This week we're celebrating books! Today, we've put together a bundle of action and adventure to share with you. If you're on the lookout for great middle grade reads, here are a few we enjoyed. Stop by Wednesdays post if you missed Margo's children's picture book choices. :)
We'll be on break for the holiday. Sending all of our readers warm wishes for a bright new year. See you all around the book block in 2018! ~ F & L
WARMEST WISHES FROM THE CHARACTERS AT THE BEGONIA HOUSE!
Joshua and his best friend, Finn, are busy playing when an intense storm hits. Joshua's grandfather needs to run out for a minute, and he tells them to come inside and stay away from the windows. Unfortunately, when rules get broken- bad things happen. When Finn is snatched through the window by a hand from the sky, Joshua doesn't know what to do, other than taunt the hand so it grabs him too. The world where they wind up is riddled with fallen gods, goddesses, and lots of old magic... "Joshua and the Lightning Road by Donna Galanti is a book that I would recommend to anybody who enjoys mythology. Joshua is a character that kids and adults will be able to relate to because he's brave, scared and stubborn. These are qualities most of us demonstrate at one point or another. I like the way that myths were interwoven into the story." ~ Lizzy Read Lizzy's full review of Joshua and the Lightning Road Read our author interview with Donna Galanti
When Charlotte walks into the shop tucked into the alley she is hoping to buy trinkets for her friends from her beach vacation. She doesn’t expect the strange encounter she has with the shopkeeper, but she is thrilled with the ancient looking snow globe that he gives her. Best of all it didn’t cost her anything. All she had to do was agree to tell the truth!Everything changes when she looks into the glowing orb and finds herself transported to a different realm. Danger lurks around each corner and all she knows is that she is far from home... "Truth Teller by Kurt Chambers is a delightful story.I liked Charlotte because she is strong and inquisitive, which are two character traits that help her in the realm that she finds herself in. There are times when she complains, but who wouldn’t!I was curious from the moment she walked into the odd shop, and I wasn’t so sure Charlotte should accept the gift from the shopkeeper." ~ Lizzy Read Lizzy's full review of Truth Teller Read our author interview with Kurt Chambers
Pete wakes up on the first day of spring vacation feeling a bit apprehensive about the phone call his aunt is going to get from his principal. At the same time he can’t help but feel bored with the town he lives in. Pete hasn’t lived in the town for very long, only since his parents died. There isn’t much to do and there are a lot of places that are off limits, like the Ornofree Swamp next to his house that is filled with alligators. He only has one friend, Weasel, but they have been getting into too much trouble lately...
"Alligators Overhead by C. Lee McKenzie is a mysterious adventure that will keep you guessing. Pete may like to get into trouble, but he is a typical 12 year-old with a best friend who tries to keep him doing the right thing. Poor Weasel! He gets a little frustrated trying to keep them both from getting into serious trouble. I think kids between the ages of 8 and 14 will love this book if they like old houses, witches, animals, and nature." ~ Lizzy Read Lizzy's full review of Alligators Overhead Read our author interview with C. Lee McKenzie
Or, in other words, a book! Excellent guessing, Riddlers. This week we're celebrating books. Margo has a few suggestions for today, and on Friday, we'll feature three middle grade books that would be perfect for any bookworm. The gift of a story never stops giving, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F
Story bound, you may be- precisely when you'll come for me. You'll listen softly in your head, that's where my lines are read. Words strung neatly in straight rows tell you where my tale goes. My spine may crack or pages bend, but my scenes inside will never end. What am I? Answer: Book!
62 original riddles and illustrations Available in all e-book formats
Soldier, is a young porcupine whose quills go a different direction. This means no hugs for Soldier, which makes him sad and his family too. When his dad whittles a flute for Soldier, he plays his beautiful, but sad, music each night. A kind field mouse hears the music, sees what is causing the porcupine so much pain, and hatches a plan to help Soldier get the hugs he so desperately needs. Your heart will melt at the end of this sweet story. We are reminded that we're all unique and that acts of kindness make the world a better place.
"I recommend Soldier to anyone who likes to celebrate what makes us each unique and those who understand that creating a better world starts with personal acts of kindness." ~ Fairday
My dreams are filled with huge gliding shapes, swirling in turquoise waters. Whales- blue whales." ~Big Blue, Shelley Gill
Big Blue is based on true events that happened to author, Shelley Gill, and her daughter, Kye. Kye was an expert on whales and spent time learning and dreaming about them. One day when Kye was almost nine she told her mom that she didn't want stuff anymore, she wanted experiences. What she wanted most of all was to swim with a blue whale. The water in their home state of Alaska was too cold, so Kye suggested Mexico. Since Shelley worked driving a boat for marine biologists, she said she'd see if it could be arranged. Before long, they're in Mexico and it looks like there's a chance for dreams to come true. But will a whale present itself to them?
