Monday, May 6, 2019

Fairday's Riddle: By Shield and Sword...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? At the Metropolitan Museum of Art there is an exhibit about this, and it's fascinating to think that any person managed the outfit. ~ F

In the game they've shield and sword; given rights to serve a lord. On a mount, they'll ride to battle; clanking metal and bones that rattle. A round table seats them right— Lancelot betrayed his plight. One is made into one, honor bound till day is done. 

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

I gave you a clue!



Monday, April 29, 2019

Margo's Musings: What Happens When You Press Here?


I was so excited to introduce my little sister, Margo, to one of my favorite books from a couple of years ago. A teacher read it to my class by putting the book up on the SmartBoard, and the story seemed like magic! I knew it would be a delightful book to read with a two year old.


Press Here by Herve Tullet is an interactive book. Each page gives directions to the reader and when they turn the page, those directions will appear to have been followed. For example, it may say, “tap the yellow dot three times” and then when you turn the page there will be three yellow dots instead of one. It's exciting to see what's going to happen next. Even when you tap, shake or flick you’re not exactly sure what the dots will do. Margo was thrilled! She giggled the whole time, and I loved seeing her reactions. It’s a book you can read over and over again. And even better—the author has at least two other books with the same kind of idea: Let’s Play, and Mixed Up. Super fun!



Has anyone else read Press Here or another book by Herve Tullet? Or do you have an interactive read aloud that you'd like to share. We'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Happy Reading!
~ F

Friday, April 26, 2019

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Connect the Dots!


Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're connecting the dots. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block! ~ F

This is something to connect; it may be called a spot or speck. Feeling cute, idk— polka could be fun today.  Guess this round and you'll be right; look out for one in sight.

What am I referring to? Answer: Dots!



Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations

Monday, April 22, 2019

Fairday's Riddle: Exciting Spots...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Lizzy's more of a fan of this look than I am, but they are exciting circles. ~ F

This is something to connect; it may be called a spot or speck. Feeling cute, idk— polka could be fun today.  Guess this round and you'll be right; look out for one in sight.

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

I gave you a clue!


Monday, April 8, 2019

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson


Ari and her nineteen year old brother, Gage, have been living with Janna since their mother died a few years ago. One of her mother’s final wishes was that Gage and Ari would always stay together. But, things are different with Janna and a lot of days are a struggle for Gage. One day he loses his temper and decides to leave. Ari knows she has to go with him, even though her life with Janna is stable. Plus, Janna helps her with her homework at the school for the gifted that she attends (her mother’s other final wish) and she takes care of her. They have to stick together, so she goes with him. Janna thinks they are living in an apartment, but Gage hasn’t been able to find anything. Instead they have been staying with different friends and sleeping on couches. Other days they sleep in the car and occasionally the shelter. Ari doesn’t have a lot with her and she has to try her best to clean her school uniform, so no one will know she isn’t living with Janna anymore. Her favorite thing to do is to lay out her paper families. She cuts them out of catalogs and makes up stories about them. She knows them and they comfort her. Keeping track of your belongings isn’t easy when you are coming and going all the time, sometimes in a hurry. Can Ari and Gage continue trying to make it on their own? How will Ari continue at school with her ever changing living arrangements? Will Janna find out what is happening? Your heart will go out to Ari as you navigate her new life with her.

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was a book a library assistant told me I had to read because it was her favorite book. I took a picture of it with my cell phone, so I wouldn’t forget.  Imagine my surprise a month later when I am at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair and I see the cover of the book that’s on my phone. It was a delight to meet Jennifer Richard Jacobson and her presentation was so interesting. I was excited to start reading Paper Things and I was not disappointed. Ari tugged at my heart strings, and I kept thinking about the challenges in her life. Kids who are going through a tough time will find a character that they can relate to and be inspired by. I can understand how Ari’s paper families comforted her. I would recommend this book to anybody in fifth grade and up who likes a book that makes your heart ache for the main character, and you can’t help but hope it will have a happy ending.

Has anyone else read Paper Things? Or have you read another book by Jennifer Richard Jacobson? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

*Stop by the post from the CT Book Fair to find out more about Jennifer Richard Jacobson's books.

Happy Reading!
~L

Friday, April 5, 2019

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Pushing Paper...


Excellent guessing, Riddlers. This week we're pushing paper. The theme is paper, but I've decided notebook is also a correct answer to this riddle, because it's made up of paper. Tune in Friday for Lizzy's middle grade book review and find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~F



Something handy to scratch out dreams or write down measurements when hanging beams. It could be thick, it could be thin—it could be made from untanned skin. An empty spot to fill up, though not at all like a cup. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Paper


Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations