Storm, Storm, Stay Away!

St. Louis Armstrong Beach wishes his name was a little less complicated, but he was named after his great-grandfather and his great-grandfather’s favorite musician. Saint is hoping to save up enough money to buy a special clarinet. Luckily, he's able to play his clarinet for the tourists and make money to save towards his goal. He gets closer every day. Things are confusing now that his best friend, Money, doesn't want to talk to him, and he had his palm read, which revealed that he has a short lifeline. Now he's worried about his future! When Saint’s family finds out Hurricane Katrina could hit their area, he's upset that they may have to leave town and go to his grandma's house. He knows the storm won’t hit, but decides he'll go as long as they can take Shadow, the neighborhood dog. What will they do when Shadow gets away? Will the hurricane really hit Saint’s house? Will he ever earn enough money to get that clarinet? You have to read this book to find out what happens to Saint and the rest of New Orleans.

St. Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods is a book that I read in one sitting. I could relate to the main character and how he felt about his best friend not wanting to hang out with him anymore. I loved that Saint really went after his dreams. Anyone who can save up close to $1000 for an instrument they want to practice shows a lot of determination, and I'd love to hear him play! Not only did I enjoy the story, but I felt the tension in the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. My heart broke thinking about all the people whose lives changed during that time. There was a major storm taking place right outside my window while I read, and it definitely made the connections I felt even stronger! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up, as there are some middle school topics. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Has anyone else read St. Louis Armstrong Beach? Or have you read another book by Brenda Woods? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L 

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Good Swing...

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week we're listening for the clarinet. Lizzy's review will take you back in time, and Friday there's always something fun going on, so be sure to stop by! See you all around the book block. ;) ~F

Wind and wood make me sing. When I'm on, your ears will ring. High to low, low to high; there was a Goodman who could make me fly. All in black with silver flair, I'm a mystery when the band is there. I've got a register that raises notes, but when I'm low, your spirit floats. Melancholy some will say, they don't like to hear me play. For, though a big part of the show, I'm subtle and modest, so you'll never know. The noise I make is uniquely mine, and if you're taught, I'll sound just fine.

What am I? Answer: A Clarinet!

Put a little swing back into your day. Enjoy! :)

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Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

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Flashy Vibrations...

Hello Riddlers! It's that time again. Can you guess our theme this week? It was the style I loved when I had to choose which to play. ; ) ~ F

Wind and wood make me sing. When I'm on, your ears will ring. High to low, low to high; there was a Goodman who could make me fly. All in black with silver flair, I'm a mystery when the band is there. I've got a register that raises notes, but when I'm low, your spirit floats. Melancholy some will say, they don't like to hear me play. For, though a big part of the show, I'm subtle and modest, so you'll never know. The noise I make is uniquely mine, and if you're taught, I'll sound just fine.

What am I?

I gave you a clue!

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Can Natasha Keep Up With the Doll?

I'm so happy to share one of Margo's latest book finds with you, especially because it's by an author I always enjoy. I recently read this story to her, and she was enchanted by the pictures and words. Of course, after reading Babushka’s Doll by Patricia Polacco Margo wants the same doll. It made me laugh, since it seemed like she might have missed the point of the book. We don’t have anything like it, but that doll could come in handy!

Natasha is an energetic girl, and she keeps Babushka (grandmother in Russian) busy by constantly talking to her and wanting to be entertained. Babushka doesn’t get a moment’s peace! After spending an afternoon with Margo I can understand how tired her grandmother is from all of the activity! When Natasha’s Babushka leaves for the store she lets Natasha play with her very special doll, one she only played with once when she was a young girl. Little does Natasha know, the doll is going to come to life, and there's a reason you only play with it once. The doll’s energy makes Natasha exhausted! Margo loves dolls and stuffed animals, so the storyline is right up her alley. She claps her hands with glee when she sees what Natasha has to do for the doll! Now if only Margo would learn the same lesson as Natasha and entertain herself a little more! It's a wonderful book with a great message.

Check out our interview with Patricia Polacco! 
You can also stop by our Village Story Peddlers post to meet the author. :)

Happy reading! ~ F

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