Bit of a Break!

We're on a break, wrapping up the next mystery for the book launch. Tune in next week for more riddles and reviews! ~ DMS

Truth lies betwixt the lines.

Margo's Musings: Is There Anything in the Hole?

What happens when Sam and Dave dig a hole looking for something spectacular? Will they be able to dig down very far? Is there anything interesting hidden in the ground? Will their dog help them? Could there really be a treasure?

Margo spotted this gem at our local bookstore and had to have it. The story is about some boys digging for something spectacular. They dig down. Nothing. They change course- still nothing. Their dog tries to help them. But they can't find anything! At least that’s the story when you only read the words. The illustrations tell a whole other story! I pretended not to notice what was happening in the pictures, and Margo’s face was priceless. She was cracking up and pointing by the end. Of course, now she wants to dig up our backyard and who knows what mysteries are hidden out there! 

We enjoyed reading Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, which was written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The writing style is straightforward and has a strong impact because the pictures reveal what is really happening. Poor Sam and Dave- they have no idea what they are missing! The illustrations are interesting and different. This is a fun story to read to someone who can’t see the pictures and then read it again when they can see what the author didn’t reveal.

Has anyone else read Sam and Dave Dig a Hole? Or have you read another book by Mac Barnett or Jon Klassen? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
~F

Answer to Monday's Riddle: What's at the Bottom?

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Margo wants me to review a children's picture book she digs, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

At the bottom, you are low; up is how you must go. You may fall in and feel stuck or it could be a spot of luck. Dig it deep, then you'll see- inside out is where you'll be.

What am I referring to? Answer: Hole!

Riddle skills will come in handy when you're trying to solve the next case in the DMS files, Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library! The mystery unwinds on October 23rd, so stay tuned for clues. ;)

Pre-order Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library

Pick up a copy of Fairday's Riddles to boost your word power- mixed meanings are the key!

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: Can You Dig It?

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? The DMS recently uncovered a very mysterious one in the case of the Talking Library. ; ) ~ F

At the bottom, you are low; up is how you must go. You may fall in and feel stuck or it could be a spot of luck. Dig it deep, then you'll see- inside out is where you'll be.

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

I gave you a clue from the DMS's adventures in the Talking Library! 

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library!
Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson
Illustrations by David SanAngelo
Book 2: Fairday Morrow Series
Middle grade mystery
Age range: 8 years and up
Grade level: 3 and up
Publish Date: October 23rd, 2017
Publisher: Willow Press 


Pre- order available!

Can a Wild Robot Find Their Place?

"We're a strange family. But I kind of like it that way." ~Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Five boxes of robots crash into an island after a terrible storm. Only one remains intact. The robot, Roz, emerges. Roz does not know where she is or what she should do, but she begins trying to communicate with the animals. Unfortunately they think she's a monster and they're scared or try to attack her. Roz pays attention and learns the language of the animals. She tries to make friends with them. When an accident leaves her with a gosling that is about to hatch she knows she must do everything in her power to protect the little life. This is how Roz becomes a mother. In her quest to do what she can to give her new son, Brightbill, the best life- she begins to work with the other animals. Still, the rumors of her being a monster follow her. Roz watches Brightbill as he grows up and she connects with other mothers who are raising kids. After her son flies south for the winter Roz and the other animals experience the worst winter on record. It's a time of change in the forest, including the lodges Roz builds for the animals to keep them alive and warm. The island animals grow closer. Spring comes and the birds fly back. The celebration is cut short by robots that have come to reclaim Roz and take her back to the factory where she came from. She does not want to go and the other animals will need to decide if they let her go or if they protect her. Will Roz have to leave the only life she has ever known? Is there a way to stop the “recon” robots who are trying to capture her? You’ll find the answers in this book about a world both different and similar to the one we live in.

Wild Robot by Peter Brown was a very unique book. I really had no idea what to expect when I picked it up, and I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I instantly liked Roz, and my heart went out to her as she tried to make friends with the animals on the island.  She is so kind and only wants to help others, but the animals resist her because she is different. The way Roz was treated makes you think about how ridiculous it is to judge anyone because of the way they look. Instead, actions speak louder than words or looks! One of my favorite parts about the story is the relationship between Roz and her son. When others judge their family for being different, they have a wonderful discussion about what family means. I think anyone from 3^rd grade and up should read this book. It is a reminder to be kind and to give people a chance. If we all decided to help others, the world would be a kinder place. I have recently learned this is the first in a series- so I will be on the lookout for the next one soon.

Has anyone else read Wild Robot?  Or have you read another book by Peter Brown?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Roving Robots...

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

Controlled by forces outside of myself, when I'm off I sit on a shelf. Switch it up, and I'll do my task, calculating odds in a faux mask. My goal is to serve what I don't know. I can only relate to that which I sew. Instructions are given, then I proceed. I do not compute emotional need. 

What am I? Answer: Robot! 

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

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

Follow along with Fairday and friends as the mystery unwinds.

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library

Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

Illustrated by David SanAngelo

Publish Date: October 23, 2017

Publisher: Willow Press

ISBN#: 978-0-9993449-0-3

Hardcover Price: $15.99 + tax

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE!