? Are you kidding me?

These have been topics of discussion in the library as people who love the series. I personally keep waiting for the "just kidding, it wasn't finished," note. I guess it isn't coming.

You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day

2007-12-21T18:13:00.000-06:00

Title: You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day

Author: Willems, Mo

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Comments I love Mo Willems. This was written long before Pigeon or Knuffle Bunny. This was even before Sheep in the City or Sesame Street. It is exactly as it says a cartoon a day as he traveled around the world. I am sure he enjoys it as a look back at that time in his life. I enjoyed it as a way for me to travel around the world without leaving my comfy couch. This isn’t the type of book you just sit down and read. Some of it requires some thought while other parts you will never understand. I like the drawings and the short comments about the day. I haven’t read anything like it in the past, and if it was another author I might have missed a chance to discover a different genre of books. Give it a try if you are looking for something unusual.

Today I will fly! By Willems, Mo

2007-07-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Today I will fly!
Author: Willems, Mo.
Publisher: Hyperions Books for Children

Comments

CIP
While Piggie is determined to fly, Elephant is skeptical, but when Piggie gets a little help from others, amazing things happen

First of all, I love Mo Willems. He could put a book out with nothing but a cover and I would by it and love it. I love that his illustrations are nice and easy to draw, and let’s face it what is funnier than a Pigeon. That’s what I thought until I started reading his newest series Elephant and Piggie.

They are written in a style similar to Dr. Seuss. The book has few words, but it engages the reader. It is a book that begs to be read aloud, by two people, or more. It would be fun to act out and have kids learn the pieces. That is if Mr. Willems doesn’t have a problem with it, always make sure to ask before you go stealing other peoples work.

But enjoy this book and the others coming in the series. I am just warning you, if you say

Monkeewrench by Tracy, P.J..

2007-07-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

Title: Monkeewrench
Author: Tracy, P.J.
Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s

Comments

CIP
When a killer starts imitating, down to the last detail, the events occurring on Monkeewrench, a new computer game, a rural Wisconsin sheriff, 2 Minneapolis police detectives, and Grace McBride's software company gang, are caught in a web of decades-old secrets that could get them all killed.

It is very rare that I get two mystery novels I can’t finish, but it happened to me this weekend. Let me make this clear, it has nothing to do with the book. The book is well written, it has a great concept, and good characters. I just hate it when chapters bounce back and forth between two different storylines. I find it frustrating and annoying. I will give this book another chance in a few weeks when I can focus on it better, but for now, it is going back on the shelf.

Paula Deen : it ain't all about the cookin' by Deen, Paula.

2007-07-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

Title: Paula Deen : it ain't all about the cookin'
Author: Deen, Paula and Sherry Suib Cohen
Publisher: Simon &Schuster

Comments

CIP
A memoir with recipes from the Southern cooking impresario (Food Network shows, restaurants, cookbooks, magazine).

I loved this book, but I love Paula Deen. She is one of my favorites on the Food Network. I love her cooking style, her personality, and her life. She was just a regular person that worked hard to get what she wanted. She believed in herself when no one else would. She had a family that backed her when she needed it. And her sons did more than the will ever admit.

I watched a Chefography about Paula a few months ago and was just amazed at what she had overcome to get to where she is. That show was just the half of it. This book goes through everything, the ups the downs, the good the bad, the stuff she is proud of and the stuff she is ashamed to admit. All of it is there.

She writes like she talks, Southern. If you are a stickler for grammar, don’t read this. If you don’t like the way she talks, don’t read this. If you love Paula’s show, read it in a heartbeat. If you want to know the story behind some of her favorite recipes, read it. If you want some recipes that haven’t been printed before, read it.

I really enjoyed it, and I hope that other people will take time to read it, too.

Sisters Grimm : Once upon a crime By Buckley Michael

2007-07-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

Sisters Grimm : Once upon a crime By Buckley Michael
Title: Once upon a crime
Author: Buckley, Michael
Publisher: Amulet Books

Comments

CIP
When the fairy-tale detectives rush to New York City hoping to find an Everafter who can cure Puck, they trigger a chain of events that includes a murder mystery, and learn many new things about their mother who, along with their father, is still in an enchanted sleep.

These are just fun reads for my brain. For the age group this is written for, it is just good fun. They are away for them to enjoy characters from other books they grew up with. For people who tend to like to read fairytales or other literature they are very interesting. For example Shakespeare fans will love this new title. It focuses a lot on characters from Midsummer night’s dream. Puck was hurt in the previous book and now needs to visit a the only doctor that can help him. Oddly enough they end up going to New York City and running into Puck’s parents. The Sisters also run into Bess (the cow that jumped over the moon) and the Great and Powerful Oz.

I highly recommend giving this series a try. I know the author works to keep the characters close to the roots of their original stories. I don’t’ know my Shakespeare well enough to double check them, but if you are looking for a fun read, go for it.

Open Season by Box, C.J

2007-07-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

Title: Open Season
Author: Box, C.J.
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Comments

CIP
Joe Pickett is the new game warden in Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, a town where nearly everyone hunts and the game warden -- especially one like Joe, who won't take bribes or look the other way -- is far from popular. When he finds a local hunter outfitter dead, Joe takes it personally. And as Joe digs into the death, he discovers that the outfitter was responsible for the endangered species now living in Joe's woodpile -- news that Joe wants to keep quiet. The closer Joe gets to the truth behind the outfitter, the endangered species, and InterWest, the multinational company planning to build a natural gas pipeline across the state, the closer he comes to losing everything and everyone he holds dear.

