Margo's Musings: Why Did the Snail Cross the Road?

Sometimes we spy snails in my dad's garden. My little sister, Margo, loves them and always stops to talk to them. So, I wasn't surprised when we made our weekly trip to the library and Margo ran over to Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor and snatched it up. She hugged it right to her chest with a wide smile. 

In the story, Snail see delicious looking cabbage across the road. It looks far, but Snail isn't about to let that stop him. He scoots off. It's hard work crossing the road, and Snail needs to rest. There's a loud rumbling and the road shakes, but he's okay. Some antsy ants want Snail to move out of their way, and then it starts to rain. Of course, Snail offers them shelter in his shell, and they all have a nice chat about things that make them antsy, like cabbage. Once the weather clears Snail is back on his way- but there are even more obstacles in his way. Will Snail make it to the cabbage? 

This was such a wonderful story. The illustrations are just perfect for the storyline! Margo was rooting for Snail the whole time. I love that Snail moved at his own pace and didn't let his goal of delicious cabbage prevent him from showing kindness to other creatures who needed his help. The story was short and sweet, but showed us about friendship, determination, and perseverance. I would love to have tea inside Snail's shell! It looks so cozy. We have already read this book a couple times and added our own Snail Crossing sign out in the garden. I am sure after reading this Margo will be bringing gifts to the snails out in the garden to help them.

Has anyone else read Snail Crossing? Or have you read another book by Corey R. Tabor? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~ F

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Slow, Steady, and Slimy...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Tune in next week to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

My front door is my back; my foot's below my belly sack. I keep a slow, steady pace; I'm not going to win the race. I like it moist, soft, and warm. I goop around bugs and thorns. Garden greens are a treat. I may be slimy, but I'm surely neat! 

What am I? Answer: Snail!

Fairday's Riddle: Something's Afoot...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess the answer? Margo loves spotting them. ~F

My front door is my back; my foot's below my belly sack. I keep a slow, steady pace; I'm not going to win the race. I like it moist, soft, and warm. I goop around bugs and thorns. Garden greens are a treat. I may be slimy, but I'm surely neat! 

What am I? Stop by Sunday for the answer

I gave you a clue!

Lines, Lines Everywhere...

On the topic of lines- I love twisted lines; swirls and spirals on the diagonal. Lines have the power to enchant the eye. After all, lines can tell stories, make shapes, spell words, squiggle nonsense, catch fish, evoke emotion, mark positions, make measurements, direct traffic, create art, plus so much more. Everything is a line! How fascinating that we're able to play with them in such interesting and unique ways. Here's my creative tribute to the line~~~

Story Lines

Pencil Lines

"Swan Boat"

"Over Possibility Bridge"

"Friends"

Paint Lines

"Curlicue"

"Element"

"Energy Flow"

Paper Lines

"Piekne Place"

"Under the Sea"

"Jungle Jewels"

Copper Lines

"Mermaid"

"Faerie"

"Ballerina"

Microscopic Lines

Lines define our myth in matter.

Artwork by Jess Haight

Cottagefive.com

Margo's Musings: Lines? Scribbles? Both?

As soon as we walked into our town library, my little sister, Margo, was drawn to a table with award nominees on it. She looked and pointed at a few and then spotted Line and Scribble written by Debora Vogrig and illustrated by Pia Valentinis. Margo grabbed it off the table and tucked it under her arm. I have to admit I was curious about it too. 

When we got home and started reading it together, we both loved it. The story involves Line and Scribble. As the story is told we see the different things each can draw or do. Sometimes we see them used to create the same object, but with their own style (like the cover). I especially love when the two friends start joining together and creating artwork that is a mix of both of them. Margo thought the pictures were fun and sometimes funny, while I was also thinking about the relationship between Line and Scribble. Definitely a clever book. The style draws your eyes in, and I especially like the red accents that could be found on the pages. 

I like that this is a book that can be read over and over again because it is both simple and complex. I would definitely recommend Line and Scribble to kids who like a great story and who like draw. I know the story inspired Margo and me to do some drawings with different styles. This was definitely an awesome find at the library. Now I will have to check back to see if it wins the award it was nominated for! 

Has anyone else read Line and Scribble? Or have you read another book written by Debora Vogrig or illustrated by Pia Valentinis? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Creating Lines...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers. We'll be casting our lines for fun. Tune in next week to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

You can cast one out or pick one up, drop one over a coffee cup. Twist it here, swirl it there, lead it almost anywhere. There's nothing much for you to see until it's known what it will be. Stretch it on or zig zag through; it serves its purpose on your cue.  

What is it? Answer: Line. 

Fairday's Riddles: Tow the...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess the riddle answer? I love playing with them in different ways to create new things. ~ F

You can cast one out or pick one up, drop one over a coffee cup. Twist it here, swirl it there, lead it almost anywhere. There's nothing much for you to see until it's known what it will be. Stretch it on or zig zag through; it serves its purpose on your cue.  

What is it? Stop by at the end of the week for the answer.

I gave you a clue!