Can You Really Dig a Hole to China?

Bubba says he can dig a hole to China, but his big sister, Squirt, doesn’t believe it. Bubba digs with a special shovel, and they're both surprised when the hole swallows them up, transporting them to a dark place surrounded by Terracotta Warriors. What is going on? How did they get here and why? Will they ever get home to their family? Things become even more curious when the ghost of an emperor tells them he needs his missing pi. Is it possible to find the pi in a place where they aren’t familiar? Making matters worse- someone seems to be after them. Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery and find the pi? You’ll have to follow along on this adventure to find out!

Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is the first chapter book I’ve read by Sherry Ellis. I was curious about it because at the beach I’ve tried to dig a hole to the other side of the world. Mine didn’t work! I can’t imagine trying to dig that deep in a yard! Bubba was determined though. Bubba and Squirt are a very realistic brother and sister pair. I think kids will be able to relate to their sibling relationship. I liked that they learned a lot on their travels through Chinese culture and about what a “pi” is. The story weaves in history and interesting facts. This is a great chapter book for kids who are beginning to read longer texts and for those who may have a hard time picking out books. I would recommend this book to kids in second grade and up who like stories with adventure, magic, and humor. I enjoyed reading about Bubba and Squirt’s adventure, and I look forward to reading about more adventures in the future (hopefully). 

Has anyone else read Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China? Or have you read another book by Sherry Ellis? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stop back Saturday for an interview with the author. 😀

Happy Reading!

~L

*Sherry is generously giving away three paperback copies of Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China.  All you have to do is comment on this review or our interview tomorrow. Winners will be randomly selected. Good luck! 

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Let's Visit China!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we'll be whisked away to China. Tune in Friday to find out how the answer ties into Lizzy's book review. See you all around the book block. 😉 ~ F

It's said if you dig to the other side, here is where you'll reside. A yellow star next to four flies above an ancient shore. Lots of people call it home. Dragon lore is well known. Dainty, strong, and super bright, guess this land and you'll be right.

Where are you? Answer: China!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Available in all e-book formats

Fairday's Riddle: Where In The World?

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I've never visited, but it looks magical. 😉 ~F

It's said if you dig to the other side, here is where you'll reside. A yellow star next to four flies above an ancient shore. Lots of people call it home. Dragon lore is well known. Dainty, strong, and super bright, guess this land and you'll be right.

Where are you? Stop by Wednesday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!

What Exactly Does the Black Cloak Do?

Serafina is the Chief Rat Catcher at the Biltmore Estate, residence of the Vanderbilt family. Only no one knows that she and her father live there in the basement. Serafina doesn’t have any friends, but she is very close to her father. She's never been outside and has been warned to never, ever go in the woods. Serafina spends the nights prowling. She knows the estate well from years of hiding in the shadows and creeping around. But one night, while out catching rats, she hears crying. When Serafina investigates, she sees a man in a black cloak trying to catch a young girl. He keeps saying he won’t hurt her, but she's clearly terrified, and Serafina vows to help her escape. With a swish of his cloak, the girl disappears. Serafina manages to get away. The next day, during an encounter with Braeden Vanderbilt (the owner’s nephew who lives there), she learns that other children have recently gone missing. The adults are starting to worry and search parties begin to form. Together Braeden and Serafina embark on a wild journey to see if they can uncover who is wearing the black cloak and figure out what he's doing with the children. Will they be able to piece together the clues? What does the cloak do? What happens to the children enveloped in its folds? Why isn’t Serafina supposed to go in the woods? You’ll have to check out this chilling tale to find out!

I have had Serafina and the Black Cloak on my TBR list since I first read about it on another blog. It’s taken me a while to get to it, and I really did not know what to expect. I liked the fact that Serafina was braver than she thought. When she met Braeden they became fast friends, but it made sense based on the disappearing children and the fact that neither of them had any friends. The black cloak was crazy, and I was very curious about the person behind it. I wondered what it did and what happened to the people who were swept up in it. Thankfully all those questions were wrapped up in the end. Serafina’s father seemed to be a gentle soul and I was happy she had him in her life. After reading the book, I was curious and had to look up the real Biltmore Estate since so much of the book took place there. Wow! It's easy to see how, with a house that size, someone could live in the basement and never be discovered. This book is a nice mix of realistic fiction and fantasy for those who enjoy a little bit of spooky. I’d recommend it to anyone in fourth grade and up who likes slightly creepy reads. It looks like there are a few more books in the series, too!

Has anyone else read Serafina and the Black Cloak? Or another book by Robert Beatty? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Cloaked in Secrets...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're sleuthing for secrets under a mysterious cloak. Tune in Friday for Lizzy's book review and find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. 😉~ F

I'm dark and mysterious hanging alone, but wrapped up in you, I'm in the zone. I've a hood that conceals shifting eyes and whispered secrets caught by spies. I'm fashion sense for magical roles or a convenient place to keep stolen souls. 

What am I? Answer: Long, dark cloak 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Available in all e-book formats

Fairday's Riddle: Floor Length Fashion...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I love this look. 😉 ~ F

I'm dark and mysterious hanging alone, but wrapped up in you, I'm in the zone. I've a hood that conceals shifting eyes and whispered secrets caught by spies. I'm fashion sense for magical roles or a convenient place to keep stolen souls. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!