Here is a fine example of how I don’t finish everything I start. I made it 50 pages into this book, and I just can’t finish it. I know there are people that love C.J. Box. I remember when this boo first came out and it was all some mystery readers talked about. It just isn’t my thing. I don’t particularly like to hunt or fish or whatever. I don’t particularly care for reading about Wyoming. However what I did read had a good plot and it was well written. I would recommend it to anyone.

The man who loved clowns / June Rae Wood.

2007-06-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

Title: The man who loved clowns.
Author: Wood, June Rae.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

CIP
Thirteen-year-old Delrita, whose unhappy life has caused her to hide from the world, loves her uncle Punky but sometimes feels ashamed of his behavior because he has Down’s syndrome.

Comments
This was suggested to me by a patron. I am glad she did. It was a fast read, but it was emotionally hard to take. Apparently I was on a string of those. It takes place in Missouri, so I was impressed that I was ready to read about a place I don’t particularly like. Delrita is very protective of her brother and has a hard time accepting that society had changed enough to let him shine. It isn’t a new book, but it is worth a read. The message is timeless and uplifting.

Burned by Hopkins, Ellen

2007-06-04T11:07:00.000-05:00

Burned by Hopkins, Ellen.
Title: Burned.
Author: Hopkins, Ellen.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Comments

CIP
Seventeen-year-old Pattyn, the eldest daughter in a large Mormon family, is sent to her aunt’s Nevada ranch for the summer where she temporarily escapes her alcoholic, abusive father and finds acceptance, only to lose everything when she returns home.

As most of you know I read a lot of young adult literature. I read this author’s first book, Crank a few years ago and thought I would give her another try.

This book is told in verse, which can make it a challenge. On the upside, you can always feel like you are making great headway because the pages are short. I found it to be an emotionally draining book. Pattyn’s highs and lows through out the book at times were hard to read.

Like many other books I am glad I read it but it was a difficult challenge.

If I live to be 100 : lessons from the centarians by Ellis, Neenah.

2006-12-21T19:35:00.000-06:00

Title: If I live to be 100 : lessons from the centarians
Author: Ellis, Neenah.
Publisher: Random House

Comments

I loved this book. It isn’t my usual stuff, but it was so worth it. Each chapter talks about another person that Ms. Ellis interviewed for her NPR production One hundred years of stories.

In the book she starts out with notions of traditional journalism. She wanted to stick to the facts, and see what each person had experienced over time. Her first interviews were not as successful. Over time she learned to let herself go. Some of her interviewees do more before noon than I do in a whole day. For instance, Anna Wilmont would get up each morning and row across a lake in the early morning and then at least once more in the late morning or early afternoon. One gentleman was still teaching law school.

The things they have seen and done are amazing. I am almost jealous at the simplicity and modesty the each possessed. If I should live as long as they do, I hope I will be as gracious and thankful too.

It is a quick read, but I recommend it for something a little different.

Fear not my loyal readers

2006-08-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

It is not that I haven't been reading. Actually I have the opposite problem, I have read too much. And the idea of reading more books, is a bit more fun than trying to blog about them.

I would guess I have about 50 books to review. Over the next few days I will try to catch up. So get ready to see what I have been reading for the last month or so.

To give you a taste of some of the books I will be reviewing in the next few days. Like usual it is all over the place. :)

Shooter by Walter Dean Myers

Broken Prey by John Sandford

Sisters Grimm: Problem Child by Michael Buckley
Sisters Grimm: Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

Here Lies the librarian by Richard Peck

Punished by David Lubar

In my defense, I have been very busy with some important traveling the past few weeks. I hope to soon tell you if the hours on the road were fruitful or not.

Shelly By Palatini, Margie.

2006-07-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

Title: Shelly
Author: Palatini, Margie.
Illustration: Guy Francis.
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books

Comments
CIP Info According to his bossy sisters, Shelly is taking far too long to develop, but Shelly will emerge from his shell when he's good and ready. But when will that be?

Shelly’s three sisters are impatient and want Shelly to come out of his shell. They try everything to get him out. Finally they give up and leave. With the day to himself, Shelly plays and enjoys being alone. My favorite part is at the end when he finally tells his sisters that he will be ready on Wednesday, he just didn’t say which Wednesday. This is a good book for siblings, the older and the younger ones. It is a great book about being you. The illustrations suit the story, but other than that not fantastic.

Bess and Bella By Haas, Irene.

2006-07-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

Title: Bess and Bella
Author: Haas, Irene.
Illustration: Irene Haas.
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Comments
CIP Info Bess is feeling terribly lonely when out of the sky tumbles a bird named Bella, her tiny suitcases packed with all manner of wonderful things.

This is one of those books I would have love to have growing up. So many winters we got snowed in and I would get lonely or worse I would get annoyed by getting stuck for days with my family. It is cute little book with quaint illustrations. The illustrations reminded me of some greeting cards my grandmother had. They leave a soft cozy feeling.

Mystery bottle By Balouch, Kristen.

2006-07-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Title: Mystery bottle
Author: Balouch, Kristen.
Illustration: Kristen Balouch.
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Comments
CIP Info What happens when a boy and his grandfather are separated from each other by borders, politics, and distance? The mystery bottle unites the two through an extraordinary gift. The bond of their love.

I love this book. It is so much fun. The illustrations are complex; they are made of different layers and each page has something extra for the reader. They are some of the most unique illustrations I have ever seen. The story is based on the author’s husband. It is good for people who are separated from those they love. It is a must for any collection. It is a little like I Miss You, Stinky Face Lisa McCourt.

Roasted peanuts by Egan, Tim

2006-07-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

Title: Roasted peanuts
Author: Egan, Tim.
Illustration: Tim Egan.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin,

Comments
CIP Info Sam the horse gets picked to be on the local baseball team, but unfortunately his friend Jackson the cat, despite being a good thrower, is not selected.

