Pamela's bookshelf: problem-solving en-US Sun, 11 May 2025 13:42:07 -0700 60 Pamela's bookshelf: problem-solving 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5)]]> 4556058
While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.]]> 381 Rick Riordan 1423101472 Pamela 5
There were five places that I had to back up and read again either because I was delighted with the results or I needed to reverify what I had just read. I don't want to give away any details because you need to read it for yourself.

]]> 4.59 2009 The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/11
date added: 2025/05/11
shelves: fantasy, adventure, quest, war, heroes, good-vs-evil, greek-mythology, friends, alliances, problem-solving, young-adult-fiction
review:
This is the best title in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series -- but you have to read through all the books to enjoy the complexity of this book. An emotional roller coaster ride of adventure and relationships as the last book in the series brings together all the mysteries that the series has presented from book one.

There were five places that I had to back up and read again either because I was delighted with the results or I needed to reverify what I had just read. I don't want to give away any details because you need to read it for yourself.


]]> <![CDATA[The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)]]> 8130423 In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth - a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn.]]> 361 Rick Riordan Pamela 3
But it did introduce a new character which became a favorite for me -- Mrs. O'Leary.

So read this one fast and move on to the 5th and last in the series - The Last Olympian -- because its fast pace and story reveals makes up for the slow pace of The Battle of the Labyrinth.]]> 4.44 2008 The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/11
date added: 2025/05/11
shelves: adventure, prophecy, quest, problem-solving, friends, maze, good-vs-evil, dreams
review:
This is the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I really like the series but this volume was not one of my favorite. There are lots of dream sequences that Percy has during the book -- I was getting tired of these near the end -- however, they were necessary to provide information about characters and events that the reader needs to know.

But it did introduce a new character which became a favorite for me -- Mrs. O'Leary.

So read this one fast and move on to the 5th and last in the series - The Last Olympian -- because its fast pace and story reveals makes up for the slow pace of The Battle of the Labyrinth.
]]> <![CDATA[The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3)]]> 561456
But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh, and guess what? The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive...]]> 352 Rick Riordan Pamela 5
A very quick read with returning characters as well as new ones -- lots of action and surprises -- humor and disappointments. Just keep reading the titles - so good.]]> 4.37 2007 The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: myths, greek-mythology, problem-solving, survival, quest, adventure, tween-fiction, heroes, friends
review:
The Titan's Curse is the third title of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series that sets the world of Greek mythology in the world of today. The gods are still petty and there are still heroes that are needed to put the world back in order.

A very quick read with returning characters as well as new ones -- lots of action and surprises -- humor and disappointments. Just keep reading the titles - so good.
]]> <![CDATA[The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1)]]> 28187 Alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse - Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena - Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.]]> 377 Rick Riordan 0786838655 Pamela 5
The basic principal of the series is that the Greek gods of mythology do exist and they exist in our world today. And they are still having relations with humans producing demi-gods or what is known as half-bloods that at the age that their powers start to materialize they are drawn to Camp Half-Blood where they are protected from the monsters that want to destroy them while they are learning the skills that will protect them and possibly make them heroes.

Percy Jackson has no idea that he is a half-blood - never understanding why he gets into so much trouble in school and why trouble always seems to find him. Percy is in 6th grade and on a field trip when things start spiraling out of control faster than usual -- the monsters of the mythology world can smell there is something different about him. It is his friend Grover that has been assigned to get him to Camp Half-Blood and safety. Things don't go so well to plan providing an action-filled road trip and the action doesn't stop until the end of the book.

As Percy is learning who he is and how he fits into his world and the world of Greek mythology -- he is assigned a quest from the Oracle:
You shall go west, and face the god who has turned .
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned.
You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.

So Percy sets off on his quest with two friends to help him (Grover, who turns out to be a satyr, and new friend Annabeth, daughter of Athena)-- to find and return Zeus's lightning bolt that has been stolen from Mount Olympus. And he must do it within the next few days -- before the solstice to stop the gods from going to war and destroying the world as we know it.]]> 4.31 2005 The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/23
shelves: myths, teachers, school, adventure, fantasy, identity, guardian, dyslexia, family, dysfunctional-family, survival, 6th-grade, quest, greek-mythology, problem-solving, prophecy, camp
review:
This is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I have read this book before and remembered I had liked it very much -- so I wanted to read it again to see if I still liked it. I gave it 5 stars -- it did not disappoint. The action and characters kept me wanting to read and before long I was done with this one and on to the next title in the series : THE SEA OF MONSTERS.

The basic principal of the series is that the Greek gods of mythology do exist and they exist in our world today. And they are still having relations with humans producing demi-gods or what is known as half-bloods that at the age that their powers start to materialize they are drawn to Camp Half-Blood where they are protected from the monsters that want to destroy them while they are learning the skills that will protect them and possibly make them heroes.

Percy Jackson has no idea that he is a half-blood - never understanding why he gets into so much trouble in school and why trouble always seems to find him. Percy is in 6th grade and on a field trip when things start spiraling out of control faster than usual -- the monsters of the mythology world can smell there is something different about him. It is his friend Grover that has been assigned to get him to Camp Half-Blood and safety. Things don't go so well to plan providing an action-filled road trip and the action doesn't stop until the end of the book.

As Percy is learning who he is and how he fits into his world and the world of Greek mythology -- he is assigned a quest from the Oracle:
You shall go west, and face the god who has turned .
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned.
You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.

So Percy sets off on his quest with two friends to help him (Grover, who turns out to be a satyr, and new friend Annabeth, daughter of Athena)-- to find and return Zeus's lightning bolt that has been stolen from Mount Olympus. And he must do it within the next few days -- before the solstice to stop the gods from going to war and destroying the world as we know it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2)]]> 40727118
But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: The magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters--the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millenia--only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name...the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends--Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson--must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family--one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.]]> 279 Rick Riordan 0120000318 Pamela 5
Another school year has gone by and Percy has almost made it to the end without any major mishaps. That is until some new students show up to a dodgeball game and things turn deadly. Camp Half-Blood friend, Annabeth, arrives suddenly to help Percy defeat the monsters and to share news that bad things are happening at camp. The tree that protects the borders of Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned and is dying. The new quest is to save the tree -- but the quest is given to Clarisse, daughter of Ares. Neither Percy nor Annabeth has confidence in Clarisse to succeed -- plus Percy has been plagued with dreams that their friend Grover is in trouble. So Percy and Annabeth secretly leave Camp to rescue Grover and to find the one thing that can heal the tree and save the Camp.

]]> 4.24 2006 The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/23
shelves: greek-mythology, school, camp, adventure, fantasy, friends, dyslexia, brothers, family, survival, problem-solving, quest, prophecy
review:
This is the second book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series which is at least 100 pages smaller than the first -- but the action doesn't slow down and in fact leaves a cliffhanger ending.

Another school year has gone by and Percy has almost made it to the end without any major mishaps. That is until some new students show up to a dodgeball game and things turn deadly. Camp Half-Blood friend, Annabeth, arrives suddenly to help Percy defeat the monsters and to share news that bad things are happening at camp. The tree that protects the borders of Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned and is dying. The new quest is to save the tree -- but the quest is given to Clarisse, daughter of Ares. Neither Percy nor Annabeth has confidence in Clarisse to succeed -- plus Percy has been plagued with dreams that their friend Grover is in trouble. So Percy and Annabeth secretly leave Camp to rescue Grover and to find the one thing that can heal the tree and save the Camp.


]]> <![CDATA[Very Valentine (Valentine, #1)]]> 3673357 Very Valentine sweeps the reader from the streets of Manhattan to the picturesque hills of la bella Italia.]]> 371 Adriana Trigiani 0061257052 Pamela 3
I was fascinated with the creativity of Valentine and her passion to keep the family business in operation and push them into the 21st century. The description of the shoes, the handcrafting process, and the history of the designs is a compelling piece of this story.

Another strong draw for me is the building as a character -- I would love to walk through this building, no take that back, I would love to live and work in this building. The old building serves as business and home and conflict as family decides what to do with it. NOTE: See the picture of Grandfather Carlo Bonicelli, shoemaker at the beginning of the book.

Reminiscent of the movie -- My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Slow start with the wedding but necessary to set-up the background story and the family dynamic. First book in a trilogy continuing with Brava, Valentine (c2010).

My favorite part of the book is when the movie people arrive at the shop expecting the Angelini Shoe Company to fix the shoe being highlighted in their film. The awe and appreciation on their faces as they learn about the shoes and select the new star of the picture always makes me smile. Sequel: Brava, Valentine (c2010)

Reread 11.2024 -- I came across this book again and decided to read again because I had fond memories of the first time I read this. The second time around, I found it rather boring in plot and rushed through the book only stopping when the book talked about the two things most on my memory -- the building and the shoes. To me both the building and the shoes are characters in and of themselves.

For example the description of the Angelini Shoe Company workshop on pages 55-58..."The bay windows that face the West Side Highway create an old-fashioned storefront, turning us into a kind of aquarium for passerby who observe us as we work."]]> 3.80 2009 Very Valentine (Valentine, #1)
author: Adriana Trigiani
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: apprentice, family, generations, grandmothers, new-york-city, problem-solving, range9, romance, shoes, siblings, inventions
review:
A colorful cast of characters in this story of an extended Italian-American family. Set in a current day Manhattan, this story spans 100 years of history of the Angelini Shoe Company which is now threatened by closure due to financial problems. Valentine, 33 years old, is apprentice to her Grandmother, Teodora, and must find a way to bring the family’s old world-craftsmanship into the 21st century. Her love for the business comes through as she problem solves to create a new design for mass production, learn new crafting skills that will separate them from competitors, and develop her business sense to keep the business and her livelihood intact. She is also diverted by her father’s bout with cancer, her brother’s desire to sell the business, and her budding relationship with Italian chef Roman and romantic interests of Gianluca, an Italian leather craftsman.

I was fascinated with the creativity of Valentine and her passion to keep the family business in operation and push them into the 21st century. The description of the shoes, the handcrafting process, and the history of the designs is a compelling piece of this story.

Another strong draw for me is the building as a character -- I would love to walk through this building, no take that back, I would love to live and work in this building. The old building serves as business and home and conflict as family decides what to do with it. NOTE: See the picture of Grandfather Carlo Bonicelli, shoemaker at the beginning of the book.

Reminiscent of the movie -- My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Slow start with the wedding but necessary to set-up the background story and the family dynamic. First book in a trilogy continuing with Brava, Valentine (c2010).

My favorite part of the book is when the movie people arrive at the shop expecting the Angelini Shoe Company to fix the shoe being highlighted in their film. The awe and appreciation on their faces as they learn about the shoes and select the new star of the picture always makes me smile. Sequel: Brava, Valentine (c2010)

Reread 11.2024 -- I came across this book again and decided to read again because I had fond memories of the first time I read this. The second time around, I found it rather boring in plot and rushed through the book only stopping when the book talked about the two things most on my memory -- the building and the shoes. To me both the building and the shoes are characters in and of themselves.

For example the description of the Angelini Shoe Company workshop on pages 55-58..."The bay windows that face the West Side Highway create an old-fashioned storefront, turning us into a kind of aquarium for passerby who observe us as we work."
]]> Once a Spy (Spy #1) 7154243
When Charlie Clark takes a break from his latest losing streak at the track to bring Drummond back to his Brooklyn home, they find it blown sky high—and then bullets start flying in every direction. At first, Charlie thinks his Russian “creditors� are employing aggressive collection tactics. But once Drummond effortlessly hot-wires a car as their escape vehicle, Charlie begins to suspect there’s much more to his father than meets the eye. He soon discovers that Drummond’s unremarkable career as an appliance salesman was actually a clever cover for an elaborate plan to sell would-be terrorists faulty nuclear detonators. Drummond’s intricate knowledge of the “device� is extremely dangerous information to have rattling around in an Alzheimer’s-addled brain. The CIA wants to “contain� him--and so do some other shady characters who send Charlie and Drummond on a wild chase that gives “father and son quality time� a whole new meaning.

With Once a Spy, Keith Thomson makes his debut on the thriller stage with energy, wit, and style to spare.


From the Hardcover edition.]]> 325 Keith Thomson 0385530781 Pamela 4
I read this book when it was first published and liked it. Someone asked about a recommendation for a guy to read that didn't like to read -- this book came to mind. However, since it had been a long time since I had actually read the book and I was just relying on old memories, I decided to track it down on the internet, buy it, and refresh my memory. I still liked it.

The first chapter is OK - the next few that introduce the son are very slow -- but hang in there because once it starts going it doesn't stop. This is one of the few books that I read straight through not stopping to make notes or anything so I don't have specifics to talk about.

The fast action adventure story is fast and in my mind would make an awesome movie -- Father played by Anthony Hopkins, Mother played by Helen Mirren, and Son played by Bruce Willis.

I didn't like the ending, but it did leave it open to a sequel...which I guess was written because ŷ shows this title as #1 in a series.]]> 3.73 2010 Once a Spy (Spy #1)
author: Keith Thomson
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/10/07
shelves: 105-books-that-i-really-like, spy, alzheimers, father-and-sons, fathers, jobs, assassins, suspense, adventure, problem-solving
review:
What happens when one of your top spies develops Alzheimer's and becomes a threat to national security? That is the main story of ONCE A SPY.

I read this book when it was first published and liked it. Someone asked about a recommendation for a guy to read that didn't like to read -- this book came to mind. However, since it had been a long time since I had actually read the book and I was just relying on old memories, I decided to track it down on the internet, buy it, and refresh my memory. I still liked it.

The first chapter is OK - the next few that introduce the son are very slow -- but hang in there because once it starts going it doesn't stop. This is one of the few books that I read straight through not stopping to make notes or anything so I don't have specifics to talk about.

The fast action adventure story is fast and in my mind would make an awesome movie -- Father played by Anthony Hopkins, Mother played by Helen Mirren, and Son played by Bruce Willis.

I didn't like the ending, but it did leave it open to a sequel...which I guess was written because ŷ shows this title as #1 in a series.
]]> <![CDATA[Charlie Bumpers vs. the Really Nice Gnome]]> 23116078 Charlie Bumpers wants to play the bad guy in the class play, but his teacher Mrs. Burke has other ideas.

Charlie Bumpers has his heart set on playing the role of the evil Sorcerer in the fourth-grade play. But his dreams of villainous stardom go up in smoke when he finds out that Mrs. Burke has cast him as the Nice Gnome! Determined to rectify this terrible injustice, Charlie concocts one plan after another, but nothing seems to work.

To make matters worse, his dad has assigned chores to all the kids in the family, and Charlie's job is walking Ginger—the diggiest, sniffiest, and poopiest dog in the universe. Can Charlie deal with these challenges without causing havoc all around him?

Black and white illustrations throughout.]]> 160 Bill Harley 1561458317 Pamela 4
OK read, slow start, but love the ending. #2 in Charlie Bumpers series. I have not read the first in the series.]]> 3.98 2014 Charlie Bumpers vs. the Really Nice Gnome
author: Bill Harley
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/03
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves: range6, school, play, problem-solving, responsibility, decisions, embarrassment
review:
I read this recently but didn't keep detailed notes as I usually do -- so this will be a short review. The story started a little slow but I like the ending. Charlie Bumpers class is putting on a really cool play about an Evil Sorcerer and an Enchanted Castle -- but Charlie is embarrassed when he is given the role of The Nice Gnome. Charlie comes up with lots of excuses and creative maneuvers in an attempt to be something - ANYTHING - other than The Nice Gnome.

OK read, slow start, but love the ending. #2 in Charlie Bumpers series. I have not read the first in the series.
]]> Swindle (Swindle, #1) 1653655 After a mean collector named Swindle cons him out of his most valuable baseball card, Griffin Bing must put together a band of misfits to break into Swindle's compound and recapture the card. There are many things standing in their way -- a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and their general inability to drive -- but Griffin and his team are going to get back what's rightfully his . . . even if hijinks ensue.
This is Gordon Korman at his crowd-pleasing best, perfect for readers who like to hoot, howl, and heist.]]> 256 Gordon Korman 0439903440 Pamela 5
I love a description that I found about the book the said - "Ocean 11 - with 11-year olds" which is a perfect description.]]> 3.96 2008 Swindle (Swindle, #1)
author: Gordon Korman
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/03
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves: adventure, trading-cards, dogs, security, thief, problem-solving, teamwork, money, character, juvenile-fiction, range5
review:
This review is going to be short because I didn't take detailed notes like I usually do when reading a book -- that is because I was too busy trying to keep up with the fast pace and twisting plots. -- The title has been on my radar of titles to be read for a long time I just never got around to reading it until I found a free copy outside of a local thrift store -- Now I want to read them all.

I love a description that I found about the book the said - "Ocean 11 - with 11-year olds" which is a perfect description.
]]> <![CDATA[Al Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz, #1)]]> 89716 225 Gennifer Choldenko Pamela 5
The interaction between Moose and Natalie is the main focus of the story. Natalie is special and Moose feels very protective of her around strangers. The relationship between Moose and Natalie grows as her behavior changes and normalizes through her special education classes. One of the most memorable scenes in the book is when Moose is trying to keep Natalie in the apartment and it brings on one of her fits and in the end they both understand each other a little better.

The one thing missing from this book is responsible adults. Moose’s parents are so absorbed with Natalie and making money to support the family that they forget to be parents to Moose. It also seems the rest of the kids on the island have little parental supervision which gets them into trouble often. However, without the troubles the story wouldn’t have much excitement.

Al Capone is in the title, but really is not a character in this book. They talk about him and allude to his presence, but the book is about the kids living on Alcatraz. However, book number two in the series, AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES, provides a closer look at the prisoners themselves.]]> 3.84 2004 Al Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz, #1)
author: Gennifer Choldenko
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 2013/06/26
date added: 2023/05/25
shelves: alcatraz, autism, babysitting, baseball, buildings, communication, criminals, family, famous-people, fathers, father-and-sons, friends, historical-fiction, islands, law-enforcement, disabilities, prisoners, problem-solving, range6, rules, school, siblings, tween-fiction, want-to-buy, 999-recommendations
review:
The main character is Moose Flannigan, 7th grader, who is dragged to Alcatraz for the benefit of his sister getting into a specialized school. Moose is a very likeable character obsessed with baseball and finds it frustrating when he can’t play ball because he has to babysit his older sister.

The interaction between Moose and Natalie is the main focus of the story. Natalie is special and Moose feels very protective of her around strangers. The relationship between Moose and Natalie grows as her behavior changes and normalizes through her special education classes. One of the most memorable scenes in the book is when Moose is trying to keep Natalie in the apartment and it brings on one of her fits and in the end they both understand each other a little better.

The one thing missing from this book is responsible adults. Moose’s parents are so absorbed with Natalie and making money to support the family that they forget to be parents to Moose. It also seems the rest of the kids on the island have little parental supervision which gets them into trouble often. However, without the troubles the story wouldn’t have much excitement.

Al Capone is in the title, but really is not a character in this book. They talk about him and allude to his presence, but the book is about the kids living on Alcatraz. However, book number two in the series, AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES, provides a closer look at the prisoners themselves.
]]> <![CDATA[The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, #3)]]> 127823
]]> 266 John Flanagan 0399244565 Pamela 4
The book is divided into two storylines. The first being of Will and Evanlyn as they travel the sea with the Skandians who have kidnapped them as bounty and will sell them as slaves. Their friendship grows as they learn to rely on each other for survival. When they finally make it to their destination, they are split-up and Evanlyn finds hard work in the kitchen and Will tries to survive in the cold frozen landscape as a yard slave. The other slaves seeing Will's strength and determination get him addicted to warmwood where he becomes groggy and slow-witted and his body starts to wither. It is only with the help of Erak, the one who enslaved them, that they make their escape to the wilderness cabin in the mountains to wait out winter and plan their escape. Evanlyn slowly weeds Will off the drug hoping that he will return to his former self.

The second storyline is of Halt and Horace and their determination to fulfill Halt's promise to rescue Will. Halt pushes the King into a corner and is banished from the kingdom for one year. This gives Halt the freedom to travel north in hopes of finding and rescuing Will and Evanlyn from the Skandians. They run into several delays including a black-clad, evil knight that takes them prisoner while deciding what to do with them. They bid their time while waiting for the mountain passes to thaw and finally come up with a plan to bring justice to this evil warlord and continue on their quest to find their friends.

The series needs to be read in order. There is lots of action, some violence, but no strong language. Good read for any fantasy lovers especially those of LOTR.]]> 4.24 2005 The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, #3)
author: John Flanagan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2017/08/03
date added: 2023/04/23
shelves: abuse, addiction, bullies, cunning, ethics, fantasy, good-vs-evil, kidnapping, military-fort, prisoners, problem-solving, range6, rescue, rich-people, slavery, stranded, warlord, 999-recommendations
review:
The third installment of the Ranger's Apprentice -- Summary: Chasing the Skandian slave-traders who kidnapped Will and Evanlyn, Ranger Halt and warrior student Horace find themselves in the frozen northern islands, where they battle a ruthless black-clad knight as they attempt to rescue their friends.

The book is divided into two storylines. The first being of Will and Evanlyn as they travel the sea with the Skandians who have kidnapped them as bounty and will sell them as slaves. Their friendship grows as they learn to rely on each other for survival. When they finally make it to their destination, they are split-up and Evanlyn finds hard work in the kitchen and Will tries to survive in the cold frozen landscape as a yard slave. The other slaves seeing Will's strength and determination get him addicted to warmwood where he becomes groggy and slow-witted and his body starts to wither. It is only with the help of Erak, the one who enslaved them, that they make their escape to the wilderness cabin in the mountains to wait out winter and plan their escape. Evanlyn slowly weeds Will off the drug hoping that he will return to his former self.

The second storyline is of Halt and Horace and their determination to fulfill Halt's promise to rescue Will. Halt pushes the King into a corner and is banished from the kingdom for one year. This gives Halt the freedom to travel north in hopes of finding and rescuing Will and Evanlyn from the Skandians. They run into several delays including a black-clad, evil knight that takes them prisoner while deciding what to do with them. They bid their time while waiting for the mountain passes to thaw and finally come up with a plan to bring justice to this evil warlord and continue on their quest to find their friends.

The series needs to be read in order. There is lots of action, some violence, but no strong language. Good read for any fantasy lovers especially those of LOTR.
]]> <![CDATA[Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School #1)]]> 23657454
Cardinal rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them.

On her first day at her new school, Penelope--Peppi--Torres reminds herself of these basics. But when she trips into a quiet boy in the hall, Jaime Thompson, she's already broken the first rule, and the mean kids start calling her the "nerder girlfriend." How does she handle this crisis? By shoving poor Jaime and running away!

Falling back on rule two and surrounding herself with new friends in the art club, Peppi still can't help feeling ashamed about the way she treated Jaime. Things are already awkward enough between the two, but to make matters worse, he's a member of her own club's archrivals--the science club! And when the two clubs go to war, Peppi realizes that sometimes you have to break the rules to survive middle school!]]> 224 Svetlana Chmakova 0316381306 Pamela 4
Peppi is the new girl in school and in the first few minutes of arriving at the new school -- she trips and falls and drops all of her books and papers which results in her being targeted by the school bullies. A boy her same age stops to help her and in in the midst of so much embarrassment, Peppi shoves him and runs away. She is then consumed by guilt of what she has done and agonizes over the event for a very long time until she finally makes amends finding that she has made a new friend, Jaimie.

No two families are the same and we get a close look at three of them in this story. One of the families is very dysfunctional to the point the child refers to her parents as "parental units" and the father doesn't talk about the mother kindly and in the end the mother and daughter packs up and leaves the situation leaving our main character Peppi sad and confused.

Even the two main teachers (art and science) seem to be a little dysfunctional leaving one to wonder who is looking out for these kids and who is teaching them how to grow up and be functional adults...and why you are wondering -- the kids seem to find the solutions for themselves.

I still enjoyed the book and will be interested in reading the next titles in the series and see what happens.]]> 4.16 2015 Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School #1)
author: Svetlana Chmakova
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2023/03/28
date added: 2023/04/02
shelves: school, bullies, tutoring, club, science, art, friends, communication, teamwork, teachers, field-trip, geocaching, astronomy, family, accident, apology, competition, graphic-novel, problem-solving, caudill-book-selection, want-to-buy, tween-fiction, 999-recommendations, middle-school, newspaper, comics
review:
I read this a few years ago and liked it but did not do a review at that time. So, I took the time to read it again and it was still good but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it as much as the first time through it - but still a good selection for middle school readers and those who like graphic novels.

Peppi is the new girl in school and in the first few minutes of arriving at the new school -- she trips and falls and drops all of her books and papers which results in her being targeted by the school bullies. A boy her same age stops to help her and in in the midst of so much embarrassment, Peppi shoves him and runs away. She is then consumed by guilt of what she has done and agonizes over the event for a very long time until she finally makes amends finding that she has made a new friend, Jaimie.

No two families are the same and we get a close look at three of them in this story. One of the families is very dysfunctional to the point the child refers to her parents as "parental units" and the father doesn't talk about the mother kindly and in the end the mother and daughter packs up and leaves the situation leaving our main character Peppi sad and confused.

Even the two main teachers (art and science) seem to be a little dysfunctional leaving one to wonder who is looking out for these kids and who is teaching them how to grow up and be functional adults...and why you are wondering -- the kids seem to find the solutions for themselves.

I still enjoyed the book and will be interested in reading the next titles in the series and see what happens.
]]> Project Hail Mary 54493401
Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.

Or does he?]]> 476 Andy Weir 0593135202 Pamela 3
I would pick up the book and read a few pages and then the next day read a few more pages. Again I liked the character and the way his mind worked -- but I just got bored with the story itself. So I quit reading it -- I did enjoy listening to the book discussion but didn't feel like I needed to finish the book myself.]]> 4.49 2021 Project Hail Mary
author: Andy Weir
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2023/01/17
date added: 2023/01/17
shelves: science-fiction, aliens, space-travel, microbes, friends, book-club, science, teachers, scientists, space, problem-solving
review:
This book was selected for a book club discussion and it was already on my "want to read" list. I started it and really like the character of Ryland Grace, a scientist that was kicked out of the academic community for an article he wrote. Now he teaches science to kids, a job he enjoys and the kids enjoy as well. He is approached by a government representative to help with a project to save the sun which becomes the basic story line. Although a science-fiction book with many scientific components, the science is kept to a level that can be understood by anyone. The book does have lots of little science facts -- my favorite was why there is mesh across the door of the microwave.

I would pick up the book and read a few pages and then the next day read a few more pages. Again I liked the character and the way his mind worked -- but I just got bored with the story itself. So I quit reading it -- I did enjoy listening to the book discussion but didn't feel like I needed to finish the book myself.
]]> <![CDATA[Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]> 6662883 208 Eric Shanower 0785129219 Pamela 4
]]> 4.09 2009 Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
author: Eric Shanower
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2015/07/13
date added: 2022/08/17
shelves: adventure, courage, homesick, friends, pet, problem-solving, quest, graphic-novel, road-trip, witch-wizard, shoes, scarecrow, range5, 999-recommendations
review:
Twenty-four pages of brilliantly illustrated story that cleverly tells the complete version in very few words. Mind you this is the real version of the story and not the Hollywood version. Having just finished the original classic version, I found that the key elements of the story and the direct statements needed to bring the points of the story across were featured in this Volume One edition of eight volume set. A great way to introduce this classic story to young readers. Can't wait to read the rest of the set. Did I mention the entire book was only 24 pages of great illustrations. Part of the Spotlight series from Marvel Imprints distributed by Abdo. Great for libraries of classrooms.


]]> <![CDATA[What Do You Do With a Problem?]]> 28863341 What Do You Do With an Idea? comes a new book to encourage you to look closely at problems and discover the possibilities they can hold.

What do you do with a problem? Especially one that follows you around and doesn't seem to be going away? Do you worry about it? Ignore it? Do you run and hide from it?

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.

This is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It's a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it's here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem� and yourself.

What are problems for? They challenge us, shape us, push us, and help us to discover just how strong and brave and capable we really are. Even though we don't always want them, problems have a way of bringing unexpected gifts.

So, what will you do with your problem? Now that's up to you.]]> 36 Kobi Yamada 1943200009 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: What do you do with a problem? Especially one that follows you around and doesn't seem to be going away? Do you worry about it? Ignore it? Do you run and hide from it?

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.

This is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It's a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it's here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem� and yourself. (Bookjacket)

FORMAT: The illustrations at the beginning are detailed but in grayscale colors (dark and dreary) as the problem gets bigger and bigger. Once the young boy decides to face his problem and comes up with a solution the images change to include more colors primarily yellow and oranges (bright and cheery).

REVIEW: Nice visual presentation about problems and how they affect us and how we should deal with them. This is a book written for all ages -- and I think one that adults would get much benefit out of as well. "Every problem has an opportunity for something good. You just have to look for it." (page 37).

MATCH WITH: There is an Alligator Under My Bed / by Mercer Mayer

SIMILAR TO: Companion title by same author/illustrator/publisher -- What Do You Do with an Idea?]]> 4.39 2016 What Do You Do With a Problem?
author: Kobi Yamada
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/22
date added: 2022/06/10
shelves: fear, problem-solving, range10, courage, 999-recommendations
review:
What Do You Do With a Problem / written by Kobi Yamada; illustrated by Mae Besom -- Seattle, WA : Compendium, c2016. (40 pages) RANGE 10 -- CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR ADULTS

SUMMARY: What do you do with a problem? Especially one that follows you around and doesn't seem to be going away? Do you worry about it? Ignore it? Do you run and hide from it?

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.

This is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It's a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it's here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem� and yourself. (Bookjacket)

FORMAT: The illustrations at the beginning are detailed but in grayscale colors (dark and dreary) as the problem gets bigger and bigger. Once the young boy decides to face his problem and comes up with a solution the images change to include more colors primarily yellow and oranges (bright and cheery).

REVIEW: Nice visual presentation about problems and how they affect us and how we should deal with them. This is a book written for all ages -- and I think one that adults would get much benefit out of as well. "Every problem has an opportunity for something good. You just have to look for it." (page 37).

MATCH WITH: There is an Alligator Under My Bed / by Mercer Mayer

SIMILAR TO: Companion title by same author/illustrator/publisher -- What Do You Do with an Idea?
]]> <![CDATA[The Royal Ranger (Ranger's Apprentice #12 Ranger's Apprentice: The Royal Ranger #1)]]> 17465470
It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse.

Training a rebellious, unwilling apprentice is hard enough. But when a routine mission uncovers a shocking web of crime, Will must decide where his priorities lie - finishing his quest for revenge, or saving innocent lives?

John Flanagan makes a spectacular return to the world of Ranger's Apprentice - but what has happened since you last saw Will and his friends might shock you!]]> 464 John Flanagan 0399163603 Pamela 5
SUMMARY: Will Treaty has come a long way from the small boy with dreams of knighthood. Life had other plans for him, and as an apprentice Ranger under Halt, he grew into a legend -- the finest Ranger the kingdom has ever known.

Yet Will is facing a tragic battle that has left him grim and alone. To add to his problems, the time has come to take on an apprentice of his own, and it's the last person he ever would have expected.

Fighting his personal demon, Will has to win the trust and respect of his difficult new companion -- a task that at times seems almost impossible.

John Flanagan returns for one final bow to the series that has conquered millions of readers worldwide with this pulse-pounding adventure that brings one era to a close, and ushers in the next... (bookjacket)

REVIEW: I have devoured this whole series in a very short time (read-along with my husband). Each book in the series is same but different, comforting to see some of the same characters reappearing...all good fighting evil....always creatively and with little resources...and somehow always still refreshing storyline that doesn't disappoint.

MY FAVORITE SCENE: When Maddie is cooking breakfast (pages 107-111)

NOTES: Most of the time you will find this series in the juvenile section of bookstores and libraries. I tend to categorize it as teen/young adult. The age of the characters, the length of the book, the extended vocabulary, and the war violence all make it more suitable for mature readers. I also suggest this series to anyone (including adults) who have enjoyed The Lord of the Rings series.]]> 4.39 2013 The Royal Ranger (Ranger's Apprentice #12 Ranger's Apprentice: The Royal Ranger #1)
author: John Flanagan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2017/10/24
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: medieval, apprentice, royalty, brat, discipline, kidnapping, criminals, grief, fear, old-age, adventure, range7, problem-solving, rescue, selfish, stories, 999-recommendations
review:
Royal Ranger (Ranger's Apprentice #12) -- New York : Philomel Books / Imprint of Penguin Group, c2013. (455 pages) RANGE 7 -- TEEN / YOUNG ADULT

SUMMARY: Will Treaty has come a long way from the small boy with dreams of knighthood. Life had other plans for him, and as an apprentice Ranger under Halt, he grew into a legend -- the finest Ranger the kingdom has ever known.

Yet Will is facing a tragic battle that has left him grim and alone. To add to his problems, the time has come to take on an apprentice of his own, and it's the last person he ever would have expected.

Fighting his personal demon, Will has to win the trust and respect of his difficult new companion -- a task that at times seems almost impossible.

John Flanagan returns for one final bow to the series that has conquered millions of readers worldwide with this pulse-pounding adventure that brings one era to a close, and ushers in the next... (bookjacket)

REVIEW: I have devoured this whole series in a very short time (read-along with my husband). Each book in the series is same but different, comforting to see some of the same characters reappearing...all good fighting evil....always creatively and with little resources...and somehow always still refreshing storyline that doesn't disappoint.

MY FAVORITE SCENE: When Maddie is cooking breakfast (pages 107-111)

NOTES: Most of the time you will find this series in the juvenile section of bookstores and libraries. I tend to categorize it as teen/young adult. The age of the characters, the length of the book, the extended vocabulary, and the war violence all make it more suitable for mature readers. I also suggest this series to anyone (including adults) who have enjoyed The Lord of the Rings series.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mysterious Island (The Secrets of Droon, #3)]]> 340104 86 Tony Abbott 0590108409 Pamela 4
This is book #3 in The Secrets of Droon series (which must be read in order). The story gets better with each additional volume. The book is only 85 pages and the fast-paced action, large font, and many illustrations make it a great read for fantasy lovers as well as reluctant readers.

