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

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Big Blue Dives Deep...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Margo has a children's picture book to share with us about an ocean mystery, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Unearthly tones from the deep sing songs that lull you into sleep. Giants swimming in the blue drift on Mother Nature's cue. Romantic mysteries, destinations unknown; grouped in pods or all alone. The largest seen of its kind, albeit notoriously hard to find.

What am I referring to? Answer: A Blue Whale! 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats 

Monday's Riddle: Deep Songs...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It will be fun learning about these ocean mysteries. ; ) ~ F

Unearthly tones from the deep sing songs that lull you into sleep. Giants swimming in the blue drift on Mother Nature's cue. Romantic mysteries, destinations unknown; grouped in pods or all alone. The largest seen of its kind, albeit notoriously hard to find.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!

I gave you a clue!

Can They Escape the Wave?

Thirteen year old Kyle is excited for his family vacation. He gets to fly on a plane for the first time and see the Pacific Ocean during their visit to Oregon's coast. As they are checking into the hotel Kyle sees a bully, Daren, from school. When Kyle’s parents go to an awards ceremony out on a large ship off the coast, they leave him to watch his sister, BeeBee, for the night. An earthquake hits and the hotel is on fire. They see Daren and try to help him get outside. Free from the flames, they feel safe. Kyle remembers a sign he saw at the beach about giant waves that can come after an earthquake. The sign said to get to higher ground. They had to get moving! Kyle tries to convince Daren to go with them, but he won't listen. Kyle and BeeBee start to trek up a nearby mountain. He's not sure how high up they need to go, but he knows they need to get away from the ocean. Along the way they find an elderly couple who is out walking their dog, trying to get to a safe place. Will a tsunami hit? Can l Kyle and BeeBee survive if it does? What will happen to their parents and Daren? You'll have to read this fast paced book to find out how it all ends.

Escaping the Giant Wave by Peg Kehret was a page turner. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. I thought Kyle and BeeBee both seemed like characters I could relate to and because Kyle was 13 it made sense that his parents left them alone for the evening so they could go to the ceremony. It was easy to relate to Kyle’s disappointment when he found out that someone who was mean to him at school was staying at his hotel. From what I could see of Darren he didn't act very kind! I can’t imagine how scary it would be to be in a major earthquake. This is a great book for kids who like realistic fiction and lots of action! I learned a lot of survival tips from the story too! I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Has anyone else read Escaping the Giant Wave? Or have you read another book by Peg Kehret? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Ride the Wave!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Lizzy's review will make a splash, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Surface friction gets me going, depending on which wind is blowing. I'll slip softly onto shore or rush in crashing at your door. Carrying treasure from the deep, I'll drop it off for you to keep. I may be ridden or left in tow- I come, and then I go. I'm the whole fluid space, caught up in a ripples pace. Not at hand for hi and bye; greetings met are low and high.

What am I? Answer: Wave!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats 

Monday's Riddle: Fluid Space...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I spent some time over spring break watching these. The motion is very relaxing. ; ) ~ F

Surface friction gets me going, depending on which wind is blowing. I'll slip softly onto shore or rush in crashing at your door. Carrying treasure from the deep, I'll drop it off for you to keep. I may be ridden or left in tow- I come, and then I go. I'm the whole fluid space, caught up in a ripples pace. Not at hand for hi and bye; greetings met are low and high.

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!