Mysterious Fire in Hartford!

In the summer of 1944, people near Hartford, Connecticut were excited to attend the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was coming to town. Being distracted for a couple of hours by entertainers and animals was just what people thought they needed. Unfortunately, a massive fire broke out and tragedy struck. What happened as a result of the fire was a lesson for the Ringling Brothers and the local emergency department. Reading this narrative nonfiction book about a true event that happened not far from where I live really hit home. My heart broke thinking about all the people and animals trapped inside the tent. Fire isn't the only damage to worry about during an emergency, when people don't stay calm- more people get hurt. Have you ever heard of the Hartford Circus fire of 1944? 

I discovered Big Top Burning: The True Story of an Arsonist, a Missing Girl, and the Greatest Show on Earth on Rosi’s blog; The Write Stuff. I was lucky enough to win a copy of the book. The story intrigued me because I live a state away from Connecticut and had never heard of the fire (or any other circus fire for that matter). Reading about the mystery that surrounded not only how the fire started, but what happened to the people lost during the tragedy, peaked my interest. I was shocked to learn that the pieces of the puzzle were never put together, and the exact cause of the fire, along with a list of all the people who died, have yet to be determined. Each chapter was filled with careful research. The photos made the story even more real. Although the book includes information that's horrific, it's based on true events, and none of the details are gory; they're just sad. When we understand things that went wrong in history, and how common sense and safety precautions weren't in place, we can be thankful for lessons learned. This was my first book by Laura A. Woollett, but I plan to read more by this author!

Have you read Big Top Burning: The True Story of an Arsonist, a Missing Girl, and the Greatest Show on Earth? Or have you read another book by Laura A. Woollett? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Trip to the City...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Lizzy's review will take us on a trip to Hartford. So stay tuned, because Connecticut really is full of surprises! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Capitol of the Constitution State, sprinkle nutmeg on your plate. A charter hidden in white oak, kept secret from a bloke. History stamps its free mark, take a stroll through Bushnell Park. A city rises, topped in gold; here safety nets are sold. 

Where am I referring to? Answer: Hartford, Connecticut

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: Metropolis Rising...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? This place is full of surprises! ; ) ~ F

Capitol of the Constitution State, sprinkle nutmeg on your plate. A charter hidden in white oak, kept secret from a bloke. History stamps its free mark, take a stroll through Bushnell Park. A city rises, topped in gold; here safety nets are sold. 

Where am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!

Margo's Musings: Animals with Night-Lights

I was surprised by Margo's choice this week, but that doesn't mean it wasn't fascinating! The cover of Glow: Animals with their Own Night-Lights by W.H. Beck will make you stop and take notice. Just look at that angler fish!

Once you dive into this book, the pictures help teach readers about the different kinds of animals and plants that use bio-luminescence. Margo loved trying to say it, but it came out more like “Luminess”. After you learn the definition, you'll be introduced to animals deep in the sea (thank goodness they are so far down I will never encounter them), in the woods, and even in the air. I had no idea that fireflies aren’t actually flies! I definitely learned a lot. I'd love to go where there are dinoflagellates making the water sparkle. 

If you're looking for an interesting way to learn about plants and animals, than I highly recommend this non-fiction picture book. It's great for young kids or older readers. 

Has anyone else read Glow? Or have you read another book W.H. Beck? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~F 

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Flashy Insides...

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

Fix your eye on firefly; flashing, sparking up the sky. Look below water skim; glowing, jellies sink or swim. Snap a photoprotein swirl, catch a twinkle and twirl. Nature dances for delight when you see with in sight. Biology marks this brilliant feature, built into the form of creature. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Bioluminescence 

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: Light in the Dark...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I catch this show from my front porch. When the outdoor symphony chimes in, it's magical! ; ) ~ F

Fix your eye on firefly; flashing, sparking up the sky. Look below water skim; glowing, jellies sink or swim. Snap a photoprotein swirl, catch a twinkle and twirl. Nature dances for delight when you see with in sight. Biology marks this brilliant feature, built into the form of creature. 

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

I gave you a clue!

Riddles and Ravens Galore!

Gabriel Finley loves riddles because of his father. Ever since his dad went missing, Gabriel has lived with his aunt, but wishes for his dad to return. For his twelfth birthday, he receives his father's childhood journal. In it, Gabriel learns about the connection some humans have with ravens. He's amazed by what he reads, and discovers this relationship runs in his family. A baby raven, named Paladin, becomes Gabriel's amicus (like a familiar). Together they must embark on a journey to rescue Gabriel's father from the evil Corax and the valravens (cruel birds) that have him locked away. In order to save his father, an old and dangerous treasure called a torc must be located. This leads them to meet some interesting companions, who windup joining the quest. They'll have to find an entrance to an underground city and answer riddles to pass a gatekeeper. Will the group be able to answer the riddles or will their words fail? Is Gabriel's father still alive? Can the Corax be defeated on his turf? You'll have to read the book to find out!

I read Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen because I love trying to solve riddles, so the title pulled me in. The book includes a lot of riddles, so make sure you put on your thinking cap. Gabriel is a kind character who treats others fairly. I really liked his friend, Abby, and his Amicus, Paladin. I thought it was interesting to read a book with characters that had such a strong connection to ravens. I worried throughout the book, because Gabriel seemed to be very trusting of others, even when they hadn't proven themselves worthy. This story will appeal to people who enjoy fantasy, plus a little danger. A great read for those in fourth grade and up! The book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so thank goodness the second book is out. I look forward to reading it (I just hope it doesn't end on a cliffhanger too). 

Has anyone else read Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle? Or have you read another book by George Hagen? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L