Creative Discussion and Classroom Curriculum: #1) Discuss onomatopoeia -- words that sound like the action they are describing. There are many in this book. A) have the word on one side and the action on the other side and have participants see if they can match them up correctly. B) have participants come up with other examples. Examples page 1 -- Keee-kkkk! (lightning); page 8 -- Doom-da-doom! (thunder); page 14 -- Ker-splash (ice sea waves); page 26 -- Thwomp! Thwomp! (sound of marching army) -- page 57 -- Thwang! -- (arrows whizzing past); #2) Talk about "inside jokes" -- for example on page 82 as Neal is leaving he puts his fingers to is forehead and wiggled them twice - "that means -- see you soon!' -- only those who were there at the time that Neal was transformed into a bug will understand the meaning/humor behind the action which is why it is called an inside joke.
]]> 3.84 1999 The Mysterious Island (The Secrets of Droon, #3)
author: Tony Abbott
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2015/12/20
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: adventure, anger, bugs, fantasy, friends, good-vs-evil, islands, magic, portal, problem-solving, quest, range5, sea, transformation, witch-wizard, stranded, 999-recommendations
review:
SUMMARY: Eric, Neal, and Julie are summoned back to Droon in an attempt to hide the Red Eye of Dawn so Lord Sparr cannot find and use it. But Lord Sparr finds them and with the help of Demither, Queen of the Oceans, he sinks their boat and shipwreaks them on an island with no hope to escape.

This is book #3 in The Secrets of Droon series (which must be read in order). The story gets better with each additional volume. The book is only 85 pages and the fast-paced action, large font, and many illustrations make it a great read for fantasy lovers as well as reluctant readers.

Creative Discussion and Classroom Curriculum: #1) Discuss onomatopoeia -- words that sound like the action they are describing. There are many in this book. A) have the word on one side and the action on the other side and have participants see if they can match them up correctly. B) have participants come up with other examples. Examples page 1 -- Keee-kkkk! (lightning); page 8 -- Doom-da-doom! (thunder); page 14 -- Ker-splash (ice sea waves); page 26 -- Thwomp! Thwomp! (sound of marching army) -- page 57 -- Thwang! -- (arrows whizzing past); #2) Talk about "inside jokes" -- for example on page 82 as Neal is leaving he puts his fingers to is forehead and wiggled them twice - "that means -- see you soon!' -- only those who were there at the time that Neal was transformed into a bug will understand the meaning/humor behind the action which is why it is called an inside joke.

]]> <![CDATA[Mother Bruce (Mother Bruce, #1)]]> 25745002 44 Ryan T. Higgins 1484730887 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: Bruce is a grumpy bear who likes no one and nothing but cooked eggs, but when some eggs he was planning to boil hatch and the gosling believe he is their mother, he must try to make the best of the situation.

REVIEW: I found this on a shelf at the library for a book challenge - 2018 Monarch List -- The title caught my attention and then the illustrations kept my attention. I like grumpy Bruce who is just interested in eating his favorite food, eggs, in as many ways possible. He is surprised one day to find the eggs he was cooking have hatched into four baby geese that think he is their mother. Nothing he does seems to work to get rid of them so he keeps them and raises them. I especially like the illustrations in the middle as Bruce and the goslings are bonding.

NOTE: I'm going through foster parent training and this title is much like a foster care situation were adults and children come together to make new families.

NOTE: actual title is Mother (Goose, with an "X" through it) Bruce]]> 4.40 2015 Mother Bruce (Mother Bruce, #1)
author: Ryan T. Higgins
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2017/12/01
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: eggs, birds, mothers, bear, range3, food, problem-solving, foster-care, 999-recommendations
review:
Mother Bruce / written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins -- Los Angeles: Disney / Hyperion, c2015. (44 PAGES) -- RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS

SUMMARY: Bruce is a grumpy bear who likes no one and nothing but cooked eggs, but when some eggs he was planning to boil hatch and the gosling believe he is their mother, he must try to make the best of the situation.

REVIEW: I found this on a shelf at the library for a book challenge - 2018 Monarch List -- The title caught my attention and then the illustrations kept my attention. I like grumpy Bruce who is just interested in eating his favorite food, eggs, in as many ways possible. He is surprised one day to find the eggs he was cooking have hatched into four baby geese that think he is their mother. Nothing he does seems to work to get rid of them so he keeps them and raises them. I especially like the illustrations in the middle as Bruce and the goslings are bonding.

NOTE: I'm going through foster parent training and this title is much like a foster care situation were adults and children come together to make new families.

NOTE: actual title is Mother (Goose, with an "X" through it) Bruce
]]> <![CDATA[The Lost Stories (Ranger's Apprentice, #11)]]> 11309018
Two names pass the lips of every storyteller: Halt, and his apprentice, Will. They and their comrades in arms are said to have traveled throughout the kingdom and beyond its borders, protecting those who needed it most. If true, these rumors can be only part of the story.

Only now, centuries after these men and women walked the earth, do we have confirmation of their existence. Behold The Lost Stories, Book 11 in the Ranger's Apprentice epic.]]> 422 John Flanagan 0399256180 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: An archaeologist and his apprentice find a hidden chest with ancient documents that could be the key to proving that the Rangers of the Kingdom of Araleun did exist.

BOOKJACKET: They were mysterious. some claim they were merely the stuff of legend -- the Rangers with their mottled green-and-gray cloaks and their reputation as defenders of the Kingdom. Reports of their brave battles vary, but we know of a least ten accounts, most of which feature a boy--turned man-- named Will and his mentor, Halt....Yet the crew left very little behind and their existence has never been able to be proved. Until now, that is...Behold the Lost Stories.

Review -- When I read the book cover I imagined that this volume would be more of a supplemental guide with historical documents that told of the Kingdom of Araleun, the royal family, the details of battles, timelines of history, details of assignments and missions of the ranger corps. But in that way I was disappointed. Instead, there are nine wonderfully written short stories that add to the canticle of the Ranger's Apprentice and give us more insight to the lives of its characters. So I'm confused why the author decided to give it a Forward and Afterward describing the efforts of Professor Giles MacFarlane and his apprentice Audrey (nice detail) at their dig site trying to prove that Castle Redmont truly existed (interesting concept, but it didn't fit and didn't add much to the overall storyline).

NOTE: This series has lots of violence in it that comes with war and law enforcement. Although the action is detailed it is not overly gory but may be more suitable to mature readers. There are also occasions depicted of heavy drinking and drunkenness.

Those who love The Lord of the Ring Trilogy may find another favorite in this series starting with the first volume: THE RUINS OF GORLAN.

This series is usually found in bookstores and libraries in the juvenile section. But because of the age of the characters, the content of the battles, and the length of the book itself, I would categorization it as more of a young adult/teen title (which adults would also find highly enjoyable).

PERSONAL NOTE: I started reading the first book aloud to my husband and he won't let me stop. We are on book #12 now and still have the two prequels as well as the new series -- The Brotherband Chronicles that deal more with the Skandians and wolfships.]]> 4.25 2011 The Lost Stories (Ranger's Apprentice, #11)
author: John Flanagan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/15
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: fantasy, medieval, short-stories, romance, heroes, criminals, law-enforcement, adventure, friends, problem-solving, range7, 999-recommendations
review:
Ranger's Apprentice #11: The Lost Stories / by John Flanagan -- New York, NY : Philomel Books / Penquin Group, c2011. (422 pages) RANGE 7 -- TEEN / YOUNG ADULT

SUMMARY: An archaeologist and his apprentice find a hidden chest with ancient documents that could be the key to proving that the Rangers of the Kingdom of Araleun did exist.

BOOKJACKET: They were mysterious. some claim they were merely the stuff of legend -- the Rangers with their mottled green-and-gray cloaks and their reputation as defenders of the Kingdom. Reports of their brave battles vary, but we know of a least ten accounts, most of which feature a boy--turned man-- named Will and his mentor, Halt....Yet the crew left very little behind and their existence has never been able to be proved. Until now, that is...Behold the Lost Stories.

Review -- When I read the book cover I imagined that this volume would be more of a supplemental guide with historical documents that told of the Kingdom of Araleun, the royal family, the details of battles, timelines of history, details of assignments and missions of the ranger corps. But in that way I was disappointed. Instead, there are nine wonderfully written short stories that add to the canticle of the Ranger's Apprentice and give us more insight to the lives of its characters. So I'm confused why the author decided to give it a Forward and Afterward describing the efforts of Professor Giles MacFarlane and his apprentice Audrey (nice detail) at their dig site trying to prove that Castle Redmont truly existed (interesting concept, but it didn't fit and didn't add much to the overall storyline).

NOTE: This series has lots of violence in it that comes with war and law enforcement. Although the action is detailed it is not overly gory but may be more suitable to mature readers. There are also occasions depicted of heavy drinking and drunkenness.

Those who love The Lord of the Ring Trilogy may find another favorite in this series starting with the first volume: THE RUINS OF GORLAN.

This series is usually found in bookstores and libraries in the juvenile section. But because of the age of the characters, the content of the battles, and the length of the book itself, I would categorization it as more of a young adult/teen title (which adults would also find highly enjoyable).

PERSONAL NOTE: I started reading the first book aloud to my husband and he won't let me stop. We are on book #12 now and still have the two prequels as well as the new series -- The Brotherband Chronicles that deal more with the Skandians and wolfships.
]]> <![CDATA[Einstein Elementary Chapter Book #1]]> 633002
Steffi, Kenny, and Jose stumble on a quantum space-time dislocator--disguised as a port-a-john--which transports them to the time of the dinosaurs, just a few hours before a meteor will hit the earth--the meteor that rendered the dinos extinct!

Graphing and other mathematical skills help the kids escape--just in time!]]> 64 M.Costello Mlodinow 0439537738 Pamela 3
This is a novel that has math as its basis and then built a story around it -- but it works and the story is good. A dinosaur is loose in the school and three friends track it to the basement where they find a portable potty that has been transformed into a time machine. Join the adventure - do the math.

This book only has 58 pages and lots of illustrations with an engaging story that makes for a quick read]]> 3.76 2004 Einstein Elementary Chapter Book #1
author: M.Costello Mlodinow
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 2019/03/04
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: math, dinosaur, time-travel, school, problem-solving, friends, asteroid, range5, 999-recommendations
review:
SUMMARY: Thrills! Chills! And Math! Three kids travel to the time of the dinosaurs. They are trying to help a baby dinosaur find his mother. But an asteroid is about to hit the Earth. And a scary meat-eater is chasing them! Only math can save them! And you can help the kids figure out what to do! (on back cover)

This is a novel that has math as its basis and then built a story around it -- but it works and the story is good. A dinosaur is loose in the school and three friends track it to the basement where they find a portable potty that has been transformed into a time machine. Join the adventure - do the math.

This book only has 58 pages and lots of illustrations with an engaging story that makes for a quick read
]]> <![CDATA[Journey to the Volcano Palace (The Secrets of Droon, #2)]]> 1691409 87 Tony Abbott 0590108417 Pamela 4
This is book #2 in The Secrets of Droon series. This volume has a little more action than the first book which spent more time on introducing the characters and land of Droon. I like the part of the dreams the kids had actually played a part in the story and the retrieval of the stolen jewel.

The book is only 85 pages with large font and many illustrations. The series is great for both boys and girls and is a great suggestion for reluctant readers.

COMMENTS: The story is fast paced mostly because it is a short book (I read it in 15 minutes). Now the hardest part will be to find book #3 so that I can continue the story. -- I got a little lost in chapter one with Neal's interaction with his new dog and I'm not sure how that tied into the story. We are introduced to two new characters: Khan, King of the Lumpies (purple pillows) who guide the kids through the dessert in search of Lord Sparr's hidden palace and Demither, mermaid/witch being held captive by Lord Sparr.

Creative discussion or curriculum supports: #1) where does the rainbow staircase place the children in both the stories when they are sent to Droon?; #2) How does a writer use words creatively -- see page 27 -- Splish! Splosh! Splursh!

