Margo's Musings: Are There Wolves in the Walls?

Lucy hears noises coming from inside the walls of her big, old house. Her family has something to say about them, but no one believes it's wolves, because then it would be over. Everyone knows that, according to her parents and brother. Maybe rats or bats, but definitely not wolves. Lucy, however, is certain that's exactly what's causing the ruckus, and she's scared by the idea of "it" being over. What could that mean? What happens when wolves come out of the walls?

Margo was a little nervous about reading The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman when we pulled it off the shelf, but she put on her brave face and snuggled up to listen. This is a fun book to read out loud, and the illustrations are interesting and unique. They set a spooky tone and add a quirky flavor to the story. We live in the Begonia House, which is also big and old, and it's always creeping with strange sounds, so it was easy for Margo to relate with Lucy about no one believing what she knew to be true. After we finished the book, Margo told me she wasn't the least bit surprised when it turned out the pig-puppet had the most sense. :)

Has anyone else read The Wolves in the Walls? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading!
~ F

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Is Eleanor Real?

Poppy, Alice, and Zach are in that tricky stage in between being a kid and being a teenager. Their favorite thing to do each afternoon is to play with figurines they've created “characters” for, with long elaborate histories. The Queen, a really old doll in Poppy’s mom’s china cabinet, is in charge of all the characters even though she can’t be touched (or Poppy’s mom would kill them). When Zach's father decides he's too old to be playing with toys and gets rid of the precious figurines, Zach is furious. He's so upset that he tells Alice and Poppy he doesn’t want to play with them anymore, and that he's outgrown their games. When Poppy and Alice wake Zach up one night to show him The Queen and tell him how she came to Poppy as a ghost named Eleanor, it's terrifying. Although he's scared, Zach knows he must go on the quest to bury her bones. They sneak out and take the bus to the cemetery to bury the bones of a girl who was never put to rest properly. On their quest they have ups and downs; there are hurdles that they could not imagine, and people who are just as creepy as the ghostly girl haunting their dreams. Will they make it back home by dinnertime? Will they ever find the place to bury Eleanor? Is Poppy telling the truth or has she made up the whole story about the ghost? You will have to read this adventure about growing up to find out how everything turns out! 

After I saw the picture on the cover, I was nervous to read Doll Bones by Holly Black. I have always found certain dolls to be a little creepy and scary. I liked that the characters in the book enjoyed using their imaginations and that they had such a good friendship, even though they were each so unique and different. When Zach's toys got thrown away my heart went out to him, and I kept wishing he would tell his friends why he didn't want to play with them anymore. Throughout the quest I kept wondering what was going to happen next, and if they would make it home safely. I think the characters did some things that are a little dangerous, and I know if I sneaked out in the middle of the night my parents would probably kill me! Still, I think this is a book that a lot of kids can relate to as they struggle between wanting to stay kids and needing to grow up. Because the book has its creepy, spooky moments, I would recommend it to kids in fourth grade and up who like ghost stories.

Has anyone else read Doll Bones? Or have you read another book by Holly Black? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!

~L

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Quest!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week, we're on a quest. Lizzy's review will take our bones on an adventure, and Friday Margo has a story to tell us about, so be sure to check back! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

When there's something you must find, you'll set the thought inside your mind. Focusing on the prize, you'll follow clues to where it lies. Things will turn up here and there, challenges will make you dare. But, if you seek your desired goal, the adventure's bound to rock and roll! 

What am I referring to? Answer: A Quest! 

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Monday's Riddle: Seek, and Ye Shall Find...

Hello Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It's the way to the end, only to start again. ; ) ~ F

When there's something you must find, you'll set the thought inside your mind. Focusing on the prize, you'll follow clues to where it lies. Things will turn up here and there, challenges will make you dare. But, if you seek your desired goal, the adventure's bound to rock and roll! 

What am I referring to?

I gave you a clue! 

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