Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley

from goodreads

5 stars

I am not a big art person. Like, I like looking at nice pieces but I wouldn't say, " I get it". I don't look at it and analyse it. It is just a picture. What I do find amazing is how much a picture conveys. Without words you can get a sense of what is happening in a certain time frame or in a job. You can get a glimpse to what matters to the artist, what landscapes they enjoy or perhaps what their favourite colour is.

I guess that is the nice thing about art. You don't have to be an analyser, you don't have to collect it or try to be deep about it. You can just enjoy art because it is there. You can enjoy art just for you. You can let the pictures speak to you or be whatever you need it to be for you at a particular time. That's awesome.

Synopsis

This is a graphic novel that revolves around a woman named Kate. She is opening up her own restaurant while still living above the one where she used to work. When a worker gets injured the "house spirit" shows Kate a way to change things to help the injured worker, but now Kate wants to try and fix everything.

My Thoughts

I haven't read a lot of graphic novels but this is an art form I am going to have to explore a lot more. I love how you don't get bogged down with detailed descriptions. You can just get on with the story and you see what is happening instead of trying to imagine it. The story was pure and was not shrouded in adjectives and adverbs. I think that is the great thing about this genre, it is more dialogue driven, but you know exactly what is happening and you know exactly what the character is like.

I loved the idea that this book explored, the idea of trying to fix things. We often feel we need to fix things when really we just need to let it be. Sometimes the more we try to make things perfect the worse it can sometimes be. And the people we are trying to make happy won't become so. In this story it shows how one change which seems small has ripple effects that could make other things change, and the more you try to change things the more things get changed.

I loved how flawed Kate was. She wasn't trying to put on airs, she wasn't trying to be likeable. She had her own sense of right and wrong, her own sense of self. I love the other characters too. Everyone has something about them that makes them intriguing, even if they are only a minor player.

This would be a great book to try the graphic novel genre. I plowed through it in less than a day. The story is out there but not too out there and it does give you a lot to reflect on. I really enjoyed it!

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

from goodreads

2.5 stars

Classics are a funny breed of book. It seems when you read them either you love them or you hate them. Very rarely do you fall in between, though it does happen on occasion.

Usually when I look back on the classics I have read I feel a great love and happiness come over me. I love thinking of sweet Jane Eyre and my heart still aches for her sadness but then rejoices at the happiness of her life. I remember the first time I read Great Expectations. I can still remember my exact location when I was reading the final revelations at the end of the book of the connection between the characters. (It was in the back of our car and we were driving back from Owen Sound and we were just passing the turn to Haliburton that is found in the little blip on the map called Tory Hill.)

I don't know what it is about classics that speak to us so much. Is it the wordiness? Is it the fact that they have stood the test of time and these are the books that we still know about in today's day and age? I don't know. Perhaps it is the difference in the language. The need to actually think about what the author was trying to say that makes them so enjoyable, or unenjoyable, to read.

All I know is I haven't read nearly as many classics as I wish to and I am looking forward to reading more.

Synopsis

This book follows the life of Dorian Gray. He is young and impressionable. He has his portrait painted and when he sees the beauty of it he makes a wish. He wishes that he would remain beautiful and young and that the portrait would age. As his life unfolds he begins to realize that that was not just some idle wish.

My Thoughts

I so wanted to like this book more than I did.

The actual story line was great and interesting and some of the social issues of the time that were dealt with were rather intriguing. Yet the execution of the story just wasn't there.

I found the monotonous and contradicting monologues rather tedious. I think you have to be in the right mood for the ridiculous and I was not in the mood when I was reading this. I also found the pages and pages of descriptions of embroidery and jewels almost unbearable. I almost quit reading then and there. During the monologues and descriptions I will admit that my eyes glazed over a bit and I did quite a bit of skimming. I know that you shouldn't skim but it was the only way I could get through it.

If the book was just the story of the painting and Dorian it would have been so great. When there was action happening in the book I loved it and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. If only Mr. Wilde could have stuck to that type of narrative instead of having to put in his "witty" banter and descriptions, because the idea behind the book was quite awesome.

So all in all, I guess I am sort of glad that I read it but I was left unimpressed. It could have been so much more than just a "when is it over" book.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

from goodreads

4 stars

While I do not consider myself to be a "Trekkie" I do really enjoy the Star Trek franchise of shows. I love how it can deal with social issues such as racism, sexuality and identity without it being in our face. Because it is dealing with alien races and cultures those topics seem to be less taboo then if it were on other shows.