I am not a baseball fan. I am not sure why I picked this book up. Over the past few weeks I had picked it up and put it back at least a dozen times. I am glad I picked it up. It was a story about not dwelling on what you can’t do, think about the things you can do. The illustrations are so detailed it is amazing.

After Sam gets picked for the team he doesn’t play well because he misses his friend Jackson. Jackson can throw well, but not in a game. Sam noticed that the peanut sales job was open and suggested Jackson take the job. Jackson doesn’t take the job right away, but after watching Sam struggle for weeks he takes the job. Sam plays better while the crowed is wowed by Jackson’s throws.

Lesson learned: If a book talks to you, pick it up and give it a try.

A girl and her gator By Bryan, Sean.

2006-07-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

Title: A girl and her gator
Author: Bryan, Sean.
Illustration: Tom Murphy.
Publisher: Arcade Pub

Comments
CIP Info One day, a girl discovers an alligator on her head and, although she is afraid her friends will laugh, the 'gator soon convinces her that she can still give her brother a scare, eat an eclair, and choose anything to wear as long as he is there.

This one ended up much better than I thought it would be. It is so much fun. The silly rhymes and the colorful illustrations make it a book to share with everyone, anywhere. You ever have those days where you just need something silly to get ya going, this is a book for you.

Baby days : a quilt of rhymes and pictures By Downes, Belinda

2006-07-16T17:14:00.001-05:00

Title: Baby days : a quilt of rhymes and pictures
Author: Downes, Belinda.
Illustration: Belinda Downes.
Publisher: Candlewick Press

Comments
CIP Info Embroidered pictures and traditional songs and rhymes fill this charming book with a personalized nameplate and a convenient envelope at the back for "Baby's Special Things." Full color. Consumable.

The cover looked better than it ended up being. It is a book that would be great as a baby gift, but past that nothing to write home about.

In my heart By Bang, Molly

2006-07-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Title: In my heart
Author: Bang, Molly.
Illustration: Molly Bang
Publisher: Little Brown

Comments
CIP Info Parents describe how their child is always in their hearts, no matter where they are or what they are doing.

Everyone has those few authors that you pick up anything they have written; Molly Bang is one of mine.

True to her style, the illustrations are bright and colorful. The emotions of the story and the love of the characters are put in these illustrations. This is a perfect bedtime story or for parents going away on a trip. It would be a good gift for new parents or for kids on a birthday.

No room for Napoleon By Meserve, Adria.

2006-07-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

Title: No room for Napoleon
Author: Meserve, Adria.
Illustration: Adria Meserve.
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Comments
CIP Info When he arrives on an island paradise, Napoleon the dog orders its friendly inhabitants to help him construct a big house that gradually takes over all of the available space. Napoleon is a small dog with big ideas. When he spots an island through his telescope, Napoleon decides it will make the perfect home. He is welcomed by Crab, Bunny, and Bear, who are excited to have a new neighbor. They even insist on helping Napoleon build his dream house - a home that's tall and wide, with great ocean views. But Napoleon's demands push the limits of friendship as well as of the resources of the island. Is there anything Napoleon can do to make it up to them?

The illustrations are impressive. They show the beauty of the paradise in the beginning and at the end show how Napoleon had “fixed” it. Bossy Napoleon finds out that to keep friends you need to give more than you take. A good book for that bossy person in your life; it also is just an enjoyable read.

The Fuchsia is now! By Seibold, J.otto.

2006-07-16T17:12:00.001-05:00

Title: The Fuchsia is now!
Author: Seibold, J.otto.
Illustration: J.otto Seibold.
Publisher: Orchard Books

Comments
CIP Info After making a birthday wish, Fushcia is able to conjure a fairy by blinking and saying "the fuschia is now."

Ok I don’t have much to say about the story itself. I have to admit that I can’t remember a thing about the story. However the illustrations are what really brought me to the book. They are big, bold, and colorful. The pages are extra think and durable and stitched into the binding. Good for any young reader or any older reader just looking for something fun to look at.

For you are a Kenyan child By Cunnane, Kelly

2006-07-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

Title: For you are a Kenyan child
Author: Cunnane, Kelly.
Illustration: Ana Juan.
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Comments
CIP Info From rooster crow to bedtime, a Kenyan boy plays and visits neighbors all through his village, even though he is supposed to be watching his grandfather's cows.

The boy is supposed to be watching his Grandfather’s cattle; instead he makes his way through the village visiting people along the way. The illustrations are colorful and inviting. The reader is transported to Kenya. The text and illustration work together to show a day in this boy’s live. The author includes a pronunciation guide and glossary.

The Secret Chicken Club By Shannon, George

2006-07-16T17:11:00.000-05:00

Title: The Secret Chicken Club
Author: Shannon, George.
Illustration: Deborah Zemke.
Publisher: Handprint Books

Comments
CIP Info Debbie, a dancing cow, is anxious to join Wise Acres farm's Secret Chicken Club.

I think it is important to point out that sometimes I have the attention span of a 4 year old. With that said, I thought this book was WAY too long, other than that it was ok. It had some funny moments (after all it is about a dancing cow joining the Chicken Club.) Other than that it is average. I would like to try it on some kids before I change my opinions on this book. I didn’t feel one way or the other on the illustrations.

The neighborhood Mother Goose BY Crews, Nina

2006-07-16T17:10:00.000-05:00

Title: The neighborhood Mother Goose
Author: Crews, Nina
Illustration: Nina Crews.
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Comments
CIP Info A collection of nursery rhymes, both familiar and lesser known, illustrated with photographs in a city setting.

This collection puts a new spin on some of the most well-known poetry in the world. Crews’ illustrations update these standards. It is obvious that these photos are digitally manipulated but done well enough so that it makes it enjoyable to look at. The manipulation is done so that the photo appears natural. It is a good addition to any library or collection. It is a fresh update that will become a treasure.

