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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

What Can the Mind Do?

Matilda's family loves to sit on the couch each night and watch TV. While they watch, they eat TV dinners. When Matilda wanted to buy a book from the store, her father thought she was ridiculous. One day Matilda walked to the library, and although she was only five years old, she started looking at books and reading the words. The librarian was so helpful! It wasn't long before Matilda was addicted to reading. She read everything she could get her hands on, including books for adults. Matilda's family continued to think she was an idiot and not smart enough, but she tried not to let them bother her. She even found little ways to get back at them. When school started, Matilda found that she loved her teacher, Miss Honey. But she didn't love the Trenchbull, who was in charge of the school. Matilda had never seen an adult so mean to kids. She was outrageously nasty and Matilda, along with many of the other kids, wanted to put a stop to it. Now they just needed a plan clever enough to get the better of Miss Trenchbull. When Matilda thinks she can move things with her mind, she's over the top excited. Will things change? Will Miss Trenchbull continue to treat children badly? Will Matilda's parents ever realize what a bright, wonderful daughter they have? What will happen when Matilda finds out a secret about Miss Honey? You'll have to read this fascinating tale to find out!


When I read Matilda by Roald Dahl I wasn't sure what to expect. I had a feeling there would be some adults who were not kind, based on things that had happened in other books. I wasn't expecting to like Matilda as much as I did. She turned out to be very interesting, and I love how she was curious about everything. Of course, I instantly connected to someone else who loves reading! My heart went out to her because her parents treated her so badly. Whoever heard of parents that would rather you watch TV than read? I was happy for Matilda when she went to school and made a friend. I loved that she had such a nice teacher, and one who appreciated her strengths. It's amazing how important it is to have a teacher who is kind and understands you. I have to say that I was jealous when she thought she could move things with her mind! That sounds so cool! I would recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who enjoy Roald Dahl books and stories in which kids are clever and curious. If you ever get the chance to listen to the book on audio, I highly recommend it, as it's read by the actress Kate Winslet. She does a fabulous job! Another wonderful story by a man who makes me not only love his characters, but I root for them too! 

Has anyone else read Matilda? Or have you read another book by Roald Dahl? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L


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40 comments:

  1. I love this review and think is a nice book!

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  2. I read Matilda years ago and loved it, so did my Kiddo. I did listen to the audiobook read by Kate Winslet on my Iphone while traveling around NYC on the bus and found myself laughing out loud and everyone moving away from me. I also saw the musical which was really fun. Great riddle and review.

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    1. Alex- Thanks so much! How cool that you and your kiddo loved Matilda too. I can picture you listening to the audio book and reacting. Kate Winslet really brought the story to life. ;) ~L

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  3. I read this one in 4th grade, and have loved it ever since. The movie version is awesome too, and the kids could watch it again and again and again.

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

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    1. Crystal- I haven't see the movie yet- but I will have to check it out. I love that this book stayed with you ever since you read it. :) ~l

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  4. Oh I'd love to hear Kate Winslet read this! :)

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  5. Sounds like a great book! Love characters who read. Thanks for the review!

    I've read Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Glass Elevator. They were fun books.

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    1. Cherie- I love characters who read too! I have read the Roald Dahl books you mentioned and if you liked them- I am sure you will also like this one. :) ~L

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  6. We adore Matilda -- and yes, definitely wish we had that power! Love this review! Thanks so much for sharing <3
    ~Michele and Mckenzie

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  7. I saw the movie but never read the book.

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    1. Pat- Interesting! I am the opposite- I read the book, but I haven't seen the movie. :) I look forward to watching it! ~L

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    2. A Belle's Tales- It won't let me comment near your comment (maybe Matilda is doing a mind trick). ;) Glad to hear you two ladies love this one too. ~L

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  8. I have most of Roald Dahl's childrens' books and a few of his short stories for adults.
    Matilda is good, but it come of the descriptions in Fantastic Mr Fox are incredible.
    'so short that his nose would be under water in the shallow end of any swimming pool in the world...