I particularly enjoyed how TNG dealt with the character of Data. He was an android that was very human like and wanted nothing more than to be fully integrated into human life. Many times during the series the talked about questioning what was human and what wasn't. Did Data have humanity? Did he have a conscience? Were his emotions any less valid than that of a flesh and blood human? These kind of questions can be posed in various ways in the non Star Trek world too, but the concept of what makes us human is a very interesting topic to explore. Are we as human as we really think we are?

Synopsis

It is near the turn of the twentieth century. Chava is a Golem, a woman made of clay, whose soul purpose in life is to serve her master. When her master dies shortly after she is awoken, Chava finds herself in New York City. A city full of people's desires that she feels drawn and overcome to fulfill.

Ahmad is a Jinni who was set free by a tinsmith and has to come to grips with being bound to human form and not be as free as he is used to.

Both creatures have to figure out how they will fit into this new world they are in. When they meet they learn things from each other that help them find their path.

My Thoughts

This was a really interesting book. I really enjoyed the question of humanity. Does the golem have a conscience. Can she be empathetic and can she think for herself despite the limitations and drawbacks that being a golem has. It was interesting to see the struggle the rabbi had when he was helping her and trying to figure out what he should do about her. I really loved the character of Chava. My heart went out to her and I was hoping that she would be able to find her way and find happiness at the same time.

The book also discussed the topics of free will, thinking for yourself and things that are pre-destined or inherited. It also discussed the concept of "just because you can doesn't mean you should." How we need to overcome our selfish desires and look outside ourselves to help with our own contentment.

The book itself was sort of a mishmash of a lot of things. It was a fantasy type book with characters like the golem and the jinni. But it also seemed to be part historical novel as the setting of New York at this time was almost a character unto itself. It was obvious that a lot of research went into New York at the turn of the century and I learned a lot more about it then I thought I would ever know. Because of these many differences in genres at play there were times when the story sort of lagged a bit. Other parts seemed to speed ahead. I am glad that I persevered to the end. It was definitely worth it.

There were jumps between timelines. When it first happened it was a bit awkward because I didn't know what was happening and if other parts were connected or what. Everything made sense in the end but some of the transitions were a bit awkward. And some of the things in the desert kind of went on and on. I'm glad that I got some background knowledge on the jinni but some of it could have been a bit better edited to make the story a bit tighter.

There were also a few characters that I wasn't sure what the point of them was. They could have been out of the story and it would have flowed just fine. They didn't detract from the story, but their impact on either of the two main characters didn't enhance the story very much and the plot could have been changed to go around their absence. But that was really a minor thing.

All and all I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the main story more than the fringes that it sometimes went off on. I found the character of Chava to be quite lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed her development. Ahmad was a bit harder to like but by the end you love him and find him actually quite admirable. When I started this book I really didn't know what to expect but what I got was great. Definitely worth the read.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

from goodreads

5 stars

I am going through a bit of a reading frustration this week. I read one book that totally hit me at just the right time. I read it in a day, staying up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I usually don't do that as I have kids to look after in the morning but I could not put it down. It was a light enjoyable read. Now I have descended from that reading high and finding it hard to settle down into my next literary conquest.

Does that ever happen to you? You read a book that has fit into your life so well and then when you try to move on every other book is kind of a let down? Hopefully this phase will be over soon and I will find a book that I can fall right into. Until then I will just have to keep persevering.

Synopsis

Eddie is an old lonely man who feels he has had a wasted life. When he dies in an accident Eddie arrives in Heaven where he encounters five different people who help him see his life in a new light.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book.

While Albom's version of heaven isn't exactly how I picture it, it does make you think about what it will be like. Perhaps this isn't too far off.

I like the idea of being able to get a chance to see how our lives have affected others, hopefully positively. Sometimes I think we all feel that our lives have been wasted or we have failed in someway. But, when we actually stop to think of friends, teachers and family that surround us we realize that our sphere of influence is greater than we think. A simple or boring life does not mean that life has been a failure.

I like how Albom shows he interconnectedness of us all. It was interesting to see how certain parts or problems of Eddie's life all seemed to be connected somehow. Coincidence? I don't know.

I think the take away from this is that sometimes the everyday mundane things we do have the most impact on others. We are greater than what we think. No life is a wasted life. We are all of value.

