Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Words, Words, Everywhere!

“In all my years of word collecting, I've learned this to be a tried and true fact: I can very often tell how much a person loves another person by the way they say their name. I think that's one of the best feelings in the world, when you know your name is safe in another person's mouth. When you know they'll never shout it out like a cuss word, but say it or whisper it like a once-upon-a-time.” ~ Felicity Pickle, A Snicker of Magic

Felicity Pickle sees words around people and items, so she collects and keeps track of them. She finds them all over the places, especially because Felicity, her mom, and her younger sister are travelers. They never stay in any place very long, that's just the Pickle way. When they visit Midnight Gulch, the town where her mama grew up, Felicity finally finds the place she wants to call home. Maybe it’s because she meets her best friend in the whole world, Jonah, there. He fills her in on all the unique parts of the town and even takes her to meet the person who makes the ice cream the town is known for. I mean who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream with mysterious powers that can make you brave, or remember something, and the names are just as interesting as the flavors. Jonah has a secret – pumpernickel. He not only shares it with Felicity and lets her in on what “The Beedle” is and how much he helps people, but he also challenges her to participate in “The Duel”. Now Midnight Gulch has been known for the magic in its people. Unfortunately since many years ago when the two Weatherly brothers decided to duel to see whose magic was better there’s only been a snicker of magic in the town. Just a hint of magic in every nook and cranny. Will Felicity get her wish and get to stay in Midnight Gulch? Will she be able to overcome her fears about public speaking and talk at “The Duel”? How can the magic come back to the town and its people? Will Felicity ever be brave enough to try the memory ice cream? You'll have to read this spindiddly story to find out!

When I met the author Natalie Lloyd at the Connecticut Children's Book Fair, I wanted to read her story because she seemed so sweet and interesting. When I started reading A Snicker of Magic I immediately fell in love with the writing. Natalie Lloyd has a lyrical way with words that lull you into the story while the characters worm their way into your heart. I love the character of Felicity and her ability to see words. As someone who loves words and reading I thought it was the coolest thing ever to be able to see words hovering in different places and above people. The words she collects are unique, eclectic and sometimes brand-new. I was sad when the story ended because I wanted to find out more about Midnight Gulch and its unique magic. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who love a good story about family, friendships, and magic. I definitely plan to read more by Natalie Lloyd.

Has anybody else read A Snicker of Magic? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L


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50 comments:

  1. I've never read this author but I like the premise of the character seeing words... I was a voracious reader and love how words are put together and of course ice-cream is amazing xox

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    1. Launna- This is one of the most amazing books I have read. The words are beautiful. This is a book you would love! :) ~L

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  2. What a wonderful opening... LOVE IT! I must read more. Plus the cover is fun and magical.

    I love lyrical writing. I used a similar style in my first novel which is also magical. SO different from my current edgy, Y/A story.

    ALL the best to Natalie...

    Thanks for sharing DMS...

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    1. Michael- A Snicker of Magic is truly beautifully written. It is magical and lovely. Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you get to read it! :)

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  3. That's so awesome you got to meet Natalie. I really loved this book too. It's one of my favorite MG books.

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    1. Natalie- Meeting Natalie was wonderful. She is SO sweet! We loved hearing her read from A Snicker of Magic. :) ~Jess and Stephanie

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  4. I love that quote. So sweet! I've seen this book around and was debating shoving it at my daughter. She's more into fantasy, but I'm thinking I need to broaden her horizons.

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    1. Crystal- If your daughter likes fantasy, she will still love A Snicker of Magic and the fantasy elements that are tied into the story. The writing is pure magic! :) ~L

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  5. I remember seeing this on another blog and I thought it sounded delightful. I already have it on Risa's list for when she is older.

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    1. Heidi- You and Risa will both love it. It can't be missed! :) ~L

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  6. So exciting! It's always awesome to meet authors!

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    1. Editors At Work- I love meeting authors! :) ~L

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  7. Enjoyed the review! I remember seeing an interview about the author of this book on another blog. It looks like such a great book.

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    1. Cherie- Glad you enjoyed the review. A Snicker of Magic is truly a book that no one should miss! :) ~L

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  8. I feel so sad that I have had this book for awhile and I haven't read it yet!

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    1. Patty- Don't wait another day. You will fall in love with the writing! :) ~L

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  9. I haven't read the book but it sounds fascinating and just right for my great-granddaughter who loves to read. Thanks for the great review.

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    1. Beverly- You are welcome. I hope your great-granddaughter loves it! :) ~L

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  10. Thanks for this great review. This book has long been on my radar, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Soon, soon.

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    1. Rosi- You will be over the top excited when you start reading it. :) ~L

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  11. I haven't read this book, but it sounds fascinating! I love the cover!
    Jess, you've won the copy of CHOMP over on my blog! Email me your address at wvsmarties(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can sent it out to you.

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    1. Janet- The cover is great, but the story is even better! So excited to have one Chomp! Thanks a million. :) ~Jess

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  12. Oh this sounds wonderful, my granddaughter will certainly enjoy this one day

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    1. Kimba- Your granddaughter will enjoy it and I hope you get to read it with her because you will love it too! :) ~L

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  13. This has been on my to-read list for a while...the cover just looks like SO much fun!!! I need to make time to read it, for sure.

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    1. Stephanie- It will take you only a day or two because you will devour the story. The writing is so smooth and magical it will draw you write in! Enjoy! :) ~L

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  14. I Love the quote at the top--that is just so wonderful! This sounds like a fun read and I'm definitely adding it to my own list :)

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    1. Meradeth- I love it too. It is a beautiful book that kids and adults will love. I look forward to reading it again and I didn't want it to end! :) ~L

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  15. I have actually seen some other reviews for this book and so far they have all been very positive! I like the idea of the writing style being so lyrical - when a book is written beautifully it makes me so happy :)

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    1. Olivia-Savannah- I am sure all the reviews have been positive because the book is so amazing! :) The writing is beautiful! Enjoy!
      ~L

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  16. Sounds interesting, almost like a unique form of synesthesia….

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  17. Pretty sure this was at the Scholastic Book Fair. I remember being drawn to the cover.

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    1. Kelly- I bet it was at the Scholastic Book Fair! The cover is very memorable. :) ~L

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  18. I've never read it, but I certainly like the excerpt you provided at the beginning.

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  19. I've never read it, but I certainly like the excerpt you provided at the beginning.

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  20. What a neat concept-I would love to know a town like that and have some magic:)

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    1. Birgit- Wouldn't a town like that be amazing! I love the concept! :)
      ~L

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    1. Gloria- I hope you get to read it soon! :) ~L

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  22. Lovely passage. I think we often fail to consider the way we use the names of the people around us.

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    1. The Armchair Squid- I agree and the quote is so beautiful. We do know the way different people say our names though. :) ~L

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  23. Hmmm, this one I actually want to read soon :D MAGIC <3

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    1. Lola- I hope you do get to read it soon. It is SOOOO good! :) ~L

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  24. My favorite word at the moment is fantabulous.

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  25. My favorite word at the moment is fantabulous.

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