Margo's Musings: A Fine, Fine School!

Normally, Margo picks the books she wants to read when we visit the library, but this week I selected one that my teacher read to my class last year because I thought it was so funny. Margo may not have understood why the book was entertaining, but she's always willing to laugh along with others- so we had a good time reading A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech.


Tillie goes to a wonderful school where kids get to learn about all kinds of exciting topics. The teachers and kids are happy. The principal loves his school, and when he calls them for a surprise assembly everyone is shocked to find out that they'll be going to school on Saturdays. Then Sundays too. He thinks school is such a good thing that maybe they should never take a day off! Can there be too much of a good thing?

School is starting here this week, and this was a great book to put me back in the mood. It highlights the fact that school is fun, but it's possible to overdo it. The illustrations are perfect and the story is one that people of all ages will enjoy. My little sister loved the repeating pattern of "fine, fine".  She is using it for everything around the house!

Has anyone else read A Fine, Fine School? Or have you read another book by Sharon Creech? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~F

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Back To School!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Margo has picked a book that will take us to school. The review post will be on Thursday this week. We have a special feature on Friday, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Feeling end of summer woes? No more sand between your toes? Time to think of fall supplies: books, pencils, first goodbyes. Onward education looms, a growing mind surely blooms. This is where it all takes place, here you'll find a learning space. Teachers listen for the bell. Students like to show and tell. 

What am I referring to? Answer: School!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
FREE COUPON CODE: JM98U

BOOST YOUR SKILLS FOR THE TALKING LIBRARY!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Sign up for our Cover Reveal Tour for Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library. The next case in the DMS files will be out in October, but we're spilling secrets in September. Hop on the tour to help spread the news! Thank you for being a part of our journey. :) ~ Jess & Stephanie 

Monday's Riddle: Lessons Learned...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It's hard to believe it's this time again! ; ) ~ F

Feeling end of summer woes? No more sand between your toes? Time to think of fall supplies: books, pencils, first goodbyes. Onward education looms, a growing mind surely blooms. This is where it all takes place, here you'll find a learning space. Teachers listen for the bell. Students like to show and tell. 

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

I gave you a clue!

Is There is a Wolf in the Hollow?

World War II is going on, but in rural Pennsylvania things are pretty peaceful for eleven-year-old Annabelle and her family. She lives on a large farm in Wolf Hollow with her grandparents, parents, and two little brothers. She spends her weekdays in school sitting next to her best friend, Ruth, and weekends are spent doing chores on the farm and going to church. There is a vagabond named Toby who wanders the town and did make Annabelle uneasy, but she came to see that he was harmless and mostly kept to himself. Plus, her mom explained that Toby had gone through a lot during the first world war and he might be a little sad. When Betty Glengarry comes to stay with her grandparents, things change for Annabelle. Betty turns out to be mean. She wants Annabelle to give her money and other objects. Betty bullies kids in class- both boys and girls. With a cruel glint in her eye she harms an innocent animal in front of Annabelle, only to later deny it. Things with Betty continue to escalate until the day she goes missing. The people in town believe Toby must’ve taken her. After all, Betty had just blamed Toby for two terrible deeds that had hurt children in the town. Annabelle believes Betty is the culprit and her heart tells her Toby is innocent. She vows to help him if she can. When the police and neighbors are out searching for Betty, Annabelle goes looking for Toby. What will happen if she finds him? Is he safe to be around? What happened to Betty? Will the townspeople ever believe that Toby is innocent or will they continue to presume he is guilty because he has strange ways about him. You will have to read this book to find out! 

I had heard a lot of wonderful things about Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk, but I had no idea what the book was about. It did not disappoint! I really enjoyed the main character, Annabelle, because I could easily relate to her. She wanted to do the right thing, and she has a very big heart. Every time she told a lie I could tell she wanted to tell the truth, but the lie was necessary. I was so worried when Betty came to town and started bullying Annabelle. I was proud of her when she did the best she could to stand up to Betty. I liked the way the author describes the farm and the woods in the book because I felt like I was there. Also, giving the reader the background that the name Wolf Hollow came from a time when there was an over abundance of wolves in the area and bad things came because of it helped set the stage for the book (don’t want to spoil anything).  I recommend this to people ages 9 and up who enjoy historical fiction and for those who root for what is right. I know underdogs pull at my heart and if they tugs at yours then you will turn the pages just as quickly as I did. This book makes readers think about how we treat people and the judgments that are made based on the way someone looks. I look forward to reading another book by this author soon.

Has anyone else read Wolf Hollow? Or have you read another book by Lauren Wolk? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!

~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Howling at the Moon...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Lizzy's review will have us howling at the moon, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

You sing to me when I'm full, rising misty breath. A scent of wild shadow lurks, bringing life and death. The pack moves on or loner stalks, hunters in the night. From above, I hang on high, circling a light. Oh! Sing to me when I'm full, rising misty breath. Your thickened fur and glowing eyes stir mystics from their rest. 

What is the moon referring to? Answer: Wolf!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
FREE COUPON CODE: JM98U


BOOST YOUR SKILLS FOR THE TALKING LIBRARY!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Sign up to be a part of the Cover Reveal Tour for Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library! The DMS is spilling the secret in September.