If you haven't read this book before I urge you too. If you are looking for a great pick me up this is the book for you.

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

from goodreads

4 stars

I'm not very good at keeping my house tidy. I would much rather read my book then put things away. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels that way. But, I am beginning to understand the importance of putting things in their rightful place, especially when it comes to the kids lunch things and their clothes. Nothing is more frustrating then when the kids come out of their rooms freaking out that they can't find that particular shirt that they must have or else their outfit is ruined and life is over! (And the kid who does this the most is only 5! It gets easier and less dramatic... right?)

As I already struggle with my things and the things of the house at large I have passed off some of the responsibility onto them. Hopefully this will help them learn responsibility for their own stuff, allow them to blame me less, and help them not to have the same issue I have when they get older. So far it hasn't bit too bad. But Miss G., she does everything in her power to do as little of her chore as possible. It is amazing the excuses she comes up with for not putting away her clothes in a timely manner. She needs them sorted into piles, she can't open the drawers, no one is helping her, Miss V. isn't putting away her clothes (usually that is because Miss V. has already put away her clothes), and my personal favourite, she is a kid not a maid.

Hopefully as I get better my kids will get better too. I know things can't change over night, but that would be super awesome. Maybe I need to find a wishing star tonight to make that wish come true!

Synopsis

The Robug that Jake ordered finally arrived. When Jake tells him to fix this mess, Jake gets more than he bargained for.

My Thoughts

Oh, how this book spoke to me, on so many different levels. It spoke to my desire to cut tidying corners. It spoke to my frustration when my kids, instead of putting clothes away from the floor,  just pick up the pile and throw it all in the laundry whether it is dirty or not. It spoke to the importance of just getting on and dealing with the crap yourself. My goodness what a deep book.

Tedd Arnold is the master of keeping things simple yet telling a great tale. I love his illustrations. There are so many little things to see in them that bring a smile to your face. In this book I especially liked the cat.

I'm not sure who will enjoy this book more, the parents who are sagely nodding along with it or the kids because they know that what Robug is doing isn't really what Jake meant. So if you are dealing with kids who don't help with the mess, this book might just be for you and your family. The words are ridiculously simple but that helps with the message. I think this is one you will enjoy.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

from goodreads

4 stars

Lately I have been in a children's book reading mood. They just seem to be the books I have been gravitating to. Does that happen to you?

Sometimes it is a Nordic crime fascination and then next it is classics. Well for me it is now children's books, and man they are good.

Synopsis

Molly and Kip are orphaned siblings who have secured employment at the Windsor house in the Sourwoods. While there, they encounter a dark force that helps them realize the danger of greed, but at what cost?

My Thoughts

This was a great book. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew that it would be creepy just from looking at the cover, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be scary creepy, or silly creepy, or just plain old creepy. It was creepy but with a great story.

While the back of the book talks of how it deals with the moral of not being greedy, it also is a tale about the definition of honesty. The greed is dealt with through the tree. The tree can grant your hearts most sincere desire but at the cost of your soul. I like how the author shows that the thing you could be greedy of does not necessarily have to be monetary gain. It can be having familial connections or regaining affection that was lost, or simply having a good story or fantasy world to escape to. It shows that we need to do things in moderation and that if we want something we need to work for it, otherwise the price might be too high.

Honesty, though not mentioned by other reviewers, is also a moral that is discussed. The character Molly is a natural storyteller, yet she uses stories to shield her brother Kip, and the Windsor's daughter Penny, from the truth. The book looks at when is a story actually a lie. It makes you look at your intentions, even for the white lie. Sometimes people need to learn hard truths and if we constantly shield them from that truth and brush it off, are we really shielding them for their benefit or ours? It was a really neat discussion point.

I loved the characters in the book. Each character was pivotal, even if they were merely a secondary character. Everyone played an essential role in the plot. It was nice not to have random characters thrown in. They all seemed well thought out.

My favourite character was Kip. I loved how stalwart and brave he was. He seemed wise beyond his years. And I loved how true he was to himself. While the tree might have been able to grant his wish, he knew he would be dependent on it forever and that he was happy with himself as he was, even if he was lame. That takes a maturity that most adults don't even have and it was just beautiful watching it unfold.

I also loved the character Hester. Even though she played a small role, I loved it. She is the kind of spunky old person I want to be when I reach that certain age. I was a little shocked about what happened to her, but I don't want to give it away, so that is all I'll say about that.

This is a great book to introduce kids to the supernatural/suspence genre. (I guess some might classify it as horror, and maybe it is, but I don't think I would classify it as such.) There is just enough scariness to put you on edge but not so much that you will have trouble sleeping.

This would be a great book for ages 10 and up.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

from goodreads

5 stars

I always find it interesting when siblings all have the same vocation. Like when they're all doctors or lawyers or dancers or fisherman. Is there some sort of familial pressure or is it genetics or local circumstances?

In my immediate family there is an optometrist, a municipal accountant, a woodsman/jack of all trades, a teacher, and two stay at home moms who are active in a variety of activities outside of that. None off us are exactly alike, and while the the pay of teachers and optometrists is good, I don't want to do those things, they really don't interest me at all.

The fact that the three Bronte sisters each came up with novels that are so beloved and have stood the test of time is amazing. What are the odds of that. Yes, the lived a secluded life and probably had nothing better to do than hone their craft. But the thing is, they did it. Sometimes I don't have much on my plate but I'm not trying to write a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. I'm usually lazing around, hoping the kids don't interrupt my revery.

Synopsis

Wildfell hall is an older house that has fallen into disrepair. When the neighbourhood finds out that part of it has been let out to a newly widowed woman and her son there is much speculation and rumour. When the truth is ultimately revealed to the main character it is one of heartbreak and shows the flaws and cruelty of 19th century English society.

My Thoughts

This truly is a masterpiece. This is the first book I have read by Anne and I am looking forward to reading her other works. I think Jane Eyre, might have been nudged out of top spot for favourite Bronte sister book. (Though if you haven't seen the BBC mini-series of Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson, you must get it from your library. It is amazing!!!!)

I loved how readable this book was. Sometimes, when you are reading classics, you can read an entire page and nothing sinks in. Your eyes glaze over and you have to reread the page two or three times. This did not happen with this book. Yes she is still more wordy than she has to be, but it was still readable. It didn't seem to be wordiness for wordiness sake. Her cadence was rich and it conveyed the story so well.

I loved how the struggles that Helen went through can be something that we can relate to today. Of course it would be nice if all women were treated equally to men and were able to get away from abuse of any kind easily and without fear of being trapped or dragged back. That, sadly, has not changed from the time this book was published until now. But Helen's heart ache and love and wanting to do the right thing by others and her conscience is something that I think we all can relate to at some level. Helen could have thrown all her morals to the wind after being betrayed so terribly by her husband, but she doesn't. She still holds herself to her high standard and that is so admirable.

It also shows how rumours can get started and be completely outrageous, though they can hurt people. It shows what qualities we should try to cultivate in ourselves and which ones do nothing more than harm ourselves in other's esteem.

This is also a cautionary tale about thinking you can change people. You can't change people as much as you would like to and as much as it would probably do that person good. People will change if, and only if, they choose to. They have to change for themselves. They can't change for anyone else. Anne does a good job of showing the truthfulness of this.

I love they way that Anne reveals Helen's story. It was such a clever way to break up the story a bit. I was wondering how it was going to be revealed.

When I rated this book on Goodreads.com there was a note that stated if your copy started with "You must go back with me..." it was incomplete. There is actually a prologue of a letter written to J. Halford.  My version was incomplete so I looked online and got the completed version. I recommend reading that as it puts the book in a bit of a better context as to why it is being written and why he signs off on some of the chapters as if he is writing a letter. It is nice to know this upfront, instead of finding out like 20 pages in.

This is an absolute must read. It is just so good. I loved it.

The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock Bill Peet

from goodreads

2.5 stars

Man it is blustery out there today. School buses in the country around us were all canceled. Unfortunately, living in the city, I still had to brave the elements to get my kiddies to school. Thank goodness for my chariot stroller. That thing goes through snow like a hot knife goes through butter. We are on our sixth winter with it and it is still in amazing shape. I love it.

Synopsis

Prewitt Peacock does not have the nicest of tails. One day his tail decides to grow and become wild. The other peacocks have a problem with that and give him an ultimatum. Either the tail goes or Prewitt does.

My Thoughts'

This was an alright book. But it was kinda weird. It has a great message of "be proud of who you are and looks don't matter", but it was still strange. The dream sequence kinda freaked me out.

