Grounded: The Adventures of Rapunzel by Megan Morrison

from goodreads

5 stars

This year we decided to give Miss G quite a few books for Christmas. Man, picking them out was so hard to do. My husband and I had a limited time to be out together getting gifts and by the time we got to the bookstore Mr. S was done. I mean for a kid who usually makes no noise and is chill, he was starting to fuss a bit and we knew we had about 10 minutes before total meltdown. There are so many cool looking books out right now that it was hard to choose. You need to pick a book that is not too easy but not so long or difficult otherwise they will get frustrated. You need to make sure it is about something they are interested in, but that you wouldn't mind reading aloud to them with out going insane.

In the end I went with some classic children's stories. You can't go wrong with books that have stood the test of time, right?

Synopsis

Rapunzel is living an idyllic life up in her tower. When a young man climbs her tower and steals a flower from her she decides to leave and get it back and protect Witch.

My Thoughts

I think the majority of the world would agree that Harry Potter is one of the best if not the best kids series of all time. Well, this new Tyme series by Megan Morrison is going to give Harry Potter a run for its money. Morrison has created a well thought through, rich world.

I love how this is not just a retelling of the same old story. Morrison puts her own twist on things as she tells the story of a girl who has lived in a tower, who has been loved by witch. You see from her perspective how witch wasn't the evil person everyone thinks she is. You see how Rapunzel truly loved her, she knew no different. You see how the world is so much bigger than Rapunzel's tower. The land of Tyme is truly interconnected.

Rapunzel and the character Jack were the perfect combination. Witty dialogue, they could be silly but also serious when necessary. The dimensions of these characters were amazing.

I like how Morrison takes care of possible plot holes. For example. Rapunzel had a ton of hair. Hair is heavy. How would she be able to walk around through the woods with all that hair and not get it all messed up and crazy. Well Morrison had a great answer that made sense. So smart. There were some other things like that were taken care of easily and believably. See, what I mean about a well thought out world. I also loved the acorns. Read the book and you will see what I mean.

This is a book of adventure, discovery, resourcefulness, trickery and ultimately love. This is a fantastic debut to what is sure to be a fantastic series. My words cannot do justice to how great these books are. Don't let the childish cover fool you. This is a book that any YA reader or adult would love. Pick it up. Read it. You will not be disappointed.

The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth by Katherine Woodfine

from goodreads

4 stars

Man, Have I been busy! The past two weeks have just been a whirl and my list of books to blog about is getting looooong!

What have I been doing? Well nothing super interesting but very productive. I have been going through the kids toys. We have been bursting at the seams and I decided that enough is enough. I took all the toys from the play room and we went through them all and decided what to keep and what not to keep. We threw out broken toys, got rid of dvds they don't watch anymore. Now when I go down to the play room it is actually pleasant. We are going through the rest of the house now looking for missing pieces or other toys that they are done with. What has been really nice is the kids have willingly parted with things. I did not give them an ultimatum or quota. I just said we have too much, just keep what you absolutely love to play with.

I invited my friends/acquaintances to do the same thing and they are going to drop off toys at my house this week and Saturday we are going to have a toy swap. I am setting my house up like a toy store and they can come and take whatever they like. The stuff left over is going to the thrift store. It's kind of exciting.

I also took a few days out last week and went up to my parents house and helped go through the rest of their stuff. My parents are in a retirement home now, due to health reasons. They still had some stuff left in their basement (we are renting their house to a friend of the family's). So my sister, who lives close by, and I tackled what was left over, the majority having already been gone through. Two van loads and a trailer later and the stuff is gone. That was nice to see!

Now I am not saying I am minimalist, but I will say that there is such a thing as too much stuff. Why spend your time and energy on the mountains of stuff you have when you could spend it on yourself, your family and other things you enjoy. That is my mission this year, to really get rid of the things that don't bring us joy and to simplify. Just think of how much time I will have to read then! All of it guilt free too.

Synopsis

This is the second of a series of mystery novels. Sophie and Lil are on the case as they hunt down a missing jewel that has a mysterious and ominous past. Their search brings them close to the ominous Baron.

My Thoughts

This was a great sequel to an awesome debut novel. This book had everything, suspense, murder, intrigue, misdirection and fun.

There were two separate story lines for a lot of the book and I loved how the author brought them together in a natural way that did not seem contrived or stretching at all.

Once again this book allowed us a glimpse into history and society of a bygone era but did so in a way that was engaging. History is fun to learn when it is part of a great narrative.

This book some more mature themes. It talked about arranged marriages, marriages of girls to much older men, the use of murder to quiet people. So for that I would say it would be a book that would be better suited for 12 and up.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. This is definitely a series that will so be worth the read.

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have always been a reader. I always had a book on the go. Long car trip, no problem, because I had a book. Long bus ride to school, no problem, because I could read. Some of the books I read during my pre-university years have really stuck with me. The Giver is one such book. The idea that you could have a world that made you not see colour, or that didn't remember anything that would cause pain or emotional distress, was so foreign to me that it left me with a sense of incredulous awe. I also loved reading more upbeat books like Gordan Korman's MacDonald Hall series.

It is funny the books that stick with you through the years, the ones that you could read over and over again. Some of them are like old friends helping you know that you are not alone, that others get you. Others are just there to give you an escape and give you dreams. Thank goodness for books.

Synopsis

Jackson's life is in turmoil. His parents are selling all their possessions but won't be completely honest with him about why. Then a giant cat shows up.

My Thoughts

This book is not going to become my favourite, I found it a bit dry, but the story is worthwhile. This is a great book to introduce children to the struggles that families face. This is a great book to help children who are going through tough times, no food, sleeping in cars, feeling helpless. This is a great book that shows that feelings of uncertainty or being scared are okay to have.

The author does a great job at showing how illness can lead to poverty. And that illness and poverty really affects all family members. She also does a great job at showing how we need to educate ourselves and develop many different skills so that we can always be employable. Jackson's parents were free living people, but kids made them become more settled. Their dreams were about playing music all the time. And while it is important to try to live your dreams sometimes those dreams need to be shelved so that necessities can be taken care of and then those dreams can come out again. Reading this book as a parent helped me remember that plans are necessary and that the family's needs need to come first, and my dreams can happen just maybe in a different way or a bit different timing.

I also like how this book shows us how we don't always have to do things on our own. That there are times when self-righteous pride needs to be set aside. Jackson's father refused to go to a shelter or to the food bank. He said others needed it more than they did, even though they were living in their car and were sometimes going hungry. He shows us that sometimes we need to accept that we are at the bottom and need a helping hand up. And it is okay. It doesn't mean you are trying to get something for nothing or taking advantage of people. It just means that you need help, and when you are back on your feet you will pay it forward.

This book shows us how we all need someone in our corner, some friend or parent or even a 6' cat named Crenshaw.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

from goodreads

4 stars

When you were younger did you ever see other kids' parents and wish they were yours? It might have been the cool mom, or the industrious mom. It might have been the kid who had the coolest clothes or had their hair crimped. (Remember the crimping phase?) The briefest glimpse we got of other people's mothers made us envious and wish our mom was as awesome. For surely those moms never made their kids eat their vegetables or tidy their rooms. It was probably all fun and giggles.

As we grew up and as a parent ourselves we realise that there is no perfect mom. They all have issues and struggles. They are all going to insist on eating vegetables and tidying rooms. Sometimes when we see kids with all the cool gadgets that is often a way for the parent to make up for time away or feelings of guilt or to make the kids be quiet while the parent gets on with their life.

We all have our moments of parenting glory and parenting embarrassment. I know I will not be honoured for the mom of the year award... probably ever. And you know what that's okay. I know I am trying the best I can in the moment and that's all that can be asked of me or anyone. And I know, or at least hope, that someday my kids will understand that and then in their eyes I will be the awesome mom they always wanted.

Synopsis

Coraline feels a bit neglected by her always working, weird food eating parents. She discovers a mirror world with the perfect mother... or so she thinks.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I am a bit late on the Neil Gaiman scene, but I definitely need to read more from him.

As a parent reading this book it helped to show life through a child's perspective. Sometimes when we become an adult we forget what it was like to be a kid, or sometimes adult concerns overwhelm us that we forget to take a moment and just be and let our kids be kids. This book helped me think about the actions I do each day and ask myself, Am I being neglectful? Am I meeting their emotional needs?

This book was a great way to show kids and adults alike that things that seem perfect aren't always what they seem. We all have problems, some just show more than others.

I liked the whole quest part that Coraline must go on. The goal she had kept her focused and kept her from getting distracted. The rock with the hole in it that helped her see clearly helps us know that when we are unsure about something there is always a way to see clearly.

This book offers great insight to the modern family. Yes work is important, yes our own interests are important, but kids and their likes and dislikes are just as valid an important. We need to find a balance so that everyone can feel loved and heard.

This is a great book. I would think kids 9 and up would enjoy it. Their are some creepy bits and some of the pictures in my copy where a bit creepy (even for me), but it is definitely worth the read.

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff

from goodreads

4 stars

Summer!!! The sun is out, the beach is calling my name and I have finally had the frozen lemonade I have been craving. Summer and its hot weather has finally arrived.

I have signed up the kids for the library reading club. The girls are actually excited and are really thinking about what kinds of books they want to get from the library. It always makes my heart happy when they are excited about going to the library and not grumpy or making it feel like a chore.