Memories of survival By Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal.

2006-07-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

Title: Memories of survival
Author: Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal.
Illustration: Esther Nisenthal Krinitz.
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Comments
CIP Info A story of surviving the Holocaust in Poland, illustrated in a collection of embroidered panels, and told in the survivor's own words.

I have posted about this book before, but I have read it twice since then. Growing up with my Grandmother I learned how to embroider. I am not good, actually I am pretty bad. But because of my Grandmother’s persistence I can value the skill it took to create these illustrations.

This is an excellent way for Ester Nisenthal Krinitz to pass her memories and her stories to her daughters. I am fascinated by the illustrations. The care and skill that went into them makes them all that more impressive. I have read so many books that were illustrated by people removed from the story. Regular illustrations done by artists are great, but the stories and the illustrations come from the woman who was there. She was brave to live through it once, but the strength it took to relive it again is even more impressive. I would like to thank her family for sharing their treasures with the rest of the world.

May we never forget.

The flag with fifty-six stars : a gift from the survivors of Mauthausen By Rubin, Susan Goldman

2006-07-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

Title: The flag with fifty-six stars : a gift from the survivors of Mauthausen
Author: Rubin, Susan Goldman
Illustration: Bill Farnsworth.
Publisher: Holiday House

Comments
CIP Info On May 6, 1945, when members of the 11th Armored Division of the U.S. Army marched into the Mauthausen concentration camp, they were presented with an extraordinary gift. A group of prisoners, had surreptitiously pieced together a U.S. flag with an extra row of stars. Colonel Richard Seibel had the flag proudly flown over the camp as a symbol of freedom. This inspiring account of the liberation of one of the Third Reich's most infamous camps is a tribute to the humanity and hope preserved by the survivors. The paintings by Bill Farnsworth depict the events. Source notes, a bibliography, further resources, an index, and a reproduction of the actual flag are included.

I am sure you all have noticed, I tend to read a lot of books about World War II, especially about the Holocaust. Because this is such a crucial part of human history, I feel it is my job to keep an eye out for the books that show both the horror of what happened and the incredible courage it took people to survive. This is one of the more haunting books I have read recently. The courage that these prisoners had is nothing short of amazing. They risked torture and death to make a flag to hoist up when their liberators came. They learned how to play the Star Spangled Banner. These men and women where near death and yet they wanted to honor and respect the people that would hopefully save their lives. I can only imagine how it was for the Allied troops as they saw these people, so near death, and yet so excited to see them.

The illustrations are haunting. They have a powerful effect if you take the time and really look at them. Get this book, read it, learn from it, share it, most importantly add it to your collections.

Bear wants more By Wilson, Karma

2006-07-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

Title: Bear wants more
Author: Wilson, Karma
Illustration: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Comments
CIP Info When spring comes, Bear wakes up very hungry and is treated to great food by his friends.

The bear has woken up from his winter nap, and now he is hungry. His forest friends help him find food, but he always wants more. I liked the illustrations from The Bear Snores On but I love the illustrations in this book. They are simple, but hold so much life and action in them. They show the beautiful colors that come out in the spring time and they show how hard Bear’s friends are trying to help him. Another must add to a collection.

Bear snores on By Wilson, Karma

2006-07-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

Title: Bear snores on
Author: Wilson, Karma
Illustration: Jane Chapman.
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Comments
CIP Info On a cold winter night many animals gather to party in the cave of a sleeping bear, who then awakes and protests that he has missed the food and the fun.

What’s better than a nice soothing story? The illustrations are comforting and cozy. The rounded illustrations combined with the calming colors take a good bedtime story and makes it great. This is one of my favorites to read aloud. It has a rhythm that is steady but not agitating. While this story is about bear sleeping in the middle of winter, it can be a good read all year, especially during some of those summer thunderstorms. This is a must own for anyone with kids, working with kids, or a kid that refuses to grow up.

What's better than a new blog

2006-06-22T23:01:00.000-05:00

Ok so it is mine, but there ya go.

I am off to my first conference ever, let alone my first conference as a professional librarian. I like to keep this one for books only, so I like to spread my "free" time around.

This is to help people connect with the new blog.

See ya soon.

Tiggers don't like ...

the 48 hour round up

2006-06-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

Life got in the way more than I had cared for. With the new part-time job and I was feeling a little off all week, I slept more than I wanted too. But I still did fairly well. The Hitler book took it out of me, but I am glad I read it.

I think I was harder on myself then I would have been on any other book filled weekend. I wanted to read more, but I was having problems getting in to certain books. I usually have some picture books to go in between the "longer" books. The books I did finish were great, and books that I needed a challenge to actually get them read. All in all it was a good time. I think it should be at least an annual event. However it did have a downside, now I have a new list of books I need to read. But that is ok, I am up to the challenge.

I read five books and a total of 2,024 pages in the 48 hour period. I reviewed them all at once for about two hours. I reviewed and posted from 10pm until midnight Sunday night.

I have to agree with MotherReader that the "fun" wore off pretty quickly. I found myself thinking about other things to do, but still I had to sit and read. About halfway through I thought that this was more like a marathon. Training should have been done before hand. I kept getting ansy and had to get up and move, more than I would on regular weekend.

I also think that speed reading is something that you have to keep in shape or you loose quickly. A year ago I would have soared through twice as many books, but this past weekend I found myself moving much slower. I had some fun books, but I also had a pretty heavy one. My favorite still has to be the Sisters Grimm. I can't wait to read the rest of them and I have even thought about rereading the book from yesterday. I rarely ever do that, and never so quickly after finishing a book.

The First Part Last by Angela Johsnon 144pp 10:30-11:30pm Friday

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Al Capone Does My Shirts only the first 20 pages 11:45pm-midnight

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney 224pp Friday midnight-1:30 am Saturday

Sing a Song of Tuna Fish: Hard to Swallow Stories from the Fifth Grade by Esme Raji Codell, 144pp 9am-10:30am Saturday

Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Bartoletti 176pp 7pm-11:30pm Saturday

Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester the first 20 pages noon-12:30pm Sunday.

The Fairy Tale Detectives : Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley 284pp 1pm-6pm Sunday.

The fairy-tale detectives : The sisters Grimm By Buckley, Michael

2006-06-19T00:07:00.000-05:00

Title: The fairy-tale detectives : The sisters grimm

Author: Buckley, Michael.

Illustration: Peter Ferguson.

Publisher: Amulet Books

Comments

CIP Info Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead. This book was so much fun. It took me twice as long as a normal book would to read. I got sucked into it. I was fascinated at how the author included so many characters from different types of literature. Not only the characters from the Grimm Brothers (we find out that the girls are their descendents) but Puck from Shakespeare’s Mid-Summer Night is there, complete with pixies. The Big Bad Wolf apparently isn’t so bad because he and Granny now work together. It is too hard to explain these books, just go read one for yourself. They are great fun, and quite complex. They are funny yet scary at the same time. They author researched these stories in great detail, and should work in a classroom as well as an afternoon read.

Hitler Youth : growing up in Hitler's shadow ByBartoletti, Susan Campbell.

2006-06-19T00:06:00.001-05:00

Title: Hitler Youth : growing up in Hitler's shadow

Author: Bartoletti, Susan Campbell.

Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction

Comments

CIP Info The story of a generation of German young people who devoted all their energy to the Hitler Youth and the propaganda that brought Hitler his power, and the youths that resisted the Nazi movement. "I begin with the young. We older ones are used up. But my magnificent youngsters! Look at these men and boys! What material! With them, I can create a new world."-Adolf Hitler, Nuremberg,1933. By the time Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, 3.5 million children belonged to the Hitler Youth. It would become the largest youth group in history. Susan Campbell Bartoletti explores how Hitler gained the loyalty, trust, and passion of so many of Germany's young people. Her research includes telling interviews with surviving Hitler Youth members.

This is the book that I have to thank MotherReader for. I have been trying to read this book for about a month. I opened it a month ago and the first photo I saw was one of the most frightening photos out of World WarII. It isn’t gory. It isn’t violent. Actually if you could take the uniform off the child and remove the background, it is just a regular photo of a child. But it is the Nazi flags and older Hitler Youth members in the background that add to the unsettling feeling. But it is the child in the Storm Trooper uniform with his hand raised in a Nazi salute that sends a shiver down your spine. This book isn’t about Hitler or the war or any of the battles. This is about the Youth who were more dedicated to serving Hitler that they would turn in their own parents. The book is well written and should be included in any collection. This is a little known subject that should be looked at more closely. The author points out that even at the time of interviewing some of the former Hitler Youth members they still didn’t see what they did wrong. More than 60 years later and they can not accept that the man they worshiped was a mass murderer. Others have spent their entire lives trying to make up and right their wrongs. The extent that these children were brainwashed is just impressive. Hitler and his government managed to brainwash an entire generation. There is so much detail and supportive material that it creates a balanced book fitting for a classroom. The book is also written that if you wish, you can read it like any nonfiction book. I do recommend that you read it in the afternoon with the sun shining, because it can be scary in parts.

Sing a song of tuna fish : hard-to-swallow stories from fifth grade By Sing a song of tuna fish : hard-to-swallow stories from fifth grade

2006-06-19T00:06:00.000-05:00

Title: Sing a song of tuna fish : hard-to-swallow stories from fifth grade

Author: Codell, Esmé Raji

Illustration: LeUyen Pham

Publisher:Hyperion Books For Children

Comments

CIP Info Hilarious, quirky, and poignant, this unusual memoir recounts episodes from the transformative fifth-grade year of an acclaimed author. There are certain points when I wonder how I pick the books I read. This is another good example where I question my “authority” as a librarian. I picked this book up for two reasons. 1) I like the author; I have read most of her books. But the second reason is why I picked it up 2) the title made me giggle right away.

I loved this book. How can you not love a book that starts off with the main character egging a car with her mother? Really? I wish this book was around when I was in the fifth grade. Esmé is the only person I know who hated piano lessons as much as I did. She went to a different kind of school where the students decided what to do and when to do it. She was excited to go to a school where they had spelling lessons. This wasn’t a totally happy nor a totally depressing book. It showed what this time of live is really like. I think every library should have a copy.

Seven wonders of Sassafras Springs By Birney, Betty G.

2006-06-19T00:04:00.000-05:00

Title: Seven wonders of Sassafras Springs

Author: Birney, Betty G.

Illustration: Matt Phelan.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Comments

CIP Info Eben McAllister searches his small town to see if he can find anything comparable to the real Seven Wonders of the World. Early Saturday morning of the reading challenge. I picked up this book originally because the name cracked me up. As I read it I really could identify with it. I grew up in a very small town in South Dakota. I spent my whole life wanting to get out of South Dakota and to see the world. Eben wants to see the world or at least get out of Sassafras Springs. His father makes a bet with him that if Eben fines the Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, then he will send Eben to visit relatives in Colorado. I love how Eben was able to find how each person had a wonder. Each person had a past, a history, and a bit more than they appeared to everyone else. Eben got the whole town talking about his Wonders and talked about whom he saw and who he didn’t. The “wonders” don’t appear too much on the surface a doll, a bookshelf, a table, a ship in a bottle, a woven piece of fabric, a model of a city, and a saw. But the stories that went with each item were special. A great book with a message for young and old, sometimes the world is in your backyard if you look hard enough.