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    1. Elephant's Child- The quote you gave from Fantastic Mr. Fox is incredible! I will have to read that one! I have read many of his books and enjoy his storytelling! :) ~L

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  9. I've read the book. I enjoyed it, too. Roald Dahl has a lot of good books. My all-time favorite is James and the Giant Peach.

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    1. Sherry- I enjoy his books too! James and the Giant Peach is awesome. :) ~L

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  10. I'll have to check this one out. It sounds terrific. Thanks for the review.

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  11. This is one of those over the top children's books that I absolutely loved as a little kid. She only thought she could move things with her mind? I thought she really could.

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    1. Molly- I love that it is over the top too. Matilda thinks she can move things with her mind- and it seems that she can, but it is only a fleeting power. :) `l

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  12. Read and loved Matilda! I swear he has a little known book about a crocodile....that I loved! I also kind of loved Fantastic Mr. Fox!

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    1. Patty- Glad to hear you loved Matilda too! I don't know of his crocodile book- but he does have lots of books! :) I still need to read Fantastic Mr. Fox. ~L

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  13. I forgot about this book. I'm going to have to go back and reread it.

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    1. Stephanie- It is definitely worth a reread. :) ~L

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  14. I’ve read lots of excerpts from Matilda but not the entire book. It is on my list of things to read as I love anything by Roald Dahl. My favourite of all his books is The Gremlins, his first children’s books published in 1943. I have a lovely original copy with the Disney illustrations. I must get it out and read it again – oh dear, that’s another one on the list!

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    1. Barbara- I should have known I'd be lucky enough to hear about one of his books I haven't heard of from you. I always learn so much from your blog. I Your original copy of The Gremlins sounds fabulous. I hope you get to read Matilda soon- I know you will love it. :) ~L

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  15. I love Matilda just from your review. I haven't read the book, but now I want to. Thanks.

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    1. Beverly- Aww! So happy the review made you want to read Matilda. You won't be disappointed. :) ~L

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  16. I came a waltzing over from my site to read about your review of "Matilda." Roald Dahl, is one of my favourite authors. However, I haven't read Matilda. Pawhaps Penny could read it to me :)

    Gary

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    1. Klahanie- How great that you also love Roald Dahl. Such a talented writer! I hope Penny can read you Matilda soon. I think you will both adore it! :) ~L

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  17. Matilda is my favourite Roald Dahl book! I used to feel very sorry for her because her family just doesn't treasure her. But having a nice teacher who believes in her makes up for all that misery. When I think of bullying female figures, I always imagine it's Miss Trenchbull ... and the scene where she forced the boy to eat the chocolate cake (lol)! Great review as always!

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    1. Claudine- Thanks for your thoughtful comment! Matilda is awesome. I felt sorry for her too. Her family was horrible. I am so glad she had the teacher she did because she showed Matilda caring and believed in her. Miss Trenchbull was beyond awful! I was cheering for him as he ate his way through the cake! So glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L

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  18. This book was recommended by a friend and I bought it for my granddaughter and we both loved it. I still credit my second grade teacher who let me spend a lot of class time in the library for my continued love of reading and writing. My third grade teacher made me sit on my hands so I wouldn't use my fingers to do math and I still credit her for never caring for math after that. :)

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    1. Anna- I love that you and your granddaughter share a love of this book. So cool! Teachers can have such an impact on us. I am glad you had such an amazing second grade teacher! :) ~L

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  19. Now this book is a true favourite of mine that I simply can't get enough of. I have mentioned already how Dahl is a huge inspiration to my writing, but this book had a fantastic main character who might have been young, but was brave and smart too. I loved the movie adaption as well which did the book justice. I even went and saw the musical of this one.

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    1. Olivia- Savannah, I agree that this book is awesome!I have never seen the movie or the musical, but they sound great. Must watch the movie for sure! :) ~L

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