]]> 3.91 1999 Journey to the Volcano Palace (The Secrets of Droon, #2)
author: Tony Abbott
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2015/12/20
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: adventure, dreams, fantasy, friends, good-vs-evil, monsters, problem-solving, quest, range5, riddle, witch-wizard, volcano, 999-recommendations
review:
SUMMARY: Eric, Neal, and Julie all experience strange dreams about the secret world of Droon and make their way back to the secret stairway. Their help is needed to recover the stolen jewel -- The Red Eye of Dawn which is capable of great magical powers. The good news is that they know where the jewel is being kept...the bad news is that it is in the heart of a volcano which also serves as Lord Sparr's secret palace.

This is book #2 in The Secrets of Droon series. This volume has a little more action than the first book which spent more time on introducing the characters and land of Droon. I like the part of the dreams the kids had actually played a part in the story and the retrieval of the stolen jewel.

The book is only 85 pages with large font and many illustrations. The series is great for both boys and girls and is a great suggestion for reluctant readers.

COMMENTS: The story is fast paced mostly because it is a short book (I read it in 15 minutes). Now the hardest part will be to find book #3 so that I can continue the story. -- I got a little lost in chapter one with Neal's interaction with his new dog and I'm not sure how that tied into the story. We are introduced to two new characters: Khan, King of the Lumpies (purple pillows) who guide the kids through the dessert in search of Lord Sparr's hidden palace and Demither, mermaid/witch being held captive by Lord Sparr.

Creative discussion or curriculum supports: #1) where does the rainbow staircase place the children in both the stories when they are sent to Droon?; #2) How does a writer use words creatively -- see page 27 -- Splish! Splosh! Splursh!


]]> Give Me Back My Book! 33606674
Two friends, Redd and Bloo argue over the possession of one special book with a green cover, hard cover, a nice spine, and pages turn from right to left--but unite when Bookworm walks off with it.]]> 56 Ethan Long 1452160406 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: Two friends, Redd and Bloo, argue over the possession of one special book with a green cover, hard cover, a nice spine, and pages that turn from right to left -- but unite when Bookworm walks off with it. (verso)

Travis Foster and Ethan Long offer this hilarious story about the joy of reading, which brings people together in unexpected ways, and which proves that each book truly belongs...to the people who love it. (bookjacket)

REVIEW: I will read any book about books and reading -- and this one was a good find. I feel the very same way about certain books -- they are mine and I don't want to share them because I'm afraid they will either never come back or get damaged while they are gone. Redd and Bloo come up with a very clever plan to get the book back from Bookworm that works out for everyone. I like how the story defines the parts of a book.

FORMAT: the drawn images of Redd & Bloo & Bookworm are mixed in with real images of books and craft materials. All narrative is in conversations that appear in dialogue balloons (almost like a graphic novel).

FURTHER FUN: 1) Have kids create their own book and bind it like a real book with cardboard or thick stock paper; 2) Let kids share and read the other books created; 3) talk about dialogue balloons.]]> 3.82 2017 Give Me Back My Book!
author: Ethan Long
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/29
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: books, sharing, friends, problem-solving, range3, 999-recommendations
review:
Give Me Back My Book! / by Travis Foster and Ethan Long -- San Francisco : Chronicle Books, c2017. (52 pages) RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS

SUMMARY: Two friends, Redd and Bloo, argue over the possession of one special book with a green cover, hard cover, a nice spine, and pages that turn from right to left -- but unite when Bookworm walks off with it. (verso)

Travis Foster and Ethan Long offer this hilarious story about the joy of reading, which brings people together in unexpected ways, and which proves that each book truly belongs...to the people who love it. (bookjacket)

REVIEW: I will read any book about books and reading -- and this one was a good find. I feel the very same way about certain books -- they are mine and I don't want to share them because I'm afraid they will either never come back or get damaged while they are gone. Redd and Bloo come up with a very clever plan to get the book back from Bookworm that works out for everyone. I like how the story defines the parts of a book.

FORMAT: the drawn images of Redd & Bloo & Bookworm are mixed in with real images of books and craft materials. All narrative is in conversations that appear in dialogue balloons (almost like a graphic novel).

FURTHER FUN: 1) Have kids create their own book and bind it like a real book with cardboard or thick stock paper; 2) Let kids share and read the other books created; 3) talk about dialogue balloons.
]]> Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1) 44652 Trespassers will be turned to stone

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite . . .

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, powerful forces of evil are unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives, to save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world.]]> 351 Brandon Mull 1590385810 Pamela 4
NOTES: I had stopped reading fantasy novels because they were all sounding the same. And then I heard everyone talking about Fablehaven. I decided to give it a try and I’m very glad that I did. � Fablehaven is a secret sanctuary for the preservation of mythical/magical creatures. Order in Fablehaven is maintained by very specific rules and contracts that must be kept at all times. When Kendra and Seth are sent to spend two weeks with their Grandfather and Grandmother, they have no idea that their Grandfather is the current caretaker for Fablehaven. They are also unaware that the most dangerous night of the year is approaching when all of the evil creatures have free reign of the preserve. COMMENTS: This book will appeal to both girls and boys who enjoy fantasy worlds colliding with the modern world. Kendra is level headed, practical, and follows the rules. Unlike Seth, her younger brother, who is adventurous, takes chances, and seems to bring chaos to Fablehaven unknowingly. This is book one of the Fablehaven series which can stand alone. The series needs to be read in order. A few black and grey illustrations by Brandon Dorman can be found in the book � they do not add much to the story. However, the full-color illustration that he created for the cover is perfect and mesmerizing. The edition I read included a reader’s guide for classroom/group discussion.

Favorite parts of the book � Introduction paragraph before the book starts �
FABLEHAVEN, None who enter will leave unchanged

Was life like that? You could look ahead to the future or back at the past, but the present moved too quickly to absorb. (p1)

Grandpa placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you meant no harm. Around here, what you don’t know can hurt you. And others. If you have learned to be more careful and compassionate in the future, and to show greater respect for the inhabitants of this preserve, then at least some good came of all this.� (p142-143)

P250-259 interaction with the troll � very reminenscent of the scene between Bilbo and Gollum in the Hobbit

Grandpa pinched his bottom lip. “The Society will be a threat as long as it endures. It is difficult for an uninvited guest to gain access to a preserve � mortal or not. Some would say impossible, but the Society has shown repeated resourcefulness at circumventing so-called impossible obstacles. Fortunately we foiled their attempt to use Muriel to free Bahumat and overthrow the preserve. But we now know they have learned the whereabouts of Fablehaven. We will have to be more vigilant than ever.� (p346)

Be sure not to miss the message on the last page of the book -- Drink the milk.
Favorite characters were the fairies � especially as they join the battle to protect Fablehaven.

The fairies have not gone to war for centuries. In that state, their power is virtually unrivaled. (p339)

LESSONS LEARNED � 1) What we don’t know can hurt us. � 2) There needs to be a balance between good and evil. � 3) Every action has a consequence.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING � Continue the Fablehaven Series � Other fantasy series that have two worlds collide � Spiderwick Chronicles; Harry Potter; Percy Jackson; Narnia Chronicles

ADDITION 02/12/20 -- I wanted to reread my two favorite passages, and just those two passages...but I ended up reading the whole book again. What are my two favorite parts: Chapter 10: Midsummer Eve -- but my all-time favorite is the part of the Fairy Army starting on page 323.

Also love page 79 that describes what FABLEHAVEN is and how it operates.

The cover is great -- can't stop looking at it with all its detail and it looks exactly what I think Muriel would look like.]]> 4.13 2006 Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1)
author: Brandon Mull
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2020/02/12
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: adventure, alliances, apprentice, family, fantasy, fey, good-vs-evil, inheritance, key, kidnapping, magic, monsters, problem-solving, range6, rescue, responsibility, rules, sanctuary, second-chance, secret, siblings, survival, truth, war, consequences, grandfathers, grandmothers, disobedience, refuge, caretaker, magical-creatures, prisoners, fairies, milk, treaty, imps, witch-wizard, transformation, satyrs, golem, 999-recommendations
review:
Fablehaven / by Brandon Mull � New York : Simon & Schuster, c2006 (352 pages) SUMMARY: Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother must face the greatest challenge of their lives to save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world. (Summary taken from the book jacket)

NOTES: I had stopped reading fantasy novels because they were all sounding the same. And then I heard everyone talking about Fablehaven. I decided to give it a try and I’m very glad that I did. � Fablehaven is a secret sanctuary for the preservation of mythical/magical creatures. Order in Fablehaven is maintained by very specific rules and contracts that must be kept at all times. When Kendra and Seth are sent to spend two weeks with their Grandfather and Grandmother, they have no idea that their Grandfather is the current caretaker for Fablehaven. They are also unaware that the most dangerous night of the year is approaching when all of the evil creatures have free reign of the preserve. COMMENTS: This book will appeal to both girls and boys who enjoy fantasy worlds colliding with the modern world. Kendra is level headed, practical, and follows the rules. Unlike Seth, her younger brother, who is adventurous, takes chances, and seems to bring chaos to Fablehaven unknowingly. This is book one of the Fablehaven series which can stand alone. The series needs to be read in order. A few black and grey illustrations by Brandon Dorman can be found in the book � they do not add much to the story. However, the full-color illustration that he created for the cover is perfect and mesmerizing. The edition I read included a reader’s guide for classroom/group discussion.

Favorite parts of the book � Introduction paragraph before the book starts �
FABLEHAVEN, None who enter will leave unchanged

Was life like that? You could look ahead to the future or back at the past, but the present moved too quickly to absorb. (p1)

Grandpa placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you meant no harm. Around here, what you don’t know can hurt you. And others. If you have learned to be more careful and compassionate in the future, and to show greater respect for the inhabitants of this preserve, then at least some good came of all this.� (p142-143)

P250-259 interaction with the troll � very reminenscent of the scene between Bilbo and Gollum in the Hobbit

Grandpa pinched his bottom lip. “The Society will be a threat as long as it endures. It is difficult for an uninvited guest to gain access to a preserve � mortal or not. Some would say impossible, but the Society has shown repeated resourcefulness at circumventing so-called impossible obstacles. Fortunately we foiled their attempt to use Muriel to free Bahumat and overthrow the preserve. But we now know they have learned the whereabouts of Fablehaven. We will have to be more vigilant than ever.� (p346)

Be sure not to miss the message on the last page of the book -- Drink the milk.
Favorite characters were the fairies � especially as they join the battle to protect Fablehaven.

The fairies have not gone to war for centuries. In that state, their power is virtually unrivaled. (p339)

LESSONS LEARNED � 1) What we don’t know can hurt us. � 2) There needs to be a balance between good and evil. � 3) Every action has a consequence.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING � Continue the Fablehaven Series � Other fantasy series that have two worlds collide � Spiderwick Chronicles; Harry Potter; Percy Jackson; Narnia Chronicles

ADDITION 02/12/20 -- I wanted to reread my two favorite passages, and just those two passages...but I ended up reading the whole book again. What are my two favorite parts: Chapter 10: Midsummer Eve -- but my all-time favorite is the part of the Fairy Army starting on page 323.

Also love page 79 that describes what FABLEHAVEN is and how it operates.

The cover is great -- can't stop looking at it with all its detail and it looks exactly what I think Muriel would look like.
]]> <![CDATA[Encyclopedia Brown Carries On (Encyclopedia Brown, #14)]]> 733186 book 72 Donald J. Sobol 0590317903 Pamela 3
Encyclopedia Brown is very smart and helps his Police Chief father on tough cases and in the summer sets up shop to solve cases in the neighborhood for just a quarter plus expenses.

Encyclopedia Brown has been around since I was a kid and I read them all. I read them for just entertainment without trying to solve them. But these short chapters were designed to be read and pondered and then solved by the reader. The answers to each mystery is at the end of the book so you can see if you are right. This title is number fourteen in the series.

