Margo's Musings: Can You Spin A Name?

We’ve been doing a fairy tale unit at school and working on writing our own versions. After my teacher read, Frankly, I'd Rather Spin Myself a New Name! The Story of Rumpelstiltskin as Told by Rumpelstiltskin by Jessica Gunderson. I knew I had to share it with my little sister, Margo. I was right, she loved it! 

This book is a twist on the traditional version of Rumpelstiltskin, because it's told from Rumpelstiltskin’s perspective. I know a lot of people feel bad for the maiden who has to spin straw into gold and can’t do it, but I have always felt a little sorry for Rumpelstiltskin, so hearing his take on the tale made me feel justified. As he tells the story, he makes lots of side comments to the reader. These cracked us up as we read.

Margo and I loved this book! The illustrations are bright and colorful. Looking at the character's expressions was our favorite part! Both the maiden and Rumpelstiltskin make some faces that had us is hysterics.

There are lots of books in this series- so I look forward to reading more of them with Margo. Not only are they entertaining, but they help us remember that there are two sides to every story.

Has anyone else read, Frankly, I'd Rather Spin Myself a New Name! The Story of Rumpelstiltskin as Told by Rumpelstiltskin? Or have you read another book by Jessica Gunderson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~ F

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Tricky Gold!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're turning straw into gold. Margo has a children's picture book to share that will keep you spinning, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

A child is my desire, hands to clean and stoke the fire. I peer into shadow light and hear a woman's woeful plight. Skip a jig on little legs! I've found a basket with some eggs! She can't do what's she's told, but the king insists he wants his gold. Should she fail, end is near. For a trade, I'll spare her tear.  I'll dance right in and spin the stuff, then take what's mine soon enough. 

Can you guess my name? Answer: Rumpelstiltskin!

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: Spinning Tales...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? A tricky character! ~ F

A child is my desire, hands to clean and stoke the fire. I peer into shadow light and hear a woman's woeful plight. Skip a jig on little legs! I've found a basket with some eggs! She can't do what's she's told, but the king insists he wants his gold. Should she fail, end is near. For a trade, I'll spare her tear.  I'll dance right in and spin the stuff, then take what's mine soon enough. 


Can you guess my name? Stop by Wednesday for the answer.

I gave you two clues!

What Happens When You Drink the Moon?

“Just because you don't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. Some of the most wonderful things in the world are invisible. Trusting in invisible things makes them more powerful and wondrous.”  ~Kelly Barnhill, The Girl Who Drank the Moon



Every year the Elders of the Protectorate bring a baby to be sacrificed to the witch in the woods. They leave the baby to die in a clearing and the Protectorate is safe for another year. Little do they know that the witch, Xan, is actually kind and doesn’t require or want any sacrifices. She is actually confused when she finds the first baby, but she takes care of it and brings it to a village through the woods. 

There Xan makes sure to find a happy family for the baby. This is repeated year after year, until Xan picked up one of the babies and accidentally lets it drink moonlight. That kind of magic could be tricky for a regular family to deal with and the baby is just so sweet. Xan decides to bring her home to raise her, and names the little one Luna. It is soon clear that Luna has magic that can’t be controlled because she doesn’t understand the way life works yet. Xan does what she has to in order to protect Luna from herself and together they live a happy life at their home in the bog, with their swamp monster, and a very tiny dragon. But in the Protectorate there is someone who has always been haunted by the sacrifices and vows to put an end to the witch. Is there really an evil force preying on the village?  Will Luna ever learn to control her magic? What really happened to all those babies? You’ll have to soak in the pages of this story to find out!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is the first book I’ve read by the author, and it won’t be the last! I was curious about it since I first saw it and I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer. I adored the characters and they each added so much to the story. I was very intrigued by the world that was described- half bog and half woods. The book has a lot of messages for readers, about the things we don’t say, love, acceptance, and doing what is right. This seemed like a modern day fairy tale to me and it is a story that will appeal to readers in fourth grade and up who enjoy magic and books that take place in other worlds. The writing is beautiful. A book filled with all kinds of emotions- it is one that will make you think.




Has anyone else read The Girl Who Drank the Moon? Or have you read another book by Kelly Barnhill? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~ L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Stuck In Muck...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're mucking around in a bog. Friday, we'll get lost in Lizzy's Middle Grade Book Review, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

While walking in the woods, I see a clearing pass. 
Eating flies from waters skim jumps a large mouth bass. 
Turn the bend, 'round the pond, muck seeps from the ground. 
Looking out, mossy green creeps up all around. 
And, further on, peepers sing and dragonflies take flight. 
No person here, no words to speak, as day turns into night. 
Dreamy smells, squishing peat— a place where matters meet. 
Sit and watch buzzing things or exercise your feet.

What am I referring to? Answer: Bog/ Wetlands

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: Peat Under Feet...

Hello, Riddlers! It's good to be back. Can you guess our theme this week? One of my favorite places in nature to explore. ; ) ~ F

While walking in the woods, I see a clearing pass. 
Eating flies from waters skim jumps a large mouth bass. 
Turn the bend, 'round the pond, muck seeps from the ground. 
Looking out, mossy green creeps up all around. 
And, further on, peepers sing and dragonflies take flight. 
No person here, no words to speak, as day turns into night. 
Dreamy smells, squishing peat— a place where matters meet. 
Sit and watch buzzing things or exercise your feet.

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

I gave you two clues!