Sunday, October 25, 2020

Elly Skelly Reads Up A Storm!

 




"Well, it sure sounds like Fairday, Lizzy, and Marcus have their work cut out for them in this case. I wonder what will happen if Alice shows up? I can't wait to dig back into the story— it really tickles my bones. Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library is the twisty follow up to The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, where Fairday finds out that her new home not only has charm, but plenty of character. The Begonia House reveals different sides, and both are wrapped in mystery. Fall into the story magic and find out about the books!" 

DMS CASE FILE #1



The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow (book 1)
Publish date: 12/1/15
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Illustrator: Roman Muradov
Ages: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3-6
Available: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED.

The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Can they piece together the puzzle before it's too late? Or will whatever's causing trouble find Fairday and her friends first?
DMS CASE FILE #2




Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library (book 2)
Publish date: 10/23/17
Publisher: Willow Press
Illustrator: David SanAngelo
Ages: 8 and up
Grade level: 3-6
Available: Hardcover, E-book



ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE
Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible. When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is devouring words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?


"I've heard a rumor that in the third book Fairday will have to figure out how to navigate her way through truth and lies. With any luck, she'll be able to see the light. Keep a keen eye out for clues from the authors about the next case, and stop by Wednesday for a bit more frightful fun with stories. Remember to consider your bones. They've been with you through it all. Until we meet again, farewell fleshy people, but of course, it's never really goodbye, is it?" 

Friday, October 23, 2020

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Feel it in Your Bones...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We'll have your bones rattling next week. Tune in for a spooky special. See you all around the book block. ~ F

See with them; they mirror sights. Smell with that; it inspires bites. Hear with those, they'll resonate vibe. Feel truth in these, they set your jibe. 

What sets your jibe? Answer: Your bones! 💀

"It's a pleasure to meet you, darlings. My name is Eleanor Skeleton—  my friends call me Elly Skelly. Fairday informs me that her readers seek a bit of frightful fun this season of scare. Well, you're in luck. I'll be hosting a spooktacular book fest here next week. Tune in Monday, and get caught in our sticky web of stories— if you dare.

Monday, October 19, 2020

Fairday's Riddle: Under Your Skin...

Hello, Riddlers! I know this Halloween season is going to be spooktacular—I can feel it in mine. 😀~ F

See with them; they mirror sights. Smell with that; it inspires bites. Hear with those, they'll resonate vibe. Feel truth in these, they set your jibe. 

What sets your jibe? Stop by Friday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!

Monday, October 5, 2020

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis

 

After Bubba has a dream in which he is told to go back through the magical vortex in his yard- he knows he and his sister, Squirt, are about to have another adventure. Using the magical shovel that took them to China, they find the opening in their yard and Bubba and Squirt sled through the hole and land in the middle of an archaeological dig. There are priceless artifacts being uncovered in the Mayan ruins. It is a surprise to them that they are there, and luckily they meet a nice girl whose father is an archaeologist working on the site, and she quickly becomes their friend. They find everything that's happening very interesting, but are upset to learn that someone is stealing the treasures being uncovered. Who is it?  Not long after they arrive Bubba enters the woods and encounters the Tate Duende  (a magical creature) by himself. Magic is in the air and strange things start happening.  Is there really such magic? What secrets are hidden in the Mayans ruins? Will Bubba and Squirt ever figure out all the details? Travel back in time with this brother and sister team to discover exactly what happened.  

After reading Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China I was excited to read the sequel Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis. If you enjoyed book one, then you will definitely love book two. Bubba and Squirt are a brother and sister with a relationship that is easy to relate to because sometimes they like each other, and sometimes they drive each other crazy! Of course, when it comes down to it they always have each other's backs. The setting for the book was great, as I have always been curious about what it’s like to be on an archeological dig. It was easy to picture the ruins and what the artifcats looked like. I learned a lot while reading about this mystery, and I hadn’t heard of Tate Duende, but it was fascinating to learn about a new being and it sparked me to do some research! The magic that was sprinkled in was a lot of fun! Extra information is included at the end with some history and recipes. I enjoyed this adventure and look forward to reading more stories about these two adventurers. I recommend this book to anyone age 8 and up. 

Bubba and Squirt’s Big Adventure Website.

Learn more about Sherry Ellis here.

For more about the series and to order either or both books go here.

Have you read Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure? Or have you read another book by Sherry Ellis? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading!

~L

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


Friday, October 2, 2020

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Digging Deep...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We'll be digging through history next week. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you around the book block. ~ F


Finding things is my jam—ancient pot or crumbling dam. Far and wide my eyes do seek for that which earth permits to leak. Digs in time mark the spots where I find these secret lots, and when I learn what they are, history will raise the bar. 

What am I? Answer: Archaeologist!

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Fairday's Riddle: Unearthing Matter...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It must be exciting to do this. ~ F

Finding things is my jam—ancient pot or crumbling dam. Far and wide my eyes do seek for that which earth permits to leak. Digs in time mark the spots where I find these secret lots, and when I learn what they are, history will raise the bar. 

What am I? Stop by Friday for the answer

I gave you a clue!


Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Margo's Musings: Will Stone and Stick Stay Together?

We're still getting curbside pickup from our local library, and we feel so lucky. Our librarians chose awesome books for us to check out. 

Stick and Stone was written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Just looking at the cover we knew it was going to be a good book. Stick and Stone is so cute! What a team.


Stick and Stone are both alone and then they become friends. When pine cone is being prickly and mean to Stone, Stick stands up for him and helps make the situation better.  

Don’t we all like to have friends who have our back? 

When a storm hits, things get rough for Stick and Stone, and they're separated. Readers won’t be disappointed when they find out how the two are reunited. Adorable! 

It’s a book that can be read quickly and enjoyed by people of all ages. You'll turn the last page and feel your heart swell with happiness. 


Stick and Stone is a book that tells its story with a simplicity that tugs at your heart. The illustrations are super fun and appealing.The book's message is about friendship. It’s nice to have buddies that stick up for you. 

Margo and I loved seeing the character’s facial expressions, and we enjoyed their adventures. During the storm Margo was saying, “Oh, no! Oh, no! Be careful!” Even though the storm causes problems, things end well, because in a tight spot, friends help us out. This book was a winner for us. Now Margo has been playing with sticks and stones in the yard, making up her own stories. We look forward to reading more books by this author and illustrator.  


Has anyone else read Stick and Stone? Or have you read another book written by Beth Ferry or illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~F