Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Greenwild: The World Beyond the Door by Pari Thomson

 

Daisy Thistledown is only eleven years old, but she has traveled all over the world with her mother, a famous journalist. Daisy joins her everywhere. But one day her mother tells her she must go to the Amazon for a story, and it is far too dangerous, so Daisy can't go with her. Instead, for the first time, Daisy must attend a boarding school for the two weeks her mother will be gone. Before she leaves, her mother gives her some special items- one is a unique paperweight. It isn't long before Daisy realizes someone is after her and wants the paperweight ma gave her. When she finds out ma is missing, she knows she's in danger, so she escapes the school. But it’s hard to know who to trust. When people she trusted start chasing her, she accidentally makes her way into a greenhouse and goes through a magical portal. Daisy has arrived in a new land! Greenwild! It’s filled with Botanists who are able to achieve the most amazing magic. Daisy meets some kids her age and they become fast friends. It's also the key to where ma might be, if she is still alive. But there is someone who wants to see Greenwild destroyed. Will Daisy be able to piece together the clues about her mom and her possible whereabouts? Who wants to destroy Greenwild? Can they be stopped? Does Daisy have the magic of a Botanist? You'll have to read this fast-paced fantasy to find out!

I randomly found Greenwild: The World Beyond the Door by Pari Thomson, and boy am I glad that I did! What a fun world I was taken into. I love Daisy and the friends that she made in Greenwild. The magical flowers and plants were beautifully described, and they added so much to the story.  Learning about Botanists and their goals to help coax nature to be its best, was done in a way that I could easily imagine the new world Daisy was in. It sounded so wonderful, I just wish I could visit! I also enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out what was happening in this world and who exactly was involved in trying to destroy Greenwild. I recommend this book to anybody in third grade and up who loves fantasy, friendship stories, plants, nature, and magic. It was so good that I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what happens! One of my favorite books this year! 

Has anyone else read Greenwild: The World Beyond the Door? Or have you read another book by Pari Thomson?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Happy reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Play with Patterns

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Recognizing repeating patterns gives you the freedom to keep them or let them go. It's one of the great powers of awareness, and though eternally fun to play with patterns, don't let them play with you. Remember, truth lies betwixt the lines. ;)

I am that which comes and goes, known too well from head to toes. Circular styles kept in pace, until recognition marks my place. Seen clearly for what I show, you are free to let me go. 

What am I? Patterns 

 "Blustery" 

Microscopic Modern Art

PLAY WITH PATTERNS: STONE DREAMS
Stone Dream #3: Twilight Flower Garden

"Twilight flower garden, on the edge of eternity, Dawn and Eve conspire, 

and they stir ~@~"

Ambient art media mix by Jess Haight

"Love Dots"

"Twilight Boots"

Fairday's Riddles: Repeat, Again, and Again...

Hello, Riddlers! It's been ages. Here's a riddle to ponder. They are all around us, on every possible level of awareness- some I like, some not so much. It's a good thing to see them clearly, then you can decide which ones you want to play with, and those you'd rather not entertain. 

I am that which comes and goes, known too well from head to toes. Circular styles kept in pace, until recognition marks my place. Seen clearly for what I show, you are free to let me go. 

What am I?

I gave you a clue!

Microscopic Modern Art

Views From the Pond: April and May 2025

 Spring was wet here in New England- but there was lots of beauty to enjoy. Loved seeing a little more daylight every day and the temperatures losing their chill was a delight.  We had so much rain that we actually got rain in our basement. Our sump pump broke because it rained so much in such a short time and it got clogged. Luckily, we had another one we were able to install. We were thankful we don't have a lot of boxes in our basement!

Thanks for stopping by and sitting with me for a while! Enjoy!

April 2025

Ducks in a tree! 

What a blue!

Lord and Lady Quackerly in the rain.

The snow wasn't done yet!

But it melted quickly. 

Our Red-Tailed Hawk searching...

Magnolias starting to bloom.

Love when Lord and Lady visit before school.

A rainbow around the moon!

A fox running near the edge of the backyard.

Can you find Lord and Lady?

The soothing sound of the brook. 

Before work! 

Can you see Lord and Lady?

Lord and Lady swimming about the pond.

May 2025

The pond is full thanks to all the rain! 

Looks like a secret entrance!

We had dandelions galore! The bees were happy!

The yellow lilies were glorious!

The light looks so different in the morning. 

Spring was so pretty- and I tried to soak up the colors before the rain washed away the petals. Can't wait to enjoy more coffee by the pond now that school is out and I don't have to hurry to work each morning. I will share June and July photos before the end of summer!

Thanks for stopping by!