The covers are updated for each new generation but the contents and inside illustrations remain the same. I never did really care for the cluttered pen sketches in the book.

The best mysteries from my childhood though was The Three Investigators series]]> 3.93 1980 Encyclopedia Brown Carries On (Encyclopedia Brown, #14)
author: Donald J. Sobol
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1980
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/07
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: detective, criminals, problem-solving, juvenile-fiction, mystery, range5, 999-recommendations
review:
Idaville! Crooks turned pale at the mention of the town. They knew what to expect there - a fast trip to jail. No one, grown-up or child, got away with breaking the law in Idaville. Police across the nation wondered. How did Idaville do it? What was the secret behind its record of law and order?...And, of course, it had a police station. But that was not the real headquarters of the war on crime. A quiet red brick house on Rover Avenue was. In the house lived Encyclopedia Brown, America's Sherlock Holmes in sneakers. (p 1)

Encyclopedia Brown is very smart and helps his Police Chief father on tough cases and in the summer sets up shop to solve cases in the neighborhood for just a quarter plus expenses.

Encyclopedia Brown has been around since I was a kid and I read them all. I read them for just entertainment without trying to solve them. But these short chapters were designed to be read and pondered and then solved by the reader. The answers to each mystery is at the end of the book so you can see if you are right. This title is number fourteen in the series.

The covers are updated for each new generation but the contents and inside illustrations remain the same. I never did really care for the cluttered pen sketches in the book.

The best mysteries from my childhood though was The Three Investigators series
]]> <![CDATA[Eat This, Not That!: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution]]> 2188829 EAT THIS, NOT THAT! has helped literally thousands of people improve their lives by increasing their nutritional intakes while blasting away unwanted belly fat. The secret? The revolutionary concept that the battle of the bulge is won not through deprivation and discipline, but by making a series of simple food swaps that can save you hundreds � if not thousands � of calories a day.
EAT THIS, NOT THAT! is the only book that holds the food industry accountable for the surreptitious loads of sugar, fat, and sodium stuffed into foods that were once reliable sources of lean nutrition. It arms you with the savvy tricks and insider information you need to eat well in today’s dangerous food landscape. With EAT THIS, NOT THAT! you're the expert in every eating situation, from the frozen food aisle to your favorite fast food joint to your local sports bar. You control your food universe--and lose the pounds you want--because, unlike every other customer, you'll know the smart choices to make--instantly! Now get this: The pressure from EAT THIS, NOT THAT! is actually reshaping the food landscape to your benefit! Since it’s original publication in 2007, here’s how some restaurants have responded:

·Baskin Robbins eliminated its 2,300-calorie Heath Bar Shake.
·Outback Steakhouse downsized its Aussie Cheese Fries from 2,900 calories to 2,140 calories.
·Macaroni Grill replaced the 1,120-calorie Kids� Double Mac ‘n� Cheese with a more reasonable 670-calorie version.
·Restaurants such as Quiznos, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden began publishing nutritional information for the first time ever.
·And that’s just to name a few!]]> 304 David Zinczenko 1594868549 Pamela 5 3.69 2007 Eat This, Not That!: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution
author: David Zinczenko
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2013/03/05
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: advice, behavior, history-of-foods, problem-solving, range9, recipe, research, secret, shopping, size, non-fiction, 999-recommendations
review:
A simple, well illustrated title that is just the right size for skimming. However, it is full of shocking facts about the food we eat. The FDA allows companies to include toxic chemicals and contaminants in low amounts in the food that they serve. This book helps you look at the food you eat and hopefully make wise decisions before you eat it. The book also compares similar items and shows you that you do not have to give up taste to save on calories, fat, and salt intake. A very handy reference guide that should be kept close at hand. NOTE: Does include a few recipes in the back of the book.
]]> <![CDATA[Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory]]> 574761
When George and the man with the yellow hat go shopping at a chocolate factory store, George becomes curious about how the chocolates are made. Though he starts off following the factory tour, soon he is wanders off to investigate on his own. And when George follows his curiosity there is always fun to be had!]]> 24 Margret Rey 0395912148 Pamela 4
This title is a good pairing with CHOCOLATE FROM START TO FINISH (Made in the U.S.A) / by Samuel G. Woods, which shows a real chocolate factory in action.

Page 10 shows the unique designs that the manufacturer uses to identify which chocolates are which. Either a physical attribute or a unique design indicates to the person what is inside so they can find the ones they like without having to bite into them. Some boxes will have a chart printed on the outside of the box while others may have them on the inside of the lid. The designs may differ from company to company.

The pictures also show the complexity of the machines that are needed to make chocolates. Pair with the title CHOCOLATE (FROM FARM TO YOU) / by Carol Jones which has more details about each machine and what it does.

Also shows that eating lots of candy can produce a stomach ache -- which causes George not to want the free candy he was offered. Becoming sick from eating too much of something will cause us not to enjoy so much next time.

This title has been added to my book LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (Homeschooling Curriculum for the whole family) It is featured in the beginner reader sections under Business/Factories as well as Art section.

NOTE: My edition of this book did not include the bonus activities which was included in another edition of this title.]]> 4.18 1998 Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory
author: Margret Rey
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/25
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: curiosity, chocolate, factory, monkey, problem-solving, picture-book, accident, sorting, stomach-ache
review:
SUMMARY: Curious George just can’t stay out of trouble, and this time it happens at a chocolate factory. As the Man in the Yellow Hat is purchasing his favorite chocolates, George is curious about what is happening on the other side of the observation window. Finding a door, Curious George ends up on the production floor of the chocolate factory. He observes the candies coming out of a machine on a conveyor belt and wants to see inside. Climbing up on the machine he steps on a lever that speeds the machine up and causes chocolate to go everywhere. But George is quick and helps to correct his mess while enjoying eating some of the banana cream chocolates at the same time.

This title is a good pairing with CHOCOLATE FROM START TO FINISH (Made in the U.S.A) / by Samuel G. Woods, which shows a real chocolate factory in action.

Page 10 shows the unique designs that the manufacturer uses to identify which chocolates are which. Either a physical attribute or a unique design indicates to the person what is inside so they can find the ones they like without having to bite into them. Some boxes will have a chart printed on the outside of the box while others may have them on the inside of the lid. The designs may differ from company to company.

The pictures also show the complexity of the machines that are needed to make chocolates. Pair with the title CHOCOLATE (FROM FARM TO YOU) / by Carol Jones which has more details about each machine and what it does.

Also shows that eating lots of candy can produce a stomach ache -- which causes George not to want the free candy he was offered. Becoming sick from eating too much of something will cause us not to enjoy so much next time.

This title has been added to my book LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (Homeschooling Curriculum for the whole family) It is featured in the beginner reader sections under Business/Factories as well as Art section.

NOTE: My edition of this book did not include the bonus activities which was included in another edition of this title.
]]> <![CDATA[The Cookie Fiasco (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #1)]]> 28450988 Hippo, Croc, and the Squirrels are determined to have equal cookies for all! But how? There are only three cookies . . . and four of them! They need to act fast before nervous Hippo breaks all the cookies into crumbs!
]]> 64 Dan Santat 1484726367 Pamela 3
ACTIVITY: Can readers figure out the answer before reading the book? Or, reenact the
story and have cookies (or paper cookies) that you can break/tear up and recreate the math.

The story is OK -- but I really like the math part of how do you share three cookies among four friends.

I'm not a big fan of Elephant and Piggie -- but the kids sure do love to read them.

PAIR WITH the book THE DOORBELL RANG / by Pat Hutchins.]]> 4.11 2016 The Cookie Fiasco (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #1)
author: Dan Santat
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/11
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: friends, easy-reader, chocolate, cookies, sharing, math, reading, books, fractions, problem-solving, range4, 999-recommendations
review:
SUMMARY: A story within a story as Elephant and Piggie read one of their favorite books together � THE COOKIE FIASCO � in which four friends need to figure out a way to equally share three cookies.

ACTIVITY: Can readers figure out the answer before reading the book? Or, reenact the
story and have cookies (or paper cookies) that you can break/tear up and recreate the math.

The story is OK -- but I really like the math part of how do you share three cookies among four friends.

I'm not a big fan of Elephant and Piggie -- but the kids sure do love to read them.

PAIR WITH the book THE DOORBELL RANG / by Pat Hutchins.
]]> <![CDATA[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, #1)]]> 576335

From the Hardcover edition.]]> 160 Ian Fleming 0375832831 Pamela 3
This is a quick read with large font and with only 149 pages that should be a great attraction to reluctant readers.

The story begins with a dedication to Count Zborowski who built and raced the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I thought this was a cleaver creation by Ian Fleming, but it turns out the story was true and was the inspiration behind this story being written. -- I also love the name Caractacus Pott, what a great name for a children's book. -- I didn't remember the details of the story, but I do remember being disappointed when I first read the book because it didn't match the storyline of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie. -- So I was in the library looking for older children's stories that have been forgotten by the new generations of readers and came across this title and decided to give it another chance.

I enjoy Fleming's writing style, especially the But -- But -- But -- section when the storyline is about to take a sharp turn. I also like that it is a family that obviously loves each other and likes doing things as a family. --"Now, I don't know if you've got it into your heads yet, but the Pott family wasn't a very conventional family -- that is, they were all rather out of the ordinary." (p13)

I also like their appreciation in things others miss -- like when they spend all day trying to find the right car, the different car, the special car -- and they end up with a dilapidated old wreak that they return to her previous glory. --"So when it came to buying a car, they were all determined that it shouldn't be just ANY car, but something a bit different from everyone else's -- not one of those black beetle sedans that look much the same back and front so that, in the distance, you don't know if it's coming or going, but something rather special, something rather adventurous." (p14) and "This must once have been the most beautiful car in the world....We'd have a real jewel of a car, something to love and cherish and look after as if it were one of the family!" (pp19-20)

I also like that the story gives the car a character and a personality. I also grew up with the Herbie, the Love Bug movies and loved that little car. The movie made the mysterious behavior of the car part of the fairy tale stories the father told the kids. In the book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can do things on her own. I love one of the descriptions during their first outing when the family is getting frustrated because they are stuck in a very long line of motor cars headed for the beach -- "And, although they couldn't see them, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang's big headlight eyes, which had been so gleaming with happiness and enthusiasm ever since the day before, began to get angrier and angrier and more and more impatient, so that the people who had gazed in admiration at her through the back windows of their cars became more and more nervous about this gleaming green monster behind them who was beginning to look as if she wanted to eat them up, with the silver jaws of her radiator, all the line upon line of black beetle cars that were getting in her way and keeping her family from their picnic by the sea." (p36)

I also like the closeness of the two twins Jeremy and Jemima. They work well together, keep calm when they are kidnapped, and ...well I don't want to spoil the rest of the plot...you will just have to read it for yourself.]]> 4.00 1964 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, #1)
author: Ian Fleming
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1964
rating: 3
read at: 2015/09/06
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: adventure, believing, cars, criminals, family, inventions, kidnapping, magic, personification, problem-solving, range5, rescue, travel, brother-and-sister, want-to-buy, juvenile-fiction, 999-recommendations
review:
REVIEW: I remember reading this book when I was much younger. Of course now I know Ian Fleming more for his James Bond novels than this one children's book he wrote (published after his death).

This is a quick read with large font and with only 149 pages that should be a great attraction to reluctant readers.

The story begins with a dedication to Count Zborowski who built and raced the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I thought this was a cleaver creation by Ian Fleming, but it turns out the story was true and was the inspiration behind this story being written. -- I also love the name Caractacus Pott, what a great name for a children's book. -- I didn't remember the details of the story, but I do remember being disappointed when I first read the book because it didn't match the storyline of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie. -- So I was in the library looking for older children's stories that have been forgotten by the new generations of readers and came across this title and decided to give it another chance.

I enjoy Fleming's writing style, especially the But -- But -- But -- section when the storyline is about to take a sharp turn. I also like that it is a family that obviously loves each other and likes doing things as a family. --"Now, I don't know if you've got it into your heads yet, but the Pott family wasn't a very conventional family -- that is, they were all rather out of the ordinary." (p13)

I also like their appreciation in things others miss -- like when they spend all day trying to find the right car, the different car, the special car -- and they end up with a dilapidated old wreak that they return to her previous glory. --"So when it came to buying a car, they were all determined that it shouldn't be just ANY car, but something a bit different from everyone else's -- not one of those black beetle sedans that look much the same back and front so that, in the distance, you don't know if it's coming or going, but something rather special, something rather adventurous." (p14) and "This must once have been the most beautiful car in the world....We'd have a real jewel of a car, something to love and cherish and look after as if it were one of the family!" (pp19-20)

I also like that the story gives the car a character and a personality. I also grew up with the Herbie, the Love Bug movies and loved that little car. The movie made the mysterious behavior of the car part of the fairy tale stories the father told the kids. In the book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can do things on her own. I love one of the descriptions during their first outing when the family is getting frustrated because they are stuck in a very long line of motor cars headed for the beach -- "And, although they couldn't see them, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang's big headlight eyes, which had been so gleaming with happiness and enthusiasm ever since the day before, began to get angrier and angrier and more and more impatient, so that the people who had gazed in admiration at her through the back windows of their cars became more and more nervous about this gleaming green monster behind them who was beginning to look as if she wanted to eat them up, with the silver jaws of her radiator, all the line upon line of black beetle cars that were getting in her way and keeping her family from their picnic by the sea." (p36)

I also like the closeness of the two twins Jeremy and Jemima. They work well together, keep calm when they are kidnapped, and ...well I don't want to spoil the rest of the plot...you will just have to read it for yourself.
]]> The Big One-Oh 741238 From start to finish, The Big One-Oh is a laugh-out-loud riot, and any reader will relate to the pressures Charley faces both at school and at home in planning his special day. So dive into The Big One-Oh and join the party today!

]]> 176 Dean Pitchford 0399245472 Pamela 4
I read this book when it first came out in 2007. I came across it at the library and decided to read it again since I remembered it fondly. However, I almost gave up because it started so slow. But I stuck with it and after about a third way through it starts to pick up and the humor begins and the rest of the book is a delight.

Charley's fondness for horror draws him to the weird neighbor that he has seen with a sawed-off leg bone (turns out to be a fake -- with blood and everything). Garry is a special effects person creating horror scenes for movies and the theater. It turns out that a fake eyeball is just what he needs to start making friends.]]> 3.83 2007 The Big One-Oh
author: Dean Pitchford
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2014/04/10
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: belonging, birthday, bullies, cooking, family, friends, horror, humor, mother-and-son, neighbor, party, problem-solving, range5, siblings, special-effects, want-to-buy, juvenile-fiction, 999-recommendations
review:
SUMMARY: Charley Maplewood has never been one for birthday parties -- that would require friends, which he doesn't have. But now that he's turning ten - the big one-oh -- he decides to throw a birthday party for himself, complete with a "House of Horrors" theme and a big birthday cake. Of course things don't work out as planned. Trying to invite a few "friends" from school, Charley ends up inviting the class bully to come. In the meantime his Mom has ended up working and thinks the party has been cancelled, the garage almost burns down, and his decorations wouldn't scare anybody. Will Charley be able to pull it together before the big one-oh becomes the big OH-NO!?

I read this book when it first came out in 2007. I came across it at the library and decided to read it again since I remembered it fondly. However, I almost gave up because it started so slow. But I stuck with it and after about a third way through it starts to pick up and the humor begins and the rest of the book is a delight.

Charley's fondness for horror draws him to the weird neighbor that he has seen with a sawed-off leg bone (turns out to be a fake -- with blood and everything). Garry is a special effects person creating horror scenes for movies and the theater. It turns out that a fake eyeball is just what he needs to start making friends.
]]> Bartleby of the Big Bad Bayou 114234 196 Phyllis Shalant 0525473661 Pamela 4
The story is just as great as the first story and includes a whole new cast of characters. I love the character of Bartleby -- he is a very good friend, and honest in every way. My favorite part of the story is when Bartleby and Lucky Girl escape from the fountain and return to their friends in the new pond and renews his friendship with Seezer.]]> 4.18 2005 Bartleby of the Big Bad Bayou
author: Phyllis Shalant
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2014/03/26
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: alliances, alligators, animals, bullies, courage, drought, freedom, friends, homesick, love, missing-persons, pet, pond-life, problem-solving, range5, rescue, survival, turtles, juvenile-fiction, want-to-buy, 999-recommendations
review:
This story continues where BARTLEBY OF THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI ends. Ex-pet Bartleby, a red-eared turtle, and Seezer, an alligator are taking a long trip together to find the bayou where they both original came from. When they finally reach their destination, they find it not what they were expecting and decide to find a different home that has nicer friends and environment. They end up in a small pond and everything is going well until the water starts drying up, the lady turtle Lucky Girl goes missing, and the grumpy, mean gator Old Stump and his bodyguards show up to claim the pond for themselves. Luckily for everyone, Bartleby has a brave heart and unwavering determination is set out to make things right.

The story is just as great as the first story and includes a whole new cast of characters. I love the character of Bartleby -- he is a very good friend, and honest in every way. My favorite part of the story is when Bartleby and Lucky Girl escape from the fountain and return to their friends in the new pond and renews his friendship with Seezer.
]]> <![CDATA[Another Fine Myth (Myth Adventures, #1)]]> 64401 208 Robert Lynn Asprin 0441013465 Pamela 4
Summary: Skeeve is a mediocre magician’s apprentice who really wants to be a thief. But his lessons are halted when an assassin kills the master magician and leaves Skeeve alone with Aahz, a powerless demon the old magician had just summoned from another dimension as a practical joke. Soon the powerless demon and the skill-less apprentice join together to stop the assassins from killing them -- as well as tracking down the madman trying to take over the world of Klah. This tongue-in-cheek fantasy adventure presents two dimensional travel hopping while dealing with sexy assassins, a baby dragon, imps, devils, a demon hunters, and a few other characters thrown in for good measure.

Comments: This is one of my favorite series that I discovered in high school that I reread every few years from start to finish. All of the titles have the word myth in it (i.e. Little Myth Marker, Hit and Myth, Myth Conceptions, etc.) The first book is a little slow in the first chapters but improves once Aahz has been introduced. Skeeve is my favorite character and you get to watch as a bumbling, back world, teenager learns magic as well as self-confidence and is able to put together a misfit army that will follow him anywhere. An easy and fun read that should be enjoyed by all light fantasy enthusiasts. Lack of strong language and sex would make this a good choice for high school aged readers as well. I also like the cover art work of Walter Velez which brings the characters to life.]]> 4.05 1978 Another Fine Myth (Myth Adventures, #1)
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1978
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/20
date added: 2022/05/29
shelves: fantasy, apprentice, criminals, adventure, fiction, friends, good-vs-evil, humor, leadership, magic, monsters, orphan, problem-solving, range8, responsibility, travel, alliances, want-to-buy, 999-recommendations
review:
Another Fine Myth / by Robert Asprin (Cover Art by Walter Velez) c1978

Summary: Skeeve is a mediocre magician’s apprentice who really wants to be a thief. But his lessons are halted when an assassin kills the master magician and leaves Skeeve alone with Aahz, a powerless demon the old magician had just summoned from another dimension as a practical joke. Soon the powerless demon and the skill-less apprentice join together to stop the assassins from killing them -- as well as tracking down the madman trying to take over the world of Klah. This tongue-in-cheek fantasy adventure presents two dimensional travel hopping while dealing with sexy assassins, a baby dragon, imps, devils, a demon hunters, and a few other characters thrown in for good measure.

Comments: This is one of my favorite series that I discovered in high school that I reread every few years from start to finish. All of the titles have the word myth in it (i.e. Little Myth Marker, Hit and Myth, Myth Conceptions, etc.) The first book is a little slow in the first chapters but improves once Aahz has been introduced. Skeeve is my favorite character and you get to watch as a bumbling, back world, teenager learns magic as well as self-confidence and is able to put together a misfit army that will follow him anywhere. An easy and fun read that should be enjoyed by all light fantasy enthusiasts. Lack of strong language and sex would make this a good choice for high school aged readers as well. I also like the cover art work of Walter Velez which brings the characters to life.
]]> <![CDATA[Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon, #1)]]> 960
A devastating new weapon of destruction.
When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.

Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.
Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.]]> 736 Dan Brown 1416524797 Pamela 5
From the Bookjacket: the explosive thriller that started it all. An ancient secret brotherhood. A devastating new weapon of destruction. An unthinkable target.

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to his first assignment to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol � seared into the chest of a murdered physicist � he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati…the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy � the Catholic Church.

Langdon’s worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican’s holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.

Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and the most secretive vault on earth (that of the Vatican), Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long forgotten Illuminati lair…a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

Critics have praised the exhilarating blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit found……marks this hero’s first adventure as it careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war. (book jacket)

NOTES: a great read. Saw the movie first, Tom Hanks makes a great Langdon. Great to see the places and get an idea of what the story shows in words. There are several things that are different in the movie. They both are well written and each have their surprises, but the book is well worth the read even after watching the movie. Langdon is quiet and reflective and very knowledgeable. One of those persons that can see the puzzle, fix the problem.

Main character seems to be the Camerlengo instead of Langdon.
Discussion questions:
1) where is the Illuminati today, the freemasons?
2) the purpose of the church,
3) the secrets of the catholic church
4) tradition vs. progress
5) comparison of the daughter of science and the son of religion (Adopted children)
6) View of the media
7) The Swiss Guards
8) Wealth of the Church / Pope
9) The Camerlengo’s motives � religious or personal, satanic or spiritual

QUOTES:

Although accounts of the Illuminati emblem were legendary in modern symbology, no academic had ever actually seen it. Ancient documents described the symbol as an ambigram � ambi meaning “both� � signifying it was legible both ways. And although ambigrams were common in symbology � swastikas, yin yang, Jewish stars, simple crosses � the idea that a word could be crafted into an ambigram seemed utterly impossible. Modern symbologists had tried for years to forge the word “Illuminati� into a perfectly symmetrical style, but they had failed miserably. Most academics had now decided the symbol’s existence was a myth. � Robert Langdon, p31

Remembrance was a Buddhist philosopher’s trick. Rather than asking her mind to search for a solution to a potentially impossible challenge. Vittoria asked her mind simply to remember it. The presupposition that one once knew the answer created the mindset that the answer must exist. . . Vittoria often used the process to solve scientific quandaries . . . those that most people though had no solution. p137

Jesus, Langdon thought, they’ve got someone on the inside. It was no secret that infiltration was the Illuminati trademark of power. They had infiltrated the Masons, major banking networks, government bodies. In fact, Churchill had once told reporters that if English spies had infiltrated the Nazis to the degree the Illuminati had infiltrated English Parliament, the war would have been over in one month. � p152-153

�. . . Quite simply, the goal of terrorism is to create terror and fear. Fear undermines faith in the establishment. It weakens the enemy from within . . . causing unrest in the masses. Write this down. Terrorism is not an expression or rage. Terrorism is a political weapon. Remove a government’s façade of infallibility, and you remove its people’s faith.� -- the Hassassin, p174

Langdon’s explanation of The map clues left by the Illuminati � The Path of Illumination � p178-183

. . .”Are you serious?�
Langdon stopped. “What do you mean?�
“I mean is this really your plan to save the day?�
Langdon wasn’t sure whether he saw amused pity or sheer terror in her eyes. “You mean finding Diagramma?�
“No, I mean finding Diagramma, locating a four-hundred-year-old segno, deciphering some mathematical code, following an ancient trails of art that only the most brilliant scientists in history have ever been able to follow . . . all in the next four hours.�
Langdon shrugged. “I’m open to other suggestions.� � p202

The BBC broadcast of the camerlengo’s speech (should have been in the movie � would have made more sense why the group of aging cardinals would think a young priest would make a good Pope)
P378-384 -- Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca

Discussion between Cardinal Mortati & Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca � Chapter 31 gives the reader a clue as to the whole story and why it happened. The misunderstandings that lead to such tragedy in order to bring the church back into focus.