I picked this book up because of the author. Bill Peet worked for Disney and was part of the story development and animation process for many films. His movies are among my favourites. The drawings are classic Bill Peet. I could almost see them in animation form. The story to me just felt lacking. It was okay but for me it just didn't have that special quality about it.

My kids liked the book well enough but, they were not asking for it to be read again and again. So, in my view that means it was a sort of a meh book for them too.

If you do decide to pick up this book, I would say you would be enjoy the illustrations and the nostalgia of Bill Peet.

Little Monster Knows Excuse Me by Connie Colwell Miller Illustrated by Maira Chiodi

from goodreads

5 stars

I am exhausted today. I didn't have the best of sleeps last night. My energy is way low. My husband was snoring like a bear, and then the little one started to fuss so I slept in her room on the recliner. Well at some point she ended up on my chest asleep. And while she may have been sleeping, I was not. She loves to twirl hair and since my long luscious locks were available she decided to twirl her hand up in mine! No matter what I did or how I rearranged her and my hair her hand kept on getting into my hair. Perhaps I should get it cut.

Oh well, if my husband snores tonight it will be his turn to embark on the great exodus. I can only be so kind for a little while.

Synopsis

Monster goes grocery shopping with his mom. There he is able to show off his manners.

My Thoughts

This was such a cute book. What a fun way to teach kids about using their manners instead of just plowing through people and things. I like how it showed all the different contexts in which "excuse me" can be used.  I also like how it shows that it is okay if a mistake was made or an accident occurred. You just need to make sure that you fess up to it and try your hardest to make it right. So good.

This is one in a series of monster knows books. I am excited to read the other ones, which are all manners based. I hope that the concept sinks into my kids. If a monster can be polite then so can I.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

from goodreads

5 stars

This week I have been forced to slow down and take it easy. It's good to do that once in a while, but it is better if it is not put on you and you can decide to do that for yourself. I am trying to make the most of it but it is still somewhat frustrating.

What happened you ask? I totally bruised the side of my foot, possible toe breakage, while trying to get around my 18 month old. I totally smucked my foot hard against the door frame. So silly, but man it hurt. So now I am a hobbler. I am trying to rest it as much as possible to aid in healing.

The worst thing I had so much energy and I was going to really tackle some house projects and get the ball rolling on things. Oh well! Hopefully that energy comes back when my foot is back to normal. Until then, at least I am getting a whole lot of reading done. :)

Synopsis

Sam-I-Am, server of all things green eggs and ham, is trying to convince this tall hatted man to try some.

My Thoughts

I loved this book when I was little and I love it now. My kids have been asking for this one quite a lot. My oldest is very proficient at reading it and I am always catching my youngest grabbing it and rifling through it.

I love how persistent Sam-I-Am is. Nothing seems to get him down and cause him to give up. He doesn't get exasperated or angry, unlike me when I am trying to convince my own kids to try something new. I like all the different scenarios that are offered too.

It is amazing how a book with only 50 different words, (even though I only got 49, so If you want to count them and see what you get that would be awesome) can be such an entertaining story.

Hopefully the kids are not only entertained, but also get the message of it, try food you will like it. This book is truly a timeless classic,. Its theme is universal. I think that is why it has had such great staying power over the 50+ years it has been in print.

Here is my favourite rendition of Green Eggs and Ham by the Canadian indie band Moxy Fruvous. Enjoy!

The Giver by Lois Lowry

from goodreads

5 stars

There are some books that are meant to be read at certain points of your life. There are books I read as a preteen and real teen, that meant a lot to me at that time period. If I tried to read them now they would not have the same impact. But there are other books that I read as a teen that still give me insight and help shape the world around me. They still help me decide what I should value in the world, and what I should change. The help me be me.

The Giver is one of these books. Every time I read it I fall in love with it again and I am able to re-evaluate what I find important and what I do not. What I want the world to become and what I fear.

I am bit leery about seeing the movie. This book is so near and dear to me I am worried what Hollywood is going to do to it. Will I be sitting there saying "that's not how it was in the book, why did they do it like that?" Or will it give me an even deeper understanding to the world that Lowry created and thus a deeper understanding into our own world? We'll have wait and see.

Do you have a book like this? A book that no matter which time in your life you read it it still gives you joy and fulfillment?

