The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

Monday, March 2, 2020

Fairday's Riddle: Above and Below...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It's important to stay afloat! ~ F

I'm over and under; wet and dry. You'll get where you're going, but not on the fly.

What am I? Stop by Friday for answer!

I gave you a clue!

Monday, February 24, 2020

Margo's Musings: Will Alfie Ever Make it Back?

This winter we’ve barely had typical weather. There have been cold days and a little snow, but there have been many unseasonably warm days too. I think that’s why my whole family has been thinking about spring. Maybe that’s why Margo picked out this delightful book about turtles when we were at the library. Or maybe it’s just that turtles are so cute, she can’t resist them.

Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared by Thyra Heder is a picture told from a little girl’s point of view, and then from her pet turtle’s point of view. I love the dual POVs, as that is where the magic comes in. Nia gets Alfie on her sixth birthday, and he is six too. He is a good turtle, if a little quiet. Nia taught him all kinds of tricks and kept him entertained with stories. But on her seventh birthday Alfie disappears. From here the story switches to Alfie’s side of the story and we see where he went and what he is doing. I loved this part and was curious how it would all end. I thought the last page of this book was genius, and it’s important that readers look very carefully so all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. I don’t want to ruin it for you- but I know Margo missed it the first time.

Ever since we finished reading the book Margo has been on the lookout for turtles. There is a pond not far from our house- but so far- no turtles. Maybe in a few more weeks. Until then we will be reading about them and I am sure she'll be doing her turtle impression whenever she can!

Has anyone else read Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared? Or have you read another book by Thyra Heder? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Turtle Adventure!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We're going swimming with turtles. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

The wily hare believed me beat, but my win was his defeat. Though I live in a shell, I move about slow and well.

What am I? Answer: Turtle!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Monday, February 17, 2020

Fairday's Riddle: Way To Go Slow!

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It's fun to see them sunbathing at the pond. ~ F

The wily hare believed me beat, but my win was his defeat. Though I live in a shell, I move about slow and well.

What am I? Stop by Friday for the answer.

I gave you a clue! (I'm in this picture)

Monday, February 3, 2020

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

Piper is a scrapper; she collects metal and anything the meteor storms bring so she can sell them to make money for food and shelter. She’s been all alone since her father died working in a factory. When Piper goes out one night, to rescue a friend who shouldn’t be out in the meteor storm, she stumbles upon a caravan and a girl who seems injured and barely alive. Under Piper’s care the girl comes back to life and doesn’t seem to remember who she is or where she’s from. But she has the Mark of the Dragonfly, which means she is under the king’s protection. Only very important people have the tattoo. When a strange man comes to Piper’s house asking for Anna things become more complicated. Anna is terrified of the man and keeps calling him the wolf. With some tricky maneuvering Anna and Piper make an escape and hop aboard the 401 train. Piper figures if she can get Anna back to the king she may get a reward that will give her enough to live on for the rest of her life. The security guard, G, nearly throws them off the train, but is stopped by the sight of Anna’s tattoo. They’re allowed to stay on the train. But their struggles aren’t over and the dangers are real. From people trying to kidnap them to the strange man hot on their heels, things have more twists and turns than Piper ever could’ve thought possible. Will Piper and Anna be able to out run the man? Will Anna ever remember who she is? And how will Piper deal with everything when she finds out the truth about Anna?

I have had The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson on my list of books to read for a long time! I am so glad I finally got to it because it was a fantasy story that I absolutely loved. The world Piper lives in is filled with interesting beings and magic. The adventure made the story exciting and I never knew exactly what to expect. I really liked Piper because she had a good heart and gave people a chance. I could easily see why Piper wanted to take care of Anna and their bond was very sweet. I liked seeing how G and Piper developed a respect for each other and a deep friendship. It was a unique blend of items and ideas from long ago, ones from present times, and things from the future as well. I would recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who enjoy fantasy, dystopian, adventure, and a little sci-fi as well. This is the first book in the trilogy, and now I know I’ll be looking for the second and third book! I can’t wait to see what new adventures await them.

Has anyone else read The Mark of the Dragonfly? Or have you read another book by Jaleigh Johnson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!