Yesterday we went to one of the kick off parties our library is holding to celebrate the summer reading club. Being there helped remind me that no matter where you go, or what branch of your library you go to (we went to a party that was held at a different branch than our regular one) there are always dedicated staff ready to help you. The staff created a warm environment that allowed the kids to explore, want to share what they made and discovered, have fun, and get excited about reading. It was such a nice morning and a lot of that had to do with the great staff. Here's to a magical summer of reading.

Synopsis

Red's granny is sick and Red goes on a quest to find a cure for her granny. A cure that Red hopes will make her granny live forever.

My Thoughts

This was great! This is a fun story that still teaches you, or at least allows you to think about, life, death, the ability to let go, accepting change and being happy and grateful for what you have.

One of the most prevalent, and I think best, themes is looking at what scares us and how these fears can limit us or hold us back. We need to work through these fears and be willing to try again. Yes, there may be risks involved, but, there are always risks in whatever you do so you might as well keep trying.

I love how Shurtliff blends different stories together. Yes, it deals with Red Riding Hood, but it also has elements of one of my favourite stories Snow White and Rose Red. There were also other fairy tales that were thrown into the mix such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Beauty and the Beast. All these different tales flow together seamlessly and helps create this fantastical world that makes sense and you think it is real.

I loved the dwarfs. Now I know why they are always mining for gems. Ingenious!

This is a fun fairy tale retelling that you definitely have to add to your summer reading list. This would be good for ages 9 and up.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

from goodreads

5 stars

Do you ever feel like time flies by yet stands still. That is how I am feeling right now. I can't believe it is the end of March already, yet, I feel like I am not getting any closer to the end date of June 4 (my due date). I will never get there.

Not that I can complain. I am not large. I can still easily put on tie up shoes. I don't have horrendous heartburn. And, in general, my energy level is pretty good. I guess it is just the sense of impatience, of wanting to get on with life instead of being in holding mode.

Oh well, I guess I should take this time to be grateful I can still use both hands to hold a book instead of juggling a book and a feeding baby or not having to remember to download an audio book and fiddle with electronics. Now if I can only make a dent in my to read list before June I will be a happy camper.

Synopsis

The bards of the land tell tales of Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, but the princes of the story are only known as Prince Charming.

This is a book where we get to know the princes behind the tales. And, how happily ever afters aren't really what we expect. This is a tale of vengeful witches, bandits, dragons, giants and trolls. It is so much fun!

My Thoughts

This was such a fun book. It was a delight from beginning to end. Really, what's not to love? It had adventure and love and action and learning about yourself. Everything that belongs in a great tale. It was action packed and silly but not in corny or obvious ways.

I loved the personalities of each prince and princess. They were all unique and had qualities that they learned to appreciate in each other. Each character was well thought out and added so much to the stories. Even the secondary characters had a place and would have been missed if they were not in the story.

I loved the whole bard aspect of the book. What a novel approach. I also loved the illustrations by Todd Harris. They added so much to the book.

This is a tale you can just get lost in and love. I am excited to read the rest of the series. I think this would be a great book for ages 10 and up. It is just great, clean, good fun.

The Island of Dr. Libris by Chris Grabenstein

from goodreads

3 stars

Lately I have been distracted by reading. And that is an easy thing to do. I know I have housework to do, or projects to do, or kids to pay attention to, but the book seems to take priority.

Now there are times when you need that literary distraction and it isn't that much of a big deal. But, then there are other times when the distraction just is not good. Right now the distraction is not good because I am trying to get everything organized before Baby #4 comes. So while I have a plan of attack, it doesn't work when I'm lost in my fictional world.

I'm not sure how to get out of this reading dependence. It is usually not something I would view as a problem. Have you ever read too much?

Synopsis

Billy is spending the summer with his mom in a cottage by an island. There is no t.v. or video games or anything technology-wise that Billy can use to entertain himself. But the cottage does have a cool looking library. When Billy starts to read from the book, strange noises come from the island, noises that happen to match up to what he is reading. Billy decides to investigate.

My Thoughts

While there were elements that I liked, I did not enjoy this book as much as I did Grabenstein's other books, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, and Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics.

For me this was a mediocre book. It was just a story with nothing especially special about it. The ending felt a little flat. I thought more could have been done with Dr. Libris. He appears and then is gone and that's it. It's like what is the point? And, the thing that ends up happening with Billy's parents, while nice, seemed simplistic.

I did love the friendships in the book. I loved the adventure and the problem solving that went on. And after reading it I had a hankering for some blueberry pie.

I do think that the kids who are reading this book (9+) will love this book. They will love seeing the characters come a live and the things that bugged me, won't bug them. So in that way it is the perfect book for kids, just not the adults reading it with them.

I would love to see this made into a movie. While I was reading it I could see how this would translate really well onto the big screen. It would sort of be like a Night at the Museum type movie, but instead of museum artifacts coming to life it would be literary characters. I think a movie could add to the story. (And I rarely think that can happen with book adaptations).

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

from goodreads

4 stars

Every time I read a book, whether I end up liking it or not, I am usually in awe of the author's imagination. It is amazing how every author comes up with a unique take on some aspect of life, or adventure, or creates a whole new world. The execution may not always be up to snuff, but the seed of greatness is always there.

That is probably why so many movies are made from book adaptations. The movie people see that seed and what to enhance it. Sometimes they do an excellent job. Sometimes not. There are times when I am reading a book and I say to myself, "I can't wait to see this as a movie". Or, you read a book and it plays in your mind as the movie. You can see it so clearly.

So thank you authors for putting your seeds of inspiration down on paper and giving us worlds and ideas we, ourselves, had not thought of. You open us to so much!

Synopsis

All over the U.S.A. complaints have been coming into Mr. Lemoncello that he didn't allow his last contest to be opened up to them. They want a chance to prove their library know-how. So here comes the library olympics, with the best of the best competing for supremacy and the hometown team feeling the need to prove themselves.

My Thoughts

I always get nervous with sequels, especially after the originals were so good. This did not disappoint. While I still liked the first book Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library a little bit more, this one was still right up there. There is enough of craziness, yet normalcy that would appeal to every reader. I love how he mentions books so that those reading are encouraged to check them out. And, it is fun! I want Mr. Lemoncello to build his next library in my city.

I also liked how this book addressed censorship and banned books. Though he didn't come out in a preachy way, he did express the idea that censorship of books is not a good thing. We should be able to have the right to choose for ourselves what books to read or not. Who is one person, or group of people, to say what book is good for me or not. Grabenstein introduces this idea if a fun way, that hopefully plants the seeds of anti-censorship into his young readers, or at least helps them start thinking about it and start a conversation about it.

As an adult reading it there were some plot points that seemed obvious and I guessed at. But, it was still a fun read and I know that the kids reading this book (10+) will love it!

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

from goodreads

3.5 stars

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like in an alternate reality? Would you be the same type of person you are or would you be someone completely different.

Some of my favourite episodes of sci-fi shows have been when they put characters in an alternate reality. I think my favourites are from Stargate SG-1. Hilarity often ensues, but it gets you thinking.

I think using alternate realities or rethinking history is such a cool genre. There is enough the same that you feel comfortable and know what's going on. But, the changes are so quirky that you want to know what is going on and how it will end.

I guess there could be some purists who live for historical accuracy and don't want the timelines messed with. And for those who are the purists, well they don't have to read these books. But for those who want some fun, or often think what if this genre of book is great!

Synopsis

It is a tale of clankers vs darwinist machines.

Prince Aleksander is running away from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after his father, the Grand Duke, and his mother die. Deryn is a girl undercover as a boy in the British Air Force.

Their paths cross on the eve of World War I in this really fun and fantastic adventure series.

My Thoughts

This is the first steampunk book that I have ever read. It is not my favourite genre, but I would read another one.

I thought this was a really cool alternate reality. There was enough the same that it was believable but enough different to make for a really cool science-fiction.

I thought it was neat how the Darwinist airships were a living thing. What a neat idea. It was cool to see how all the systems had to work together for it to work.

As for the story itself, it didn't keep me riveted. The story was good enough but it wasn't something that left me in awe of the originality of the ideas. I think it was because this was a set up book for the rest of the series. There is so much in this world that is different that you do need to set things up for the next book so everyone gets this world. Also, there was a lot of back and forth between Aleksander's story line and Deryn's story line so that did disrupt the flow. All that being said I am looking forward to the next book.

I think this book would be great for 10 and up. Also, while good for both boys and girls, if you have a boy that doesn't want to read, this might be a good book to change his mind with.

Meet the Austins by Madeline L'Engle

from goodreads

3 stars

Long weekends always mess up my internal calendar. Even though I knew it was Tuesday, it felt like a Monday. So when I thought about doing my post, I kept saying to myself, "I don't have to do it today, I don't need to post it until tomorrow." Well, now the day is almost over and it has finally sunk in that I have a post to get up.

Does that happen to you when you have a long weekend or holidays? Does your rhythm get all messed up?

Now that being said, I love long weekends. I love it when my husband gets to spend more time with us and help deal with the crazies. And by crazies I mean children, and by help deal with I mean have fun and spend quality time.

This weekend was family day so we put up drywall, went tobogganing with some friends and then watched a movie. It was lovely and low-key. Those are the best kinds of long weekends.

Synopsis

The Austins are a fun family that live in rural New England. When a girl named Maggie is sent to stay with them after her father died things get to be a little more crazy, but they have fun and love each other.

My Thoughts

I love Madeline L'Engle books. I had never heard of this series before but I am glad I was able to enter the world of the Austin's for a little while.

This does not read like your typical novel. It is more snippets into a year in the life of the Austins. So, I guess it is like a collection of short stories that surrounds the family.

I love the sense of family that oozes from the pages. They seem to have fun and love each other, though they get annoyed with each other too. They are real, not an idealistic fantasy. I love the setting of the big farm house set in the middle of nowhere. If money were no object and I could live in any setting, that would be it. An old farm house with enough sunny land for a garden and a nice forest patch for walking through.

Because there was really no narration or climax the book did lack a bit of energy. It was a nice read, a quaint read, but nothing that would get you too excited. And to be honest, there is nothing wrong with books like that. We need books like that once in a while to cleanse our reading palettes. So don't go into this book to think you will be thoroughly entertained, or that it will be supremely gripping.

This is the first of a series of books about the Austins. I will probably peruse their life every now and again, but I am not in a big hurry to do so.

Jack: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk by Liesl Shurtliff

from goodreads

2.75 stars

Have you ever had a week where you look at the planner and there is nothing penciled in and you think, great! What a relaxing week this will be! Then within a day it seems to get all full? That is what my week has turned into. Sunday I looked at the calendar and nothing was written in. Then by Monday morning I had some pretty jammed packed days!

Now, I like having things to do and things to get done. It is good to have a purpose for your day. It is just crazy how quickly you can fill your days when you have "nothing" to do. Appointments that spring up, service to do, meetings to attend. No rest for the wicked I guess. And that is okay by me.

Synopsis

Jack is a trouble maker. He always seems to be getting into mischief. When he sees a pair of giants destroying fields and stealing people, including his father, his neighbours don't believe him. He realizes it is up to him to to save them.

My Thoughts

Well, to be honest, I was kind of disappointed. I loved Shurtliff's first book Rump. It was so inventive and clever. Jack on the other hand seemed to be just another retelling of the story without anything really new or inventive. Because of this... well I found it kind of boring.

I did like how she was able to join the story of Rump and the story of Jack together. You do not need to read Rump. But if you do, you get a sort of insiders view to a few things.

All in all it was a nice retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Just don't expect great ingenuity. Hopefully her rendition of Red Riding Hood, which comes out this year, will be back to the same awesomeness level as Rump.

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

from goodreads

5 stars

I am so excited for tomorrow! Yes, it is Christmas Eve. But that's not why I'm excited. My husband is off tomorrow so he can help the kids and I might be able to have some uninterrupted reading time in the morning. I love lazing in my nice, warm and comfy duvet in the morning just reading. I sure hope he isn't expecting a lazy morning... I think we might have to have a discussion tonight.

Synopsis

Christopher is an apprentice for an apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn. Apothecaries are being targeted by some cult. Christopher has to decipher clues in order to save the guild and stop these murders.

My Thoughts

What an awesome book! I read it in a day. I just could not put it down. It had suspense and intrigue and funny bits and puzzles. It was just great.

I will admit I went into the book with a bit of trepidation. This is the author's first book and it seemed to be heavily pushed and that combination does not guarantee a success, quite often it is hit and miss. This is definitely a hit.

I liked how he was able to incorporate historical detail without it feeling like a history book. He is able to create this great world without the reader feeling bogged down in details. You are learning, but you don't feel like you are learning.

He doesn't shy away from the brutality of life in the 1660s. He also doesn't shy away from the brutality of torture and murder, so if you are squeamish, this might not be the best fit for you.

Even though it is set in the 1660s, the characters are relatable and you would love them as your friend.

This is a great mystery and a great adventure. If you are looking for a last minute book for someone on your list pick this up. While anyone could read this book, this might be a good one to introduce to a preteen boy who might not be as interested in reading as you would like. The suggested age for this book is 10-14. I would think that the 10 year old would need to be a bit on the mature side and be able to handle some gore. Just love this book!

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have mentioned before how I grew up in a house filled with books. While there were many bookshelves everywhere we did have a dedicated room we called the library which had floor to ceiling book shelves. The books were even divided into sections.

I loved going in there and looking at all the books and thinking about what it would be like to read certain books or not.

One book that always caught my eye but I never picked up was The Princess and the Goblin. It was one of my mom's favourites, but I never got around to reading it. When I made my list of books for the year I put it on. It had been on my to read list for so long it was ridiculous. The time was now. Well, I finally read it and I am so happy that I did. Now on to the next!

Synopsis

Princess Irene lives in the mountains, but can not be out at night. That is when the goblins come out. Curdie is a miner, he has learned of a plan the goblins have. Curdie's and Princess Irene's story lines weave together for a magical fairy tale.

My Thoughts

This was a cute story. It was a story that allowed magic to happen without it feeling weird. It had adventure, magic and love.

While it was a bit slow at some parts it was still a fun story. I love the character of Curdie. He seemed so brave and sure of himself. He was cool. I also liked Princess Irene. She was strong willed but also cared for those around her, and she had this naive kind of trust that was lovely.

As with anything written over 100 years ago the cadence of words, the choice of words and pacing of the story was odd and could make this story hard for some readers to enjoy. With classics, either you like it or you don't, it is really a style preference, or more, a style "I can put up with it".

This is and was a children's book. Do not expect a deep Tolkein type novel. It is just a fun story. A story for story sake. If you read it to your kids, I'm not sure what their reaction would be, if they would like it or not. I think my kids would listen to being read aloud but not absorb it. This might be better for 12 and over. But, it is delightful, definitely worth the read.

The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine

from goodreads

5 stars

Summer is over and autumn has definitely settled in. I think autumn is one of my favourite seasons to read in. I obviously enjoy reading anytime of year, but there is something about autumn where you can curl up in your favourite chair with a cup of herbal tea and cozy socks that makes reading a pure joy.

My favourite place to read is in my love seat that is in front our big bay window. I get a lovely view of the tree lined street I live on and in the fall it is beautiful with brilliant oranges and yellows. So beautiful.

Synopsis

(I am stealing the synopsis from goodreads because it is just so good.)

You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening of Sinclair's department store!

Enter a world of bonbons, hats, perfumes and MYSTERIES around every corner. WONDER at the daring theft of the priceless CLOCKWORK SPARROW! TREMBLE as the most DASTARDLY criminals in London enact their wicked plans! GASP as our bold heroines, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lilian Rose, CRACK CODES, DEVOUR ICED BUNS and vow to bring the villains to justice...

My Thoughts

This book was simply a delight. I was drawn to it because of its gorgeous cover. And this book had everything great heroes, horribly mean villains, deception, street urchins, kidnapping, treason and more.

The backdrop which is almost a character to itself is the Sinclair department store that is about to open. The store is the biggest and fanciest store in all of London. It is full of dark stair cases, opulent show rooms and more. I would love to go there and walk around.

I love the characters. Sophie, who is an orphan, who is used to living more comfortably but is determined to make it. Lilian, who is from a well off family but wants to be an actress. And then a great cast of supporting characters. While the characters were young, young teens, there actions were appropriate. Sometimes books or t.v. shows who have young characters are not realistic in what they have them do (I'm speaking to you Arthur). This book was completely believable, especially given the time the book was set in (pre world war one).

While there were times in the mystery that seemed rather obvious it was still a fun and I would say sophisticated mystery and story. For those who are a bit sensitive there is a drugging, a shooting and an intentional murder. Though it is not gory and doesn't go into detail, it still happens.

I think this is the perfect book for your budding detective. I would recommend it for 11 and up. This is the first book in what is to be a series. I am really looking forward to the next installment.

The Lost Island of Tamarind Nadia Aguiar

from goodreads

4 stars

Well summer is definitely winding down. The weather this week has been cooler, summer outings are becoming less frequent, and the back to school craziness has begun. The kids are also beginning to be a bit restless. I think they are ready to go back to school and make some awesome scholarly discoveries there.

I am also looking forward to the change in season reading wise. I seem to change the types of books I read with the seasons. Summer I prefer something light and fun. Winter I prefer to read more heavy books (literally and figuratively). Not that I am a purist in that regard. It just seems to be how things work out.

My to read in 2015 list is starting to dwindle down. I only have 12 left and three of those are book club reads. I have been reading a lot of books not on the list but I am excited to have made such a significant dent in books I have wanted to read for a long time and now am finally getting to. I am not sure if I will make a list for 2016. Maybe I will, I don't know. Do you ever make lists for a year or do you just read whatever seems to tickle your fancy in the moment?

Synopsis

Maya lives on a boat with her marine biologist parents and her brother Simon and little sister Penny. Maya desperately wants to be a normal teenager, go to a normal school and have friends instead of being on a boat floating around the Caribbean. When a storm comes and settles Maya and her siblings on a strange island Maya has the adventure of her life as she tries to figure out the islands secrets and find her parents again.

My Thoughts

This is one of those book that I just picked up on a whim at the library. The cover kind of intrigued me and I thought why not. I am so glad that I picked it up.

This is a great adventure story. The characters are believable and I even liked them. The island was a great mix of reality and whimsy. The adventures and predicaments the children found themselves in seemed plausible and not so utterly fantastic. It was just a great story.

At first when I found out that Penny, who is like a year old, was going with them on the adventure I was like, man, how are they going to deal with this in a realistic way? Sometimes authors add these elements but then the story goes in a direction where the kids seem almost forgotten and neglected making it not very realistic to life. This author got it bang on. Penny was always part of the mix, was not lost or forgotten and the author showed how they had to deal with the realities of diaper changing and food foraging for her. It was thought out and I really appreciated that.

I think of the older kids and tweens in the crowd who read this will love the sense of adventure, will love the different locations through the island, and will love how the kids are truly the heros and are not just waiting for the adults to come around and save them.

The only thing that prevented me from giving it a full five stars is the flat ending. Not all the questions were answered and it just felt incomplete. Also it was hard for me to figure out if the island was really primitive or had industries. Also, I relied on the map in the front of the book a lot, sometimes things weren't located where I thought they would be on the map and the story and the map didn't always make sense when it came to the distance or sense of things.

There is a second book that I think I will take out and read at some point. Perhaps some of my questions will be answered then.

This book would be great for kids 10 and up. It is just a great adventure.

Summer Reading With the Kids

from goodreads

from goodreads

from goodreads

Summer reading. It is a fun time to read to the kids. I find we are actually better able to read a chapter book at night and get engrossed in a story in the summer than during the school year. 

During the school year by the time you have done their home reading, helped them with any other homework, done after school activities such as swimming lessons, church groups and brownies it is time for a prompt bedtime. During the summer there are not nearly as many activities and there are no school commitments and bedtime is not as strictly enforced.

These are the books that we have enjoyed reading together this summer. Charlotte's Web and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe were audio books that I downloaded and we listened to on our long road trip. The girls loved listening to the stories and would ask for them after again and again. It made for a nice peaceful drive through Illinois and Iowa. It was such a nice relaxing time in the car.

Pippi Longstocking was a fun read and I will have to get the other books in the series. The girls liked the silly goings on of Pippi. They like the knowledge that Pippi knows and how fearless she was. Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: the magical fruit was more a book that I wanted to read and forced on them, but they are liking it. They like how Nilly gets into funny situations. They really liked the card game he played. With Pippi and Fart Powder I think the kids might get more out of it if they were older and reading it themselves. There are a few play on words that the kids might understand better once they have mastered more of the language and saw the words on the page. As it is they still enjoy the stories, but might not get the full joy from them.

Maybe this will be the year that we continue with chapter books into the school year. We will see. As for now, I'm happy with this years summer chapter book reading selections.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

from goodreads

5 stars

There are some books that quite frankly I am embarrassed I haven't read yet. Many are books from my tween years that never seemed to have made it onto my stacks. Number the Stars is one of those books. I can't believe it has taken me over two decades to finally read it. I love The Giver and have read the rest of the books in that series, but for some reason I never made this one a priority.

When I made my books-I-want-to-read list for the year I made sure I put it on. I was not about to go through another year without reading it. What books do you have on your list that is like this. Are there any other books that you feel guilty or embarrassed about not reading yet?

Synopsis

Annemarie lives in Denmark. When her best friend's family need to hide she and her family need to be brave to help save them from the Nazis.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick yet powerful read.

This is a great book to use as an introduction to the Holocaust and WWII. Much of the writings about WWII are either about France or Russia or Poland and the occupations that happened there. It always intrigues me and makes me want to do more research when I read a book that is set in a different/less popular occupied country such as Denmark. It is interesting to learn about how each of the occupied countries had different ways in which they dealt with the occupation. None of them are better or worse just different. Each country seemed to be dealt different cards and had to figure out what to do with them.

While it doesn't go in depth you still feel the stress of the situation, the confusion of the situation and the hope that things will get better and work out.

If you haven't read this in a while or haven't read it yet I encourage you to do so. It is always good to reflect. This book would be good for kids 10 and up.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

from goodreads

2 stars

What a busy day! I feel like I did so much, even though I didn't really do much at all. And then I realized it was Thursday! Totally thought it was Friday. Hence the later post time.

That seems to happen to me a lot lately. I think it is one day (usually the next day to come) when it is really another. Its weird how that happens. How a day can feel like another. Is it because we secretly long for that day? Is it because we get so busy that we feel we must be ahead or behind? Whatever the reason its always good when I catch myself and realize my mistake. How embarassing would it be if I thought that today was Friday so I didn't get my kids ready for school tomorrow. While a home day would be nice, I have things to do on Friday. Hopefully my brain gets straightened out soon. :-)

Synopsis

Jim Hawkins, a young man of about 12, finds a map that leads to the fabled Treasure Island. With a wide assortment of characters from the honourable to the more nemesising and the unforgettable John Silver, adventure is not too far off.

My Thoughts

For a book about pirates and treasure you would think it would be really exciting. Heck even the muppets did a version of it so it must be great right? Wrong! Oh my goodness this was soooooo boring I almost died. Okay, maybe not that bad but still it was pretty bad. I mean, I have read some classics in my day. In fact I quite enjoy the classics genre, but this was boring and hard to get.

It started off really well. The whole mysterious man at the inn type thing. So I was really looking forward to stuff, but once they got going on their voyage I couldn't remember who was who and it was hard to picture and I really just stopped caring about what was going on.

So if you are thinking about reading this, stop and just watch the movie instead. (I hate saying it but this is definitely a time when the movies are better than the book.)

Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick

from goodreads

5 stars

I picked out this book purely based on the covered bridge on its cover. I love covered bridges. I live about 20 minutes away from one, out in West Montrose. It is the last remaining historical covered bridge in Ontario, at least that is what wikepedia is telling me. Pretty cool. Even though I knew it was there, and saw pictures of it, and I have a friend who lives out there, I had not been on it until just a couple weeks ago. It is kind of embarrassing really. But there you go. It was quite fun when we finally drove over it. It was only one lane and it was dark, and the kids were like "why are we driving into a building?" Oh the memories.

Covered bridges just look so beautiful. They hearken back to when times were much simpler. I guess the word I'm looking for is nostalgic. Covered bridges are definitely nostalgic. Therefore, why wouldn't a book with a covered bridge on the cover pique my interest. They are a rare thing of beauty.

Synopsis

Truly Lovejoy's, yes that is a most unfortunate name, life has been flipped upside down. Her Father was injured in Afghanistan meaning what she thought was a permanent home in Texas is not. Instead the family is moving across the country to Pumpkin Falls to take over her grandparents book store.

While helping going through books, Truly finds an interesting letter in an original copy of Charlotte's Web.  With the help of her knew friends Truly sets out to decode clues and find out where this letter came from.

My Thoughts

This was a joy to read. I had so much fun.

I loved how the author dealt with real issues that happen in families. The Father is injured and trying to readjust to his new life out of the military. He and his family have to navigate that new reality together. The sibling dynamics were believable and relatable. The nicknames and the embarrassment when they are used in public, classic. The sacrifices that the whole family has to make sometimes were great to see. It was refreshing to see a family who struggles but does not call it quits, a family that was not all glamourous and happiness, but you could still feel their love and connection. It was so nice.

I loved the setting of Pumpkin Falls. I think I would like to live there forever. It seemed large enough that the stores on main street could stay open but small enough that it still felt quaint. The cast of characters, though not unique, held their own and seemed a right fit. The bookstore is my kind of heaven. I would love to curl up in one of the comfy chairs in the reading nooks and just escape for a day. Everything about it sounds awesome. 

Truly, despite her unfortunate name, is a lovely character. She is one I think most kids could find something relatable in. She is flawed, but she doesn't always let that get her down. She seems to make the best of most situations and she is a real kid doing real kid things.

I loved how the author talked about different books, and introduced different genres of books as well as how she referenced older movies (like from the '50s). High Noon and To Catch a Thief are among my favourite movies. This book will help broaden the readers horizons and look to the awesomeness of the past and how that can help them appreciate what is created now and help them create in the future. Some of the books referenced are definitely on my to read list now.

This is more than just a mystery book. It is a great and timely story. It is a story about a girl and her family dealing with change. It is about friendship and dealing with twerps. It is about learning to feel comfortable in your own skin. Despite the crazy names of the characters, trust me, Truly is just the beginning, this was a great book. I think kids 10 and up will enjoy it and I think parents will enjoy this as well.

Take the trip to Pumpkin Falls, you won't regret it. I am hoping to visit there again soon. Until then, I will have to make the recipe that can be found at the end of the book to tide me over.

You Wouldn't Want to Live in a Medieval Castle!: a home you'd rather not inhabit by Jacqueline Morley Illustrated by David Antram

from goodreads

4 stars

I know I seem to go on and on about the weather, but dang! It's cold. It's not so much the actual temperature. It is the wind chill that get's you. Just like in the summer. It is not so much the temperature, but the humidity. Oh well. Southern Ontario will probably be my home forever so I better stop the griping and just get on with it.

I think that is what we do. We always think the grass is greener somewhere else. If I only lived there, life could be perfect. But then, when you take a closer look at it, things might not be better at all. Example, Hawaii. It looks beautiful, the beaches look great, but, there are giant cockroaches. Eww. Sweden sounds cool, but I don't speak swedish. No place is perfect, so you make due with what you have.

It is the same with time periods. Some people would love to live in some era in the past. Meanwhile I am quite happy to be living here. Women have more rights, their are no rigid social conventions, we have antibiotics and know about the importance of sterilization and sanitation. It is quite nice. To quote Dorothy, there's no place like home.

Synopsis

Ever want to live in medieval times surrounded by knights and in castles. Well you might want to rethink that. This book takes a look at the Rochester Castle, just before and during a siege. It gives great detail to what life was like back then for the ordinary person. I'm glad I don't live there.

My Thoughts

This is one of a series of books that look at different places to live and different historical times. It seems like a great series.

This is a well researched and I would say fairly accurate representation of what life was like back then. Though the pages are full of details and information it does not feel overwhelming. The layout of the page allows you to read as little or as much as you want about castle life.

I liked how the author wrote from the perspective of a young girl. You are better able to grasp what everyday life was like. It was also cool how she based all the information around a real life event. It gave the book just that much more historical context.

This would be a great book/series to look at if your older child has to do a research project. This book would give them enough information to be a launching pad to other books and facts to look up. It is great for background information. This book would be great for ages 8 and up.