***Spoiler Alert***
I am going to do my best at not giving any spoilers. But I know this book inside and out and may inadvertently give too much information. So there might not be any spoilers, but then there may not be. So read at own risk. :)

Synopsis

Jonas is entering an important stage in his life. He is twelve and at that age he gets placed in the career that he will work in for his life. He is excited and nervous all at the same time. But, when his name is skipped over at the ceremony, the whole community is a titter. Then he meets, the "Giver".

My Thoughts

I love this book. To me this is the ultimate dystopian. I can still remember the first time I read this book. I was twelve, my mom handed it to me before a road trip. And I was sitting in the front of our Plymouth Sundance totally in awe.

I love the world Lowry creates. I love how she slowly gives you tidbits about the community. I started picturing it one way and then she gives us another clue and it totally changes how I picture things. This makes it exciting and also gives the choices the community has made greater impact. For example, I pictured the streets with a bit of a slant or hill, especially when going towards the river, but then I read that there were no hills or real contrasts in elevation. Mind blowing.

I love how this book teaches the importance of love and bonding with friends and family. It teaches how important our emotions are, especially those of love. It also teaches the importance of facing hurt, disappointment and heart ache, with bravery and patience as this helps us with our empathy and understanding of others.

There is one scene that disturbs me more as a mother than it did when I first read it. It is the one with the baby twins. Some might say this scene shouldn't be in the book. But I think it opens the door for important discussion. A discussion that teens need to have so they can decide where their moral compass lies.

I would love to have more answers to some of my questions about this community. Such as, how many other communities are like this? How are they able to control the weather? How did this get formed? Why are they so technologically advanced when some of the other books in the series seem not as advanced? And so on. But without these questions answered it is still a satisfying read.

It is a simple tale, and it doesn't go as in depth as some adult readers might want it too but, as a older kids/YA book, it is great. It begins the conversation. This is the first book in The Giver Quartet. I have read all of them. I think The Giver is still my favourite, though I did enjoy the other books as well. They deal with different issues, yet they still allow a conversation to be had. Books that provide the jumping off point for conversations can't be all that bad.

Proud Rooster and Little Hen by Carl Sommer Illustrated by Greg Budwine

3 stars

from googlebooks

Eek! I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday. This whole keeping up with everything is really getting to me. I guess I need to work on my posts more in advance then the day of, as the day just slips away from me.

It has also been hard to figure out which children's book to choose as 1) we are reading a lot and it is hard to narrow it down and 2) a lot of the books the kids are choosing are the learn-to-read one's which I can't stand. Now when we go to the library I let them choose one of those kind but their other book has to be a picture book. So help me, if I am going to read to them it will be a story worth reading, not some crazy swiss cheese type plot book. (Swiss cheese referring to the holes, like holes in the plot, not cheesy plotlines.) Do you put limits on what your kids get from the library? Do you try to steer their choices, while letting them still choose or do you give them complete freedom?

Synopsis

Proud Rooster thinks that he knows better than anybody else. He does not listen to warnings and that sometimes gets him in trouble. His father tells Proud Rooster if he doesn't change soon he may learn his lesson when it is too little to late. Read and watch to see if Proud Rooster changes in time or not.

My Thoughts

Books with a moral are not a bad thing. It can be helpful when children see characters in books behaving inappropriately and they can identify that. It is easier for them to see what someone else is doing wrong and then internalize it than seeing what they are doing wrong. But good grief. Can we teach kids a moral with out it seeming like, listen or you die!

Proud Rooster doesn't listen. He doesn't listen to his friends when they tell him not to climb as high on the tree. What happens, the branch snaps and he falls to the ground breaking his arms and legs and he is unconscious. Does he learn his lesson then? Nope! After months of being in casts Proud Rooster can finally go out to play and what happens. He nearly dies because he goes on ice and falls through. He seems to finally learn his lesson after that catastrophe. But seriously. You would have thought that after breaking all his limbs and probably having a severe concussion Little Rooster might have been a bit more cautious about the whole ice thing. Like, really the day his casts come off that's when he goes on the ice? I'm all for teaching kids the dangers gravity can pose and learning ice safety, but really?

It just seems a bit to in your face to be too much of an enjoyable story. When my husband was reading this to the girls he was laughing with shock at the storyline. And the illustrations were pretty crazy too. When Proud Rooster is unconscious there are x's over his eyes. Very stark.

So, this book is great if you want some pipsqueak to learn a lesson in a pretty upfront type of way. If you are looking for a nice story to cuddle up with you kids and possibly learn a nice message, I don't think this is the book for you. It doesn't really make a great cuddle book.