Will the Goblins Get the Rainbow?

This week, we're featuring a book that I came across because of my parents' love for music and art. The Rainbow Goblins by Ul De Rico is in the spotlight today. The band Primus recently released a new album based on this story, and I had never heard of it before! It's a wonderful fairy tale, and being set to music makes the scenes come to life. I'm delighted by the mixed media of illustration, story, and music. What a great way to paint a picture in the mind's eye. The vibes are deep and textured, and this is a book that will definitely be added to my private collection.

My family listened to the chapters online, read by the character, Christopher P. Bacon. It was a delight to hear the words, then sit back and imagine the story to music. The illustrations and songs pluck the strings of imagination, but they might be a little scary. My two year old sister, Margo, is very brave and curious about things, so she loved it, but have a listen before you share it with a youngster. My whole family enjoyed every bit, and we devoured it all. :)

What happens when seven goblins plot to invade the valley of the rainbow and catch colors in their lassos to eat? Each is hungry for its own color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and each is wanting to fill its belly with the creamy deliciousness of a rising rainbow.

After a thunderstorm passes, the goblins dream of the feast that awaits. But underestimating flower power in the magical valley may lead the greedy goblins into a trap.

What will happen to the rainbow if the goblins devour its colors and desaturate the land until it's cold and gray? How will the rainbow escape their insatiable appetites for its tantalizing spectrum? You'll have to read (or listen!) to this brilliant story to find out!

This book is the sequel to The White Goblin, and I'm interested to read that story too. It has been a long time since I've stumbled upon a fairy tale that's new to me, and I'm delighted to have found this one. It even inspired fan art. Thanks to the band Primus for introducing it to me!

Has anyone else read The Rainbow Goblins by Ul De Rico? Or have you listened to the album The Desaturating Seven by Primus. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~ F

Inspired fan art: The Rainbow Goblins

Listen to the chapters from the book!

Margo's Musings: Creepy Carrots

Fall is in the air, the leaves are putting on a beautiful show, and Halloween décor is everywhere. Seeing pumpkins and scarecrows has put us in the mood for cooler days and spookier stories. I think that is why my little sister, Margo, was drawn to Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds. The colors on the cover drew me in too and I wanted to know how carrots could be creepy.

Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, and he can’t resist them. Every time he walks by Crackenhopper Field he must crunch a few tasty treats.  But then he starts to worry that his favorite food is following him. Can the carrots be after him? Jasper thinks so, and he knows he has to do something to protect himself!

The story is the perfect blend of a little spooky and a little funny. Margo and I cracked up at the end and we loved the faces on the carrots. Creepy Carrots is a wonderful book to read near Halloween because of the colors in the illustrations- but the book can be read any time of year, because it doesn’t actually tie into the holiday.

I thought Margo would want to skip carrots after reading this story, but instead she held a funny conversation with the carrots she dipped into hummus. I wish you could have heard her!

Has anyone else read Creepy Carrots? Or have you read another book by Aaron Reynolds? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: Is There Anything in the Hole?

What happens when Sam and Dave dig a hole looking for something spectacular? Will they be able to dig down very far? Is there anything interesting hidden in the ground? Will their dog help them? Could there really be a treasure?

Margo spotted this gem at our local bookstore and had to have it. The story is about some boys digging for something spectacular. They dig down. Nothing. They change course- still nothing. Their dog tries to help them. But they can't find anything! At least that’s the story when you only read the words. The illustrations tell a whole other story! I pretended not to notice what was happening in the pictures, and Margo’s face was priceless. She was cracking up and pointing by the end. Of course, now she wants to dig up our backyard and who knows what mysteries are hidden out there! 

We enjoyed reading Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, which was written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The writing style is straightforward and has a strong impact because the pictures reveal what is really happening. Poor Sam and Dave- they have no idea what they are missing! The illustrations are interesting and different. This is a fun story to read to someone who can’t see the pictures and then read it again when they can see what the author didn’t reveal.

Has anyone else read Sam and Dave Dig a Hole? Or have you read another book by Mac Barnett or Jon Klassen? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: A Fine, Fine School!

Normally, Margo picks the books she wants to read when we visit the library, but this week I selected one that my teacher read to my class last year because I thought it was so funny. Margo may not have understood why the book was entertaining, but she's always willing to laugh along with others- so we had a good time reading A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech.


Tillie goes to a wonderful school where kids get to learn about all kinds of exciting topics. The teachers and kids are happy. The principal loves his school, and when he calls them for a surprise assembly everyone is shocked to find out that they'll be going to school on Saturdays. Then Sundays too. He thinks school is such a good thing that maybe they should never take a day off! Can there be too much of a good thing?

School is starting here this week, and this was a great book to put me back in the mood. It highlights the fact that school is fun, but it's possible to overdo it. The illustrations are perfect and the story is one that people of all ages will enjoy. My little sister loved the repeating pattern of "fine, fine".  She is using it for everything around the house!

Has anyone else read A Fine, Fine School? Or have you read another book by Sharon Creech? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: I'm Trying to Love Spiders

Ever since we moved into the Begonia House, my little sister, Margo, has become obsessed with spiders. Instead of being afraid, she thinks they're cute. Of course, during our library visit she had to pick out a book about her new favorite creature.  

In I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton, the narrator learns all kinds of interesting facts on their quest to love spiders. Not only will you be entertained, but you will learn cool information about spiders that may help them grow on you, if you’re not already a fan. I was shocked by how many pounds of bugs they eat a year! If you don’t like bugs, then spiders are actually your friend. It’s also important to know that most spiders aren’t poisonous, so many of the ones we see can’t hurt us. The humor had us chucking and hoping for another book by this author! 

I think it's awesome that a picture book taught me so much about these arachnids. I definitely appreciate them more than I did before. The illustrations are fun-filled with details that help reinforce the facts. This book will make you like spiders a little more, if you don’t already.  

Has anyone else read I’m Trying to Love Spiders Or have you read another book by Bethany Barton? Do you like spiders? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: Animals with Night-Lights

I was surprised by Margo's choice this week, but that doesn't mean it wasn't fascinating! The cover of Glow: Animals with their Own Night-Lights by W.H. Beck will make you stop and take notice. Just look at that angler fish!

Once you dive into this book, the pictures help teach readers about the different kinds of animals and plants that use bio-luminescence. Margo loved trying to say it, but it came out more like “Luminess”. After you learn the definition, you'll be introduced to animals deep in the sea (thank goodness they are so far down I will never encounter them), in the woods, and even in the air. I had no idea that fireflies aren’t actually flies! I definitely learned a lot. I'd love to go where there are dinoflagellates making the water sparkle. 

If you're looking for an interesting way to learn about plants and animals, than I highly recommend this non-fiction picture book. It's great for young kids or older readers. 

Has anyone else read Glow? Or have you read another book W.H. Beck? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~F 

Margo's Musings: A Piece of Cake

"Surely Little Bird won't mind if I give Chicken some of her cake. " ~Mouse, A Piece of Cake

Margo couldn't wait to read our latest library find. With its bright colors and adorable characters it's easy to see why she picked this one out. Plus, she has quite the sweet tooth and loves dessert. 

A Piece of Cake by LeUyen Pham tells the tale of Mouse, who made a birthday cake for his clever friend, Bird. On his way to deliver it, other animals ask him to trade a piece of the cake for something they have. Since Mouse is so kind- he can't say no to any of the trades, even though he doesn't think Bird will want any of the items. Will Bird be upset when Mouse shows up at his door?

What makes this book so great is that it seems predictable, but it isn't. You think you know what every animal is going to trade for a piece of cake, but you don't. Margo had a blast looking at the pictures and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. She laughed when she found out what Bird did with each item after she had them.  

The vibrant illustrations and Mouse's facial expressions make this a book that will be fun to read over and over again. The predictable parts allow for a younger kid or sibling to chime in. I know Margo and I enjoyed reading this one together- and of course we had to get some of my dad's cake when we were done!

Has anyone else read A Piece of Cake? Or have you read another book by LeUyen Pham? We'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: Hippos are Huge!

In fact, whales- along with dolphins and porpoises- are hippos closest relatives!~ Hippos are Huge!

After seeing a show on television about Fiona, a baby hippoat the Cincinnati Zoo who was born very early, my little sister, Margo, has been obsessed with hippos. She thinks they're cute, and I agree! Of course, when we went to the library she had to pick out a book on her new favorite topic.  

Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London is chock-full of interesting facts. I thought I had an idea of what these giant animals were like, but I had no clue they are actually the most deadly animal in Africa! They look slow and lazy, but they are a force to be reckoned with for sure! Hippos mouth's can open up to four feet wide. They have some amazing symbiotic relationships with fish and birds (which I don't want to ruin for you). But, without a doubt there was one part that made us laugh out loud. Do you know what to do if you see a hippo and he turns his backside to you, then starts swinging his tail? Run! It may be funny to read about, but in real life it would be gross! 
  

Margo has wanted to read this one over and over again. I think it is awesome that a picture book taught me so much about hippos. Now I hope I never see one in person. I know I can't outrun them and they are very powerful. The bright pictures are filled with details that help spotlight the facts.  This book will put a smile on your face, and you'll want to find out more about these massive animals! 