Horror and hope� offer four souls to save millions…Resurrect the ancient fear, then crush it…make them believe again

Oh, this faithless world! Someone must deliver them. You. If not you, who? You have been saved for a reason. Show them the old demons. Remind them of their fear. Apathy is death. Without darkness there is no light. Without evil, there is no good. Make them choose. Dark or light. Where is the fear? Where are the heroes? If not now, when? � The Carmelengo’s vision from God (p532-533)

In the silence, the camerlengo hoped they now understood. The Illuminati had not resurfaced. The Illuminati were long deceased. Only their myth was alive. The camerlengo had resurrected the Illuminati as a reminder. Those who knew the Illuminati history relived their evil. Those who did not, had learned of it and were amazed how blind they had been. The ancient demons had been resurrected to awaken an indifferent world.
“But . . . the brands?� Mortati’s voice was stiff with outrage.
The camerlengo did not answer. Mortati had no way of knowing, but the brands had been confiscated by the Vatican over a century ago. They had been locked away forgotten and dust covered, in the Papal Vault � the Pope’s private reliquary, deep within this Borgia apartments. The Papal Vault contained those items the church deemed too dangerous for anyone’s eyes except the Pope’s.
Why did they hide that which inspired fear? Fear brought people to God!
The vault’s key was passed down from Pope to Pope. Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca had purloined the key and ventured inside; the myth of what the vault contained was bewitching � the original manuscript for the fourteen unpublished book of the Bible known as the Apocrypha, the third prophecy of Fatima, the first two having come true and the third so terrifying the church would never reveal it. . . (p536-537)]]> 3.95 2000 Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon, #1)
author: Dan Brown
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/20
date added: 2022/05/29
shelves: bomb, buildings, father-and-sons, fear, fiction, library, murder, museums, mystery, problem-solving, symbol, rules, science, secret, secret-organization, terrorism, adventure, range9, religion, rescue, riddle, rome, want-to-buy, 999-recommendations
review:
Angels & Demons / by Dan Brown

From the Bookjacket: the explosive thriller that started it all. An ancient secret brotherhood. A devastating new weapon of destruction. An unthinkable target.

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to his first assignment to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol � seared into the chest of a murdered physicist � he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati…the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy � the Catholic Church.

Langdon’s worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican’s holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.

Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and the most secretive vault on earth (that of the Vatican), Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long forgotten Illuminati lair…a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

Critics have praised the exhilarating blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit found……marks this hero’s first adventure as it careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war. (book jacket)

NOTES: a great read. Saw the movie first, Tom Hanks makes a great Langdon. Great to see the places and get an idea of what the story shows in words. There are several things that are different in the movie. They both are well written and each have their surprises, but the book is well worth the read even after watching the movie. Langdon is quiet and reflective and very knowledgeable. One of those persons that can see the puzzle, fix the problem.

Main character seems to be the Camerlengo instead of Langdon.
Discussion questions:
1) where is the Illuminati today, the freemasons?
2) the purpose of the church,
3) the secrets of the catholic church
4) tradition vs. progress
5) comparison of the daughter of science and the son of religion (Adopted children)
6) View of the media
7) The Swiss Guards
8) Wealth of the Church / Pope
9) The Camerlengo’s motives � religious or personal, satanic or spiritual

QUOTES:

Although accounts of the Illuminati emblem were legendary in modern symbology, no academic had ever actually seen it. Ancient documents described the symbol as an ambigram � ambi meaning “both� � signifying it was legible both ways. And although ambigrams were common in symbology � swastikas, yin yang, Jewish stars, simple crosses � the idea that a word could be crafted into an ambigram seemed utterly impossible. Modern symbologists had tried for years to forge the word “Illuminati� into a perfectly symmetrical style, but they had failed miserably. Most academics had now decided the symbol’s existence was a myth. � Robert Langdon, p31

Remembrance was a Buddhist philosopher’s trick. Rather than asking her mind to search for a solution to a potentially impossible challenge. Vittoria asked her mind simply to remember it. The presupposition that one once knew the answer created the mindset that the answer must exist. . . Vittoria often used the process to solve scientific quandaries . . . those that most people though had no solution. p137

Jesus, Langdon thought, they’ve got someone on the inside. It was no secret that infiltration was the Illuminati trademark of power. They had infiltrated the Masons, major banking networks, government bodies. In fact, Churchill had once told reporters that if English spies had infiltrated the Nazis to the degree the Illuminati had infiltrated English Parliament, the war would have been over in one month. � p152-153

�. . . Quite simply, the goal of terrorism is to create terror and fear. Fear undermines faith in the establishment. It weakens the enemy from within . . . causing unrest in the masses. Write this down. Terrorism is not an expression or rage. Terrorism is a political weapon. Remove a government’s façade of infallibility, and you remove its people’s faith.� -- the Hassassin, p174

Langdon’s explanation of The map clues left by the Illuminati � The Path of Illumination � p178-183

. . .”Are you serious?�
Langdon stopped. “What do you mean?�
“I mean is this really your plan to save the day?�
Langdon wasn’t sure whether he saw amused pity or sheer terror in her eyes. “You mean finding Diagramma?�
“No, I mean finding Diagramma, locating a four-hundred-year-old segno, deciphering some mathematical code, following an ancient trails of art that only the most brilliant scientists in history have ever been able to follow . . . all in the next four hours.�
Langdon shrugged. “I’m open to other suggestions.� � p202

The BBC broadcast of the camerlengo’s speech (should have been in the movie � would have made more sense why the group of aging cardinals would think a young priest would make a good Pope)
P378-384 -- Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca

Discussion between Cardinal Mortati & Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca � Chapter 31 gives the reader a clue as to the whole story and why it happened. The misunderstandings that lead to such tragedy in order to bring the church back into focus.

Horror and hope� offer four souls to save millions…Resurrect the ancient fear, then crush it…make them believe again

Oh, this faithless world! Someone must deliver them. You. If not you, who? You have been saved for a reason. Show them the old demons. Remind them of their fear. Apathy is death. Without darkness there is no light. Without evil, there is no good. Make them choose. Dark or light. Where is the fear? Where are the heroes? If not now, when? � The Carmelengo’s vision from God (p532-533)

In the silence, the camerlengo hoped they now understood. The Illuminati had not resurfaced. The Illuminati were long deceased. Only their myth was alive. The camerlengo had resurrected the Illuminati as a reminder. Those who knew the Illuminati history relived their evil. Those who did not, had learned of it and were amazed how blind they had been. The ancient demons had been resurrected to awaken an indifferent world.
“But . . . the brands?� Mortati’s voice was stiff with outrage.
The camerlengo did not answer. Mortati had no way of knowing, but the brands had been confiscated by the Vatican over a century ago. They had been locked away forgotten and dust covered, in the Papal Vault � the Pope’s private reliquary, deep within this Borgia apartments. The Papal Vault contained those items the church deemed too dangerous for anyone’s eyes except the Pope’s.
Why did they hide that which inspired fear? Fear brought people to God!
The vault’s key was passed down from Pope to Pope. Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca had purloined the key and ventured inside; the myth of what the vault contained was bewitching � the original manuscript for the fourteen unpublished book of the Bible known as the Apocrypha, the third prophecy of Fatima, the first two having come true and the third so terrifying the church would never reveal it. . . (p536-537)
]]> Anatole (Anatole, #1) 802348 40 Eve Titus 0375839011 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: Considered a classic in Children's Literature, Anatole first appeared in 1956. The story is about a mouse of action, a mouse of honor, a French mouse magnifique who decides to earn his food for his family by supplying advice to the Duval Cheese Factory on the quality of their cheeses after hours when everyone else has left for the day. The owner of the failing cheese factory takes his advice and soon becomes "the cheese factory" in Paris.

REVIEW: I remember this story from my childhood. Anatole was one of those that I read every so often. The character was lovable while the illustrations charming (Paul Galdone being one of my favorite children's illustrators).

FORMAT: The illustrations are by Paul Galdone, one of my top five favorite children's illustrators. The pictures are still in their limited color schemes with a double-spread of black and white illustrations and then a double-spread of red, white, blue, and black.

FAVORITE PARTS: The first sentence is memorable -- "In all France there was no happier, more contented mouse than Anatole." -- I also like his family -- wife Doucette and six children Paul and Paulette, Claude and Claudette, and Georges and Georgette. But my absolute favorite is Anatole in the cheese tasting room -- because I like cheese just as much as Anatole does.

NOTE: There are other stories available from the duo Eve Titus and Paul Galdone including ANATOLE AND THE CAT (#2), ANATOLE AND THE ROBOT (#3), ANATOLE OVER ITALY (#5), ANATOLE AND THE POODLE (#6), ANATOLE AND THE PIANO (#7), ANATOLE AND THE THIRTY THIEVES (#8), ANATOLE AND THE TOYSHOP (#9), and ANATOLE AND THE PIPED PIPER (#10), so enjoy them all.

NOTE: Older readers may enjoy the Basil of Baker Street Series by the same author and illustrator. The character is based off of Sherlock Holmes.

FURTHER FUN: 1) The story includes a few simple French phrases that can be read, discussed, and practiced. 2) Use the story with a cheese tasting program and let the children make little signs to say if they liked the cheese or not. 3) Have a discussion about jobs and what they may be able to do now to help someone out.]]> 4.23 1956 Anatole (Anatole, #1)
author: Eve Titus
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1956
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/17
date added: 2022/05/29
shelves: france, mouse, cheese, jobs, factory, grading, fathers, communication, problem-solving, quality-assurance, range3, picture-book, want-to-buy, 999-recommendations
review:
Anatole / by Eve Titus; illustrated by Paul Galdone -- New York : Alfred A. Knopf, c1956, 1984. (32 pages) [50th Anniversary Edition] RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS

SUMMARY: Considered a classic in Children's Literature, Anatole first appeared in 1956. The story is about a mouse of action, a mouse of honor, a French mouse magnifique who decides to earn his food for his family by supplying advice to the Duval Cheese Factory on the quality of their cheeses after hours when everyone else has left for the day. The owner of the failing cheese factory takes his advice and soon becomes "the cheese factory" in Paris.

REVIEW: I remember this story from my childhood. Anatole was one of those that I read every so often. The character was lovable while the illustrations charming (Paul Galdone being one of my favorite children's illustrators).

FORMAT: The illustrations are by Paul Galdone, one of my top five favorite children's illustrators. The pictures are still in their limited color schemes with a double-spread of black and white illustrations and then a double-spread of red, white, blue, and black.

FAVORITE PARTS: The first sentence is memorable -- "In all France there was no happier, more contented mouse than Anatole." -- I also like his family -- wife Doucette and six children Paul and Paulette, Claude and Claudette, and Georges and Georgette. But my absolute favorite is Anatole in the cheese tasting room -- because I like cheese just as much as Anatole does.

NOTE: There