Margo's Musings: Will Alfie Ever Make it Back?

This winter we’ve barely had typical weather. There have been cold days and a little snow, but there have been many unseasonably warm days too. I think that’s why my whole family has been thinking about spring. Maybe that’s why Margo picked out this delightful book about turtles when we were at the library. Or maybe it’s just that turtles are so cute, she can’t resist them.  

Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared by Thyra Heder is a picture told from a little girl’s point of view, and then from her pet turtle’s point of view. I love the dual POVs, as that is where the magic comes in. Nia gets Alfie on her sixth birthday, and he is six too. He is a good turtle, if a little quiet.  Nia taught him all kinds of tricks and kept him entertained with stories.  But on her seventh birthday Alfie disappears.  From here the story switches to Alfie’s side of the story and we see where he went and what he is doing.  I loved this part and was curious how it would all end. I thought the last page of this book was genius, and it’s important that readers look very carefully so all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. I don’t want to ruin it for you- but I know Margo missed it the first time.

Ever since we finished reading the book Margo has been on the lookout for turtles. There is a pond not far from our house- but so far- no turtles. Maybe in a few more weeks.  Until then we will be reading about them and I am sure she'll be doing her turtle impression whenever she can!

Has anyone else read Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared? Or have you read another book by Thyra Heder? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~F

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Turtle Adventure!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We're going swimming with turtles. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

The wily hare believed me beat, but my win was his defeat. Though I live in a shell, I move about slow and well. 

What am I? Answer: Turtle!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Fairday's Riddle: Way To Go Slow!

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It's fun to see them sunbathing at the pond. ~ F

The wily hare believed me beat, but my win was his defeat. Though I live in a shell, I move about slow and well. 

What am I? Stop by Friday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue! (I'm in this picture)

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

Piper is a scrapper; she collects metal and anything the meteor storms bring so she can sell them to make money for food and shelter. She’s been all alone since her father died working in a factory. When Piper goes out one night, to rescue a friend who shouldn’t be out in the meteor storm, she stumbles upon a caravan and a girl who seems injured and barely alive. Under Piper’s care the girl comes back to life and doesn’t seem to remember who she is or where she’s from. But she has the Mark of the Dragonfly, which means she is under the king’s protection. Only very important people have the tattoo.  When a strange man comes to Piper’s house asking for Anna things become more complicated. Anna is terrified of the man and keeps calling him the wolf. With some tricky maneuvering Anna and Piper make an escape and hop aboard the 401 train. Piper figures if she can get Anna back to the king she may get a reward that will give her enough to live on for the rest of her life. The security guard, G, nearly throws them off the train, but is stopped by the sight of Anna’s tattoo. They’re allowed to stay on the train. But their struggles aren’t over and the dangers are real. From people trying to kidnap them to the strange man hot on their heels, things have more twists and turns than Piper ever could’ve thought possible. Will Piper and Anna be able to out run the man? Will Anna ever remember who she is? And how will Piper deal with everything when she finds out the truth about Anna?

I have had The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson on my list of books to read for a long time! I am so glad I finally got to it because it was a fantasy story that I absolutely loved. The world Piper lives in is filled with interesting beings and magic. The adventure made the story exciting and I never knew exactly what to expect. I really liked Piper because she had a good heart and gave people a chance. I could easily see why Piper wanted to take care of Anna and their bond was very sweet. I liked seeing how G and Piper developed a respect for each other and a deep friendship. It was a unique blend of items and ideas from long ago, ones from present times, and things from the future as well. I would recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who enjoy fantasy, dystopian, adventure, and a little sci-fi as well. This is the first book in the trilogy, and now I know I’ll be looking for the second and third book! I can’t wait to see what new adventures await them.

Has anyone else read The Mark of the Dragonfly? Or have you read another book by Jaleigh Johnson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Dragonfly Magic...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We'll be dreaming on the wings of dragonflies. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

Ancient hunter under water striving for the top. Sip the air, crawl on up, exoskeleton drop. Feel of wings swishing by over shimmering ripple skim. Iridescent buzz and diamond eyes circling a brim. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Dragonfly! ✨

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Fairday's Riddle: The Brim of Change...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? They are magical to watch! ~ F

Ancient hunter under water striving for the top. Sip the air, crawl on up, exoskeleton drop. Feel of wings swishing by over shimmering ripple skim. Iridescent buzz and diamond eyes circling a brim. 

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

I gave you a clue!

A Strange Planet of Beings

Today we're featuring a unique book called Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle. My family received this book as a gift from our good friend, Larry Lovell, and I asked him if he could share his thoughts about it with us. ~ F

"Hm, hm. Hello readers of Fairday's blog. I'm Larry Lovell. Fairday asked me to send over my thoughts about the new book, Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle, and I'm happy to oblige. In my ample experience working as an investigative journalist, I've found that what connects people the most is the desire to feel understood. The short, snappy scenes presented in this clever book accurately depict the fascinating and ludicrous nature of beings being on a strange planet. Whoo boy! did some of them have me rolling. Hm, hm." 

It was my pleasure to gift the Morrows Strange Planet. I hope readers enjoy the insightful wit and emotional kinks that tie the scenes together as much as I do. I highly recommend this book to any being who knows what it's like to be human. Remember to be kind to yourself and others while living on this strange planet. Farewell, bookish beings. Hm, hm." 

Here's what the Morrows thought about 

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle!

"I catch the hook of this book. The experiences in the short scenes show the truth and humor of ordinary life. And I must note, describing vacuuming as rollsucking the foot fabric is brilliant—I've got my two year old daughter, Margo, chanting, "ROLLSUCK! ROLLSUCK!" whenever Dyson comes out to clean." ~ Mr. Morrow

"I really enjoy the interactions in this book. There are no specific characters, which leaves all of the beings relatable in some way. I think it's cool how the author conveys emotion by using logical language to point out the illogical. Plus, I agree with Mr. Lovell, this book is super funny—beings are complex!" ~ Fairday

"I am delighted by this adorable book, and I was pleased that Larry gave us the gift of this story. It's important to tap into the natural emotions that tug at our hearts and understand the connections they make in our heads. These snippet sketches tell the story of beings living together and learning to cooperate. It's a wonderful book to read together as a family." ~ Mrs. Morrow