"I recommend this book to those who love learning. I came away knowing a lot more than I did when I started reading. Also, people who like adventures will enjoy taking this book journey. Anyone who wants to hear an amazing presentation should have Shelley Gill come to their school. You will not be disappointed!" ~ Fairday
Alemitu lives with her mother in a poor village in Ethiopia, where she must walk miles for water and hunger roars in her belly. Even though life is difficult, she dreams of someday knowing more about the world. When her mother has no choice but to leave her at an orphanage to give her a chance at a better life, an American family adopts Alemitu. She becomes Eva in her new home in America, and although her life there is better in so many ways, she’ll never forget her homeland and the mother who gave up so much for her. Told through the lens that water connects all people everywhere, this eye-opening, emotional story will get readers thinking about the world beyond their own.
"This is definitely a book to share with your whole family. Margo was enraptured by Alemitu's story, and she's been telling everyone how important it is to remember that we're all the same, and we all get thirsty." ~ Fairday
Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? They are dear to my heart. ; ) ~ F
Story bound, you may be- precisely when you'll come for me. You'll listen softly in your head, that's where my lines are read. Words strung neatly in straight rows tell you where my tale goes. My spine may crack or pages bend, but my scenes inside will never end. What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!
We're excited to interview Laura Ann Smith-McFarland and find out the story behind Eggbert, the talking egg. Without further ado, take it away, Laura! (read our review of the book)
What inspired you to write Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm?
Eggbert has always had a great local following in the Hudson Valley, New York, since the early 1970’s, but many wondered how did Eggbert come about. What was the story behind Eggbert? When Eggbert came out of retirement in 2011, it was evident that he was sorely missed and visitors still posed this question. Flash forward a few years later, the owners of Devitt’s approach me to write the first book about Eggbert knowing my love of Eggbert and writing. I presented an idea for the story and the rest is history!
In Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm, Zoe wrote a letter to Santa. What would you like to ask Santa for this year?
My husband, Joe, and I bought our first house this year after a decade of apartment living. Our home was built in 1890 and is super sweet and charming, truly our dream home, but needed a lot more TLC than expected. Though we have accomplished a lot in our fixer upper, we have a ways to go! My wish is for Santa to send his talented elves to help and spread his magic on our new home.
Zoe was excited to meet Eggbert. Do you remember your first time meeting him?
Eggbert played a very big part in my childhood. My parents would often take my brother, Michael, and I to visit him throughout the holiday season. I have to admit for a few years I was quite afraid of him, but realized how silly I was being and grew to love him. After all, he has a direct connection to Santa! :-)
You worked with illustrator, Patty Deyo on Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm. What was the process like?
Patty is an incredible artist and person. We both grew up with Eggbert, so it was a seamless partnership. I roughly sketched out pages/storyboards along with my words and she sprinkled her magic and talent all over the pages of Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm! We made a few revisions here and there to get it just right. We are so happy to tell the story of Eggbert!
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I have always had a love of words - spelling, grammar and synonyms! There wasn’t one specific book or author that I favored, but I loved to read various Golden Books, Disney stories, biographies, poetry, prayers and even encyclopedias! I have always been a dreamer. My father was a big influence for my love of writing. He taught me my ABCs, studied for spelling tests with me, published numerous articles and publications throughout his career and even self-published his own book as well. I definitely caught the writing bug from my Dad!
If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?
I have two ideal places to live, but they are total opposites! I can easily picture myself living on a beach, leading the perfect island life in the Caribbean, but I am also a true New Yorker. I LOVE NEW YORK CITY! It is the greatest city in the world! I love all the wonderful places, people, museums, restaurants and things to do in NYC! Every season is perfect in New York.
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I enjoy writing at home. Whether it is at my desk feverishly typing in silence or the days where I crank some Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Enrique Iglesias, or 80s music to get me going or even curled up on my couch -- I feel inspired!
Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Currently, I do not have a book in the works. I have outlines for a couple specific book ideas, but life and a house has taken over my mind! I am hoping to get back into the swing of things later this winter with a blog about the adventures of our new/fixer upper home. Where can we buy your books or learn more about them?
Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm can be purchased through Devitt’s Nursery & Supply. Please send an email inquiry to: devittsns@gmail.com. Attention Candace.
Additionally, I am happy to answer any questions and appreciate any feedback anyone might have. Thank you!
Enter the giveaway for a signed copy of Eggbert's Christmas on the Farm, plus a festive Eggbert ornament. Good luck!
I just found out where my
parents are going to take us this weekend, and it all stems from a book Margo
found at pre-school. Eggbert’s Christmas
at the Farm by Laura Ann Smith McFarland is a children’s picture book about an attraction
at Devitt’s Farm in Hudson Valley, New
York.
I enjoyed this book! I
had a blast reading it to Margo, and we both loved looking at all the details
in the pictures. I'm definitely curious
about Eggbert. In the book he talks, and I'm not sure if he talks in real life
too- but I am curious to find out. Margo
has been walking around, calling out, “Eggbert!” so I think she is ready to meet
him. Plus, we both love farm animals, so it't sure to be a highlight
of our holiday season.
Have any of you read Eggbert’s Christmas at the Farm? Have
you visited Devitt’s Farm in New
Windsor, New York and met Eggbert in person? Do you have a special holiday
tradition that you make sure to do each year?
Stop
by this Saturday for an interview with the author, Laura Ann Smith. We'll also be hosting a fabulous holiday giveaway for an autographed copy of Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm, along
with a classic Eggbert ornament. ; ) Happy reading! ~ F