Has anyone else read Hippos are Huge!? Or have you read another book by Jonathan London? Do you already know a lot about hippos? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: Big Blue

My dreams are filled with huge gliding shapes, swirling in turquoise waters. Whales- blue whales." ~Big Blue, Shelley Gill

My little sister, Margo, is a fish in the water, and she pointed at the cover of Big Blue by Shelley Gill as soon as I took it out of my backpack. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy when Shelley Gill came to talk to my school about writing, Alaska, and animals. She was out of this world and such an inspiration to me and my friends. I was happy to share my book with Margo, and I liked that I knew even more about the story from Shelley's presentation. Not only did Margo love looking at the illustrations, but we all learned a lot as we read the book over and over again. Now she wants to go swimming, and if she could have whales in the water with her, even better!

Big Blue is based on true events that happened to author, Shelley Gill, and her daughter, Kye. Kye was an expert on whales and spent time learning and dreaming about them. One day when Kye was almost nine she told her mom that she didn't want stuff anymore, she wanted experiences. What she wanted most of all was to swim with a blue whale. The water in their home state of Alaska was too cold, so Kye suggested Mexico. Since Shelley worked driving a boat for marine biologists, she said she'd see if it could be arranged. Before long, they're in Mexico and it looks like there's a chance for dreams to come true. But will a whale present itself to them? Even if one does, will they really be able to swim with it? Go on an adventure with Shelley and Kye and you'll start thinking of all the experiences you'd like to have!

I recommend this book to those who love learning. I came away knowing a lot more than I did when I started reading. Also, people who like adventures will enjoy taking this book journey. Anyone who wants to hear an amazing presentation should have Shelley Gill come to their school. You will not be disappointed! The kids at my school are still talking about her!

Shelley Gill is the author of many books, and we are thrilled that we've had a chance to interview her, so stop back tomorrow to learn more about this author!

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: One Plastic Bag Solution

"People thought I was too young and that women couldn't be leaders. I took these things as challenges; they gave me more power. I didn't call out the problems. I called out the solutions." ~ Isatou Ceesay 

The true story of how one woman looked at the plastic bags littered around her and came up with a way to make a difference. When Isatou Ceesay was growing up the bag she was using to carry items through her village ripped, and when she released it into the wind, she knew it would once again become part of the dirt. All around her she saw people using plastic bags and began to use them herself. Over time she noticed plastic bags on the ground, hundreds discarded by people when they were ripped or broken. As a grownup, Isatou looked around and saw the beautiful Earth with colored bags everywhere. When she finds out that farm animals have been swallowing the bags and dying she decides to act. Grabbing at first only a few bags, and then as many as she can carry, she brings them home. With the help of her friends she washes them and hangs them to dry. Once her sister teaches her to crochet Isatou and her friends begin cutting the discarded bags into long strips and they crochet them into bags. People laugh at them and call them names. But, when they bring the bags to the market place they begin to sell. Isatou earns money and the garbage piles continue to shrink.

The bright colors and textured illustrations really draw in the reader. My sister, Margo, was fascinated by the pictures. The crinkled plastic bags and the scenes really popped on the pages. I loved seeing how Isatou saw a problem and instead of complaining, she decided to make a change. The change started with her, but her friends helped and together they made our planet prettier. This is something we can all do! Looking around we all see trash and things that are falling apart. It is amazing to think that if we all decide to clean up our area that eventually we will have a clean Earth.  When Margo and I finished reading we walked around our yard looking for things we could clean up. Luckily, there wasn’t much, but I plan to walk around some busier areas of town with my friends and I know we will find trash that didn’t make it into the garbage or recycling bin. Who knows- maybe one of us will come up with a clever way to transform something we see!

One Plastic Bag Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia  is a wonderful book for anyone who likes to learn about people who are making the world a better place. Earth Day is coming up on April 22^nd and this would be a perfect book to read together to get ideas for cleaning up our planet. Books like this make you want to look around you and see how you can make a difference!

Happy reading! ~ F

*Some people have wanted to see the bags and learn more about the story. Here is the website that goes with the book. You can see the pretty bags and meet Isatou. I originally didn't post a picture of the bags because I wasn't sure if it was okay with copyright laws. :)

Margo's Musings: Dream Big!

“Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit.”  ― Andrea Beaty, Rosie Revere, Engineer

Margo’s book of the week has turned out to be a favorite of the whole family. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty will make you want to start creating. In this uniquely illustrated story, a young girl, Rosie, loves to collect odd items, which she uses to make things from her imagination. When her great-great-aunt, Rose (Rosie the Riveter) visits and tells her how she has always dreamed of flying, the next invention is set in motion. Young Rosie knows exactly what to make. When the big moment comes for the contraption to take flight, it doesn’t go exactly as planned.  Will Aunt Rose be disappointed? Will Rosie give up?  You'll have to read this one to find out.

Margo not only loves the book, but has started collecting items to make “ventions”.  I am sure she will make some things that blow us all away. As we read, she pointed at all the gizmos and gadgets and I could almost see the wheels turning in her head. Margo told the girl in the story, “It’s okay”. We haven’t begun working on a flying machine yet, but it has been fun for the whole family as we work on building a wide assortment of creations together. 

I highly recommend this inspirational picture book to anyone who likes to be reminded to persevere. There are other books in the series and I know we will be getting them from the library soon! Iggy Peck, Architect, and Ada Twist, Scientist will be read soon! You can check out the book trailer here. 

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musing: Hop on the Ferris Wheel!

Margo’s pick from the library this week was a surprise! She insisted on getting Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis. She does love purple and blue, so those colors on the cover may have pulled her in. Margo has been walking around the house exclaiming “wheel” ever since we finished reading it. I think she wants a ride! Too bad it’s snowing outside. 

This is the inspiring picture book biography of George Ferris and how he came to build a structure that defied gravity and became a staple at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. How many of us have ridden a Ferris Wheel at some point in our lives? I have to say I was intrigued by her pick and curious to learn how the first one came to be. The World’s Fair was coming to Chicago in 1893, so the search was on for the design that would top the Eiffel Tower, the standout of the last fair. None of the ideas were new and exciting enough for the committee. When George Ferris, an engineer, brought his proposal to the board they weren’t sure because they thought it was too big and that it wouldn’t work. The fair was only a handful of months away when the committee decided to give the go ahead to Ferris. There was intense pressure for everyone working on the project and they also had to deal with frozen ground and Chicago weather. 

The story really makes you feel the anticipation when Ferris and his wife take the first ride. I would have been so scared! I loved learning about how the invention came together was surprised to hear about the large glass cars. Once the fair was over it was even taken down and put up at other locations! Wow!  I was amazed at how fun it was to learn about history from this delightful picture book. Margo loved the illustrations and pointed to pictures as we read. After we finished I had to look up what the cars looked like, since I couldn’t imagine how big they were. I was stunned!

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is a great book for people who like to learn about history in an interesting way or for people who like a good ride. I bet you will learn something new too!

Happy reading! ~ F

Margo's Musings: Soldier

Margo couldn't help but fall in love with the adorable porcupine in her latest favorite story. I know you will feel the same way when you pick up the book and meet the wonderful cast of characters.

Soldier, is a young porcupine whose quills go a different direction. This means no hugs for Soldier, which makes him sad and his family too. When his dad whittles a flute for Soldier, he plays his beautiful, but sad, music each night. A kind field mouse hears the music, sees what is causing the porcupine so much pain, and hatches a plan to help Soldier get the hugs he so desperately needs. Your heart will melt at the end of this sweet story. We are reminded that we're all unique and that acts of kindness make the world a better place.

My favorite part about reading this book with Margo is that she screams out, "I love you, Soldier" when we get to the field mouse's solution. Making the story even more fun is the adorable Soldier stuffed animal that goes with the book. It's handmade and so cut!

I recommend Soldier to anyone who likes to celebrate what makes us each unique and those who understand that creating a better world starts with personal acts of kindness. After reading this book you'll want to hug more often and brighten someone's day. The writing and illustrations fit perfectly, and if you order the book online it comes in a beautiful envelope (ideal for gift giving :).


Stop by Saturday for a special interview with the author, Kara Van Kirk Levin.

Happy Reading!
~F

Margo's Musings: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

Our recent trip to see our grandparents on Nantucket led us to Margo's new favorite book. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated Tiphanie Beeke is sure to be one we revisit every fall. With the leaves that have been putting on a show for the last month, it's the perfect read. Margo insists on walking around the backyard to look at the trees and she points out the colors she sees. Then we head back inside and cuddle up on the couch with a mug of my father's famous hot chocolate. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and they help make this sweet story even more magical. Fans of autumn will be delighted with the colors that float off the pages. You will adore Fletcher and his caring nature. 

Have you ever been worried that someone you love wasn't feeling well? If so, you will be able to relate to Fletcher the fox's concern when his favorite tree starts turning brown. His mother assures him that it's only fall, and Fletcher tries to comfort the tree letting it know it will feel better soon. When more leaves start to swirl off the branches Fletcher sets to trying to gather them all up so he can give them back to his friend. Unfortunately, other animals are thrilled with the fallen leaves and start taking them to use as they want. Poor Fletcher is so upset and he tries very hard to make his tree get better.  Is there any way that Fletcher can see that his tree will be okay? What do we do when the fate of someone we love is in our hands?  

Margo is especially delighted with the end scene of the book. It really sparkles and she claps and cheers. I don't want to give it away, but I am sure you can guess what comes next. This books makes you realize that change isn't always a bad thing and sometimes even more wonderful things are in store. I like how kind Fletcher is and he truly has a heart of gold. I would recommend this book to kids, book lovers, and fans of fall of all ages. 

Happy reading! ~ F

Margo's Musings: Make Way for Ducklings

Learning to read was a real struggle. Luckily, I had some wonderful teachers who took the time to work with me. They helped me learn how to decode words and put them together to form meaningful sentences. I spent a lot of time reading simple books that rhymed, and I was so excited when I was finally able to read a "big kid book" on my own. Make Way for Ducklings was the book that made me feel like a reader. I can still remember reading it to my grandma for the first time. Boy was I proud!

Margo has discovered this treasure, and she loves when I read it to her. She adores ducks and the rhyming names of the ducklings keep her giggling.

This book was published 80 years ago, and it's the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who are searching Boston for a place to have their babies. They wind up hatching eight chicks, and Mrs. Mallard spends her time teaching them everything, while Mr. Mallard goes on a trip and agrees to meet them in the Public Garden in a week. When it's time for the family to join up, Mrs. Mallard attempts to bring her babies across a highway. Thank goodness the police step in and help the ducklings make their way. Margo shouts out all kinds of directions to the mama duck, because she knows crossing the street is very dangerous. But, she loves when the little chicks make it safe and sound.

It's nice to sit down with an old favorite and explore the illustrations of a well-loved story. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, so I'm especially glad share it with my sister. Now Margo wants to visit Boston to see the statues that go with the book!

Have you read Make Way for Ducklings? Or have you read another book by Robert McCloskey? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~F

Boston Discovery Guide

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

On the Wings of Mother Goose...

April kicks off rhyming children's book month, and we're participating in Angie Karcher's RhyPiBoMo writing challenge.

Not only is Margo a big fan of this idea, but as you know, sometimes I actually think in rhyme, so it's going to be fun.

My riddling beginnings started with the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose. The most intriguing part about this type of writing is that it can be about anything, and true insights are sprinkled amidst nonsense- like clues, hidden between the lines. I love these stories, even though they're a bit dark and you never know what to expect. It's like the real version of Grimm's Fairy Tales, some are shocking! But it's awesome to share these rhymes with my little sister, like how my mom read them with me, and her mom with her.

Here are some stories we think are thought provoking from the classic, Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. 

Remember to read them in a sing- songy voice.
(out loud or in your head :)

Clue from the Begonia House

THE LION AND THE UNICORN
The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the crown,
The Lion beat the Unicorn all around the town.
Some gave them white bread, and some gave them brown,
Some gave them plum-cake, and sent them out of town.

DAPPLE-GRAY
I had a little pony,
   His name was Dapple-Gray,
I lent him to a lady,
   To ride a mile away.
She whipped him, she slashed him,
   She rode him through the mire;
I would not lend my pony now
   For all the lady's hire.

(a little background to this nursery rhyme. I can remember being completely horrified when I first heard this story. It made such an impression on me, that I had a horse model I kept very safe for many years, and his name was Dapple- Gray- I think Margo sees Mr. Fazzy in the same way. The lady in the picture still sends chills down my spine- like Professor Umbridge!).

MYSELF
As I walked by myself,
And talked to myself,
    Myself said unto me:
"Look to thyself,
Take care of thyself,
    For nobody cares for thee."

I answered myself,
And said to myself
    In the selfsame repartee:
"Look to thyself,
Or not look to thyself,
    The selfsame thing will be."

BEES
A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay:
A swarm of bees in June
Is a worth a silver spoon;
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth fly.







 JUST LIKE ME
"I went up one pair of stairs."
    "Just like me."
"I went up two pairs of stairs."
    "Just like me."
"I went into a room."
    "Just like me.
"I looked out of a window."
    "Just like me."
"And there I saw a monkey."
    "Just like me."

(This is a good one to act out- my dad really gets a crowd going :)

And here's a puzzle for all of you Riddlers... 

What goes over the water,
And under the water, 
And always with its head down?

What am I? Answer revealed! A Ship's Nail

I gave you a clue!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin