Monday's Riddle: An Empty Measure...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Weird to imagine a day without one. ; ) ~ F

When it's now, I'm on cue, pointing at a thing to do. This and that, here or there; life flows without care. Pendulum swings, orrery predicts- use a circle and three sticks. Numbers glow in your face, illuminating outer space. Empty measures in this tune; you'll check me out to know it soon. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!

I gave you a clue!

SOUND CLUE!

Dreams in the Wind

“Whatever you want to do, if you do it with all your heart, it will happen.” 

~William Kamkwamba

This is the true story of William Kamkwamba who was born in Malawi, Africa. He and his family lived on a farm where they grew corn, a staple of every meal. As a boy he believed in magic, and even spent money on a potion that would make him stronger than the kids who were teasing him. Unfortunately, he found out too late that it didn’t take care of his problems. William loved school and is proud after he is accepted to secondary school. He wanted to continue his education and hoped to learn more about his favorite subject, science. When the grounds are flooded and then no more rain comes there is a terrible drought that leaves his family with only a few bags of food for the next year. No food to eat and none to sell. All around him people in his village are withering away like the crops that didn’t grow. The cost of school can no longer be afforded and eating less than a meal a day barely keeps William alive. When the next corn husks grow and can finally be eaten he begins to get his energy back. Hoping to one day go back to school, William spends much of his time in the local library, amazed at the three shelves of books he can borrow from. Through these books he learned about windmills, energy, and a dream of bringing electricity to his farm and village takes root. Finding the materials he needs isn’t easy and everyone who sees him working thinks he is crazy. Other kids make fun of him for collecting garbage, but still he dreams. Will William be able to make electricity from his creation? Are the obstacles in his way too much? Is his family strong enough to wait it out while he works on his plan? Read this remarkable story of a boy whose curiosities lead him down a path that would change his life forever.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is a true story that will inspire you to ask questions about the world around you. So often we make judgments about what is going on, but we don’t work on solving the problem ourselves. William’s love of learning is an inspiration! I enjoyed discovering how kids in his village are just like kids in other parts of the world. It was also fascinating to hear about the way our lives are different. William is definitely someone I would like to know, because I loved the way he didn’t let people dash his dreams. He believed in himself. Sometimes you're the only one who knows you can do it, but that can be enough. Reading this book will help kids and adults see that each of us can make a difference. Sometimes we may fail along the way, but we all have the possibility to make the world a better place. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. There are three versions- so you can find the one that is just right for you. This is a great book for families to read together and who knows, you may be inspired to start creating!

Has anyone else read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind? There are three versions- adult, young adult, and picture book. If you’ve read any of them, please let us know which edition! We’d love to hear your thoughts. 

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Whispering Winds...

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

Sky exhales; air flows. Here to where? No one knows. A breath to tease whistles by. Tops of trees sway up high. Drift away on a summer breeze; a colder one makes you sneeze. Should the two decide to mix, watch out for flying sticks. Sky inhales; air flows. Here to there, so it goes. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Wind!

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

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

FREE DOWNLOAD: Expires 4/1/17
COUPON CODE: UA94T

Monday's Riddle: Changing Pressure...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Looking forward to a warmer one! ; ) ~ F

Sky exhales; air flows. Here to where? No one knows. A breath to tease whistles by. Tops of trees sway up high. Drift away on a summer breeze; a colder one makes you sneeze. Should the two decide to mix, watch out for flying sticks. Sky inhales; air flows. Here to there, so it goes. 

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesdays for the answer.

I gave you a clue!

Oh, Clementine!

“Someone should tell you not to answer the phone in the principal's office, if that's a rule.” ~Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Clementine is in third grade and she is not having such a good week. She tries to help her neighbor, Margaret, when she gets glue in her hair, and the next thing she knows she is in the principal's office. Clementine admits that Margaret’s haircut looks a little different, but she sees it as a beautiful dandelion hairdo. She even has an idea to make it look even better! While the principal is talking to Margaret’s mom, Clementine helps her out by answering a few phone calls. It’s the least she can do. Back in their apartment building the two friends try to make the situation better, but take things a bit too far. Margaret’s mom is very unhappy. Will Clementine ever be allowed to play with Margaret again? What will happen when she “borrows” her mom’s fancy markers? Will the painters on the fifth floor ever want her help painting on stilts? You will have to find out how the rest of Clementine’s week turns out! You’ll laugh as you turn the pages as you get to know these memorable characters.  

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker is a hilarious book that will make you want to know Clementine. Not only does she have a unique way of looking at things, but her funny antics will crack you up. Clementine is genuine and says what she thinks. She can’t seem to understand why she ends up in trouble or in predicaments. Clementine is simply curious and tries to help others, but often with an unexpected outcome. I could easily relate to Clementine and her friendship with Margaret, because often we are friends with people who are a little different, but we also have things in common. The style reminds me of Junie B. Jones, only Clementine isn’t as fresh. If you have not read this story, I recommend it for a day when you need a laugh or two. By the end of the story you will be smiling! I know there are a whole series of books about Clementine and I can only imagine the trouble she gets into in the future! 

Has anyone else read Clementine? Or have you read another book by Sara Pennypacker? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Ode to Clementine!

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

Petite and sweet; a citrus twist. A spot of orange on your list. Peel me out, pop me in; I'm not as tricky as my seedy kin. 

What am I? Clementine! 

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

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

FREE DOWNLOAD: Expires 4/1/17
COUPON CODE: UA94T