The first part last By Johnson, Angela

2006-06-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

Title: The first part last

Author: Johnson, Angela

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Comments

CIP Info Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter. This was the first book I read for the challenge. I read this book in a little over an hour. It had an interesting format. The reader would get to alternate between the past and the present with “Then” and “Now” chapters. When told this way the story unfolds so the reader actually puts the story together. For ages I have read about other librarians recommending this book, I now see why. This is such a positive book for teen fathers, a rarity. These are real situations happening all over the nation and the world. It is great to know that there is a book for a specific audience. But you don’t have to be a teen father to enjoy this. I was touched by how much this young man loved his daughter. He did everything for her. He moved from his mother’s house to live with his father, and then later moves out of state. All of this so he can give his daughter the best. He could have easily give her up and let her be adopted and gone on with his life. He could have taken the easy road; he chose the harder road.

48 hours later...

2006-06-18T22:50:00.000-05:00

and I must say that this was a little harder than I thought it would be. I started Friday night with the hope ofAl Capone does my shirts. After 20 pages I was getting now where, I gave it up and moved on to The first part last. I tried Day of tears . It soon feel to the same fate as Al Capone.

But I did read lots of really great books, as already noted. Thanks to MotherReader for this great idea to test my abilities to read for such an extended period of time. What better than an excuse to ignore all other things I should have done.

I didn't get as much read as I thought I would. I it has been a long time since I read so many juvenile or YA books at once. With the few exceptions already noted, I enjoyed all of the books for very different reasons. I think this should be held at least twice a year. That way I might stay just a little bit ahead of my pile of books to read. The pile is nearly as tall as my list of books to read is long.

*sigh* Ah the perils of being a librarian, isn't it great.

And now the rules

2006-06-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

MotherReader wanted us to announce our 48 hour continuous reading period. Mine will be by far the oddest set of time, but I picked up a part time job at the public library so I am gonna lose four hours in this process. But not the point here, My time will start at 10 p.m. tonight and end Sunday night at 10p.m.

As promised here is the list of books in their planned order

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler's shadow by Susan Campbell Baroletti
The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckely
Shakespeare's Secret by Ellis Broach
Day of tears by Julius Lester
Children of the Lamp: The blue djinn of Babylon by P.B. Kerr

In the event that I get through these, I have some back up books, but you never know. I might get through some of my blogs and find a new book that needs to get to the top, but basically these are the books I have been trying to get around to for a few months at least. The Al Capone book has been over a year that I have been trying to get around to that.

Thanks again MotherReader.

Only hours to go

2006-06-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

And the reading challenge will be on. MotherReader has quite a few bloggers working on this. I haven't figured out which of the 48 hours I will be reading. Please see her blog for more info.

I have my list made, and I ready to finally get those books read. I will finalize the reading order and post before I start. Then document with my typical annoying detail.

I will keep ya posted.

Remember if you wish to joing in, you can post on Books-a-Plenty just make sure to indicate that you are part of the 48 hour challenge.

Tying up some lose ends

2006-06-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

First let me say, I am quite the geek. MotherReader left a response on the blog.

Now with that out of the way, I need to tie up some loose ends. I have loads of books that need to be reviewed, so get ready those bloglines are going to be busy today. I need to catch up on the books that I have read and read a few more. I am trying to clear my book reading list so that I am ready for the 48 hour reading challenge.

I have a huge list of books I have been meaning to read, now I have an reason to spend a whole weekend reading. *sigh* It is times like this that I love being a librarian.

Jumping in with both feet

2006-06-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

After merely dabbling with some book review here, mostly to keep an online listing of what I have read, I am jumping in to the book blogging world.

I posted my RSVP for the blogging bash at ALA, see Library Garden, and now I am joing a great many other book bloggers and joining MotherReader"s 48 hour reading challenge> I will try my best to keep up with the others. Now all I have to do is figure out what I am gonna read.

Check out the post and if you are interested feel free to sign up under the Books-a-plenty club blog.

It is gonna be hot, now you have a reason to stay inside and read.

I rarely do this

2006-06-04T16:10:00.000-05:00

But I am actually gonna blog about a book before I finish with it. I have not read the text of this book, only the introduction. I don't care what your personal thoughts about the Holocaust are. I don't care what you think of children's literature. Please please please check this book out. Interlibrary loan it, buy it, share it.

This is the most amazing emotional book I have ever looked at. I originally picked up the book because it was new and because the cover had one of the most interesting illustrations I had ever seen. I never thought that the entire book would contain illustrations that had been done in embrodiery. I have seen some outstanding embroidery in my life, but nothing like this. Then to have the illustrations done by a Holocaust survivor, it makes them even more special. The "author's" mother created the illustrations to tell her daughters and the world about what it was like to live in that time period. Most of the illustrations have hand embroidered captions. The stories that go with them were told by Ester Nisenthal Krinitz to her daughter. There is a special not about the art in the book. While some machine stitching was used for some larger pieces most of the stitching was done by hand.

I will report more about this book later on, after I have actually read the text. I can promise you this one has moved to the top of my need to own list.

Title: Memories of survival

Author: Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal and Bernice Steinhardt.

Illustration: Esther Nisenthal Krinitz.

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Comments

CIP Info A story of surviving the Holocaust in Poland, illustrated in a collection of embroidered panels, and told in the survivor's own words.

Nurse Matilda collected tales By Brand, Christianna

2006-05-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

Title: Nurse Matilda collected tales
Author: Brand, Christianna
Illustration: Edward Ardizzone
Publisher: Bloomsburg

Comments
CIP Info The incorrigible Brown children, who devour nannies, nurse-maids, and governesses, finally meet their match. This was a three book collection. I only had time for the first book. They are average at best. The movie Nanny McPhee was based off this series. It was ok, but I would recommend Mary Poppins or Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Because it was written in the 1960s it was a bit too long-winded. I think the Brand was trying to go for an early 1900s feel and missed slightly. I never saw the movie and I don’t plan on seeing the movie.

The serpent slayer : and other stories of strong women By Tchana, Katrin

2006-05-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

Title: The serpent slayer : and other stories of strong women
Author: Tchana, Katrin
Illustration: Trina Schart Hyman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.

Comments
CIP Info A collection of twenty traditional tales from various parts of the world, each of whose main character is a strong and resourceful woman. Some of these stories I had read or heard before. However, the author lets the reader down by not indicating where the stories originated. The illustrations are nice, but I wish there where more. There are better collections of positive female folk stories available.

The great fuzz frenzy By Stevens, Janet

2006-05-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

Title: The great fuzz frenzy
Author: Stevens, Janet.
Illustration: Janet Stevens.
Publisher: Harcourt

Comments
CIP Info When a tennis ball lands in a prairie dog town, the residents find that their newfound frenzy for fuzz creates a fiasco. It was ok. The story covers the frenzy of a fad and how working together is best. Not the authors’ best work, but it is better than their last few books. It would be a fun read aloud with a slightly older group like 3rd grade or so. It could also be adapted to a reader’s theater with some major adaptations.

A hug for you By Anastas, Margaret

2006-05-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

Title: A hug for you
Author: Anastas, Margaret
Illustration: Susan Winter.
Publisher: HarperCollins

Comments
CIP Info A parent tells a child all of the reasons for the well-deserved hugs they share. This book was added to my booklist of good baby gifts. The illustrations are simple and soft. They are easy for young ones to look at and learn new words. The text is simple, clean, and short. This would be a perfect for a read before a nap or at bedtime. A great book for new families, and would be a great book to pass down from child to child.

The shopping expedition By Ahlberg, Allan

2006-05-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

Title: The shopping expedition
Author: Ahlberg, Allan
Illustration: Amstutz, André
Publisher: Candlewick Press

Comments
CIP Info A routine shopping trip becomes a grand adventure in the eyes of a little girl. The pictures are such fun. This is the only way to shop. A story like this can be taken and adapted for a trip to the store, standing in a check out, or a long car trip. This book isn’t going to change the world, but it will make for a fun read. Illustrations don in acrylic

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs By Barrett, Judi

2006-05-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

Title: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs
Author: Barrett, Judi
Illustration: Ron Barrett
Publisher: Atheneum

Comments
CIP Info Life is delicious in the town of Chewandswallow where it rains soup and juice, snows mashed potatoes, and blows storms of hamburgers--until the weather takes a turn for the worse. I am a horrible, horrible librarian. I can’t stand this book. My sister, along with a many, many other people talked this book up, possibly too much. Ok, maybe I am a bit too harsh on this book. It was okay. Maybe if I had read this book on a day when I hadn’t read so many really great books, it might have faired a little better. I thought it was too long and too cumbersome. The illustrations were too busy to be enjoyable. This isn’t one of my favorites.

Chopsticks By Berkeley, Jon

2006-05-14T21:42:00.001-05:00

Title: Chopsticks
Author: Berkeley, Jon
Illustration: Berkeley, Jon
Publisher: Random House

Comments
CIP Info A small mouse named Chopsticks who lives on a floating restaurant in China becomes friends with a carved wooden dragon who wants to fly. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed. I spend minutes upon minutes looking at each one in great detail. Chopsticks (a mouse) goes to an old man to find out how to make the carved wooden dragon fly. After Chopsticks learns the song, and plays it on nights with a full moon, the dragon comes alive. He and the dragon soar over the country. When they return Chopsticks goes and tells the old man their adventures. It doesn’t tell what medium the illustrations are don in, but they are impressive. The book may not be worth a purchase for a personal collection, but should be added to a library collection.

Ruby's wish By Bridges, Shirin Yim

2006-05-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

Title: Ruby's wish
Author: Bridges, Shirin Yim
Illustration: Sophie Blackall
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Comments
CIP Info In China, at a time when few girls are taught to read or write, Ruby dreams of going to the university with her brothers and male cousins. This book was great. The illustrations are superb. The beautiful illustrations add to the story so much. I must admit I didn’t see the ending coming. Ruby grows up in a traditional Chinese home. Girls are supposed to learn how to cook, clean, and care for a home and family. Ruby’s Grandfather allows her to continue with reading and writing classes if she keeps up with her other chores. I don’t care that I am giving away the ending, it is just so great. In the end, Ruby’s grandfather sends her to university. She is one of the first female students in China. The best part of this story is that it is true.

Grandmama's pride By Birtha, Becky

2006-05-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

Title: Grandmama's pride
Author: Birtha, Becky
Illustration: Colin Bootman.
Publisher: A. Whitman

Comments
CIP Info While on a trip in 1956 to visit her grandmother in the South, six-year-old Sarah Marie experiences segregation for the first time, but discovers that things have changed by the time she returns the following year. One woman’s pride helps her grandchildren see the unfairness of segregation. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be learning to read only to find out that half the population hates you just because of the color of your skin. It is very text heavy, but I can’t see how the author could have cut it. There is a long author’s note that talks about the issue of segregation in greater detail. The illustrations are good, just enough detail, but not overly complex. This would be a good book for any collection for historical content. I liked the story even though it is sad, but true. Illustrations are done in water colors.

Polkabats and octopus slacks : 14 stories By Brown, Calef

2006-05-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Title: Polkabats and octopus slacks : 14 stories
Author: Brown, Calef
Illustration: Calef Brown
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Comments
CIP Info Fourteen poems about a variety of fanciful topics. What utter silliness. Nonsense poems prove that poetry can be fun without being painful. Of course it also proves that poetry sometimes never makes sense. The illustrations are so-so, but a fun read aloud.

Arthur meets the President By Brown, Marc Tolon

2006-05-14T21:39:00.001-05:00

Title: Arthur meets the President
Author: Brown, Marc Tolon
Illustration: Marc Brown.
Publisher: Little Brown

Comments
CIP Info Arthur's essay wins a contest and he has to read it to the President in a special ceremony at the White House. This is the first Arthur book I ever read. It is a cute book, but anyone who has watched the PBS series will notice some changes in the illustrations. It is nice to see the series outside of the television world.

Arthur's teacher moves in By Brown, Marc Tolon

2006-05-14T21:39:00.000-05:00

Title: Arthur's teacher moves in
Author: Brown, Marc Tolon
Illustration: Marc Brown.
Publisher: Little, Brown

Comments
CIP Info Arthur thinks that having his teacher stay at his house will be a horrible experience. Can you imagine the horror? This story will work with every age group. Even as I read it, I was nearly frozen with terror thinking of how horrible it would be if one of my teachers from elementary school moved into our house. So it was easy to understand how Arthur freaked out. Soon he found out that Mr. Ratburn is just like everyone lese. Soon his friends start giving Arthur a hard time. So to help that, Mr. Ratburn plans to stay with each of his students.

Pig on the Titanic : a true story! By Crew, Gary

2006-05-14T21:37:00.001-05:00

Title: Pig on the Titanic : a true story!
Author: Crew, Gary
Illustration: Bruce Whatley.
Publisher: HarperCollins

Comments
CIP Info On the disastrous night when the ocean liner Titanic sinks, the sounds of a pig-shaped music box cheer children escaping in a lifeboat. Every so often I pick up a book and don’t expect much from it. This is one of them. I even remember putting down and picked up at least twice. I questioned how good the book would really be. But then I did a quick look at the illustrations. They were breath taking. The detail is impressive and supports the story very well. The text is good, not too short, but not too long. While I don’t claim to know everything about Titanic, this was a story I hadn’t heard. I enjoyed the author’s note. It tells about Edith Rosenbaum and how she helped some children through the tragedy. It was better than I ever expected and I recommend it for any collection.

The empty pot By Demi

2006-05-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

Title: The empty pot
Author: Demi.
Illustration: Demi.
Publisher: H. Holt

Comments
CIP Info When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty. this is the first time I have read this book. I read it about three times a year. I first heard it on Between the Lions Demi is a fabulous storyteller. The illustrations have such detail and emotion. The honesty of Ping is almost heartbreaking, but in the end he is rewarded. The message “always do your best” is perfect for any season.

Katie's Sunday afternoon By Mayhew, James

2006-05-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

Title: Katie's Sunday afternoon
Author: Mayhew, James
Illustration: James Mayhew
Publisher: Orchard Books

Comments
CIP Info On a hot day, Katie and her grandmother visit the art museum, where Katie climbs into the paintings of pointillist artists Seurat, Pisarro, and Signac. Includes information about pointillism. This author/illustrator does a great job of making are enjoyable and accessible to a younger audience. Katie takes a trip through the art museum and visits each of the Pointillists. She goes swimming in one but then floods the museum. The author includes backgrounds on the artists from the book. This is an interesting concept. I would like to see more from this series.

Groundhog stays up late By Cuyler, Margery

2006-05-14T21:35:00.000-05:00

Title: Groundhog stays up late
Author: Cuyler, Margery.
Illustration: Jean Cassels.
Publisher: Walker & Co.

Comments
CIP Info Groundhog decides not to hibernate one winter, even though his friends tell him that he will become cold, hungry, and lonely. Stubborn Groundhog simply can't wait until February 2 to wake all his friends up! Groundhog loves to run and play. When winter comes, Groundhog does not want to hibernate. His friends warn that he'll be hungry and cold and lonely, but he just won't listen. Yet he soon discovers his friends were right. Then he has a brilliant idea! He'll have an EARLY spring! All his friends will wake up, and they can all have fun together again. But his friends aren't too happy when they find out Groundhog has played a trick on them. A great new twist on the groundhog's annual February ritual, this story is guaranteed to entertain, with a willful hero that children and adults will instantly recognize. It was ok, but not a great story. The illustrations are average, but when all the pieces are added up they put an interesting spin on the “Ant and the Grasshopper” story. It would be good enough to add to a storytime or on a snowy afternoon. It would be worth adding to a library or school collection, but not for a personal collection. Illustrations are gouche on 140-lb arches hot press 100% rag watercolor paper to create.

The lotus seed By Garland, Sherry

2006-05-14T21:34:00.000-05:00

Title: The lotus seed
Author: Garland, Sherry
Illustration:Tatsuro Kiuchi
Publisher:Harcourt Brace Jovanovich

Comments
CIP Info A young Vietnamese girl saves a lotus seed and carries it with her everywhere to remember a brave emperor and the homeland that she has to flee. This is one of my favorite books. A woman sees the Emperor cry. Then she went down to the royal gardens and took seeds from the lotus flower. The next day the Emperor was over thrown. Soon her country was at war. Through wars and a trip across the ocean she never lost that seed. One day her grandson, who had never seen a lotus, he plants it. The Grandmother is so distraught she can’t eat or sleep. But finally, after all of those years, the flower bloomed. After the petals fell away, the grandmother gave each child a seed, and kept a seed for herself. I love the story of tradition being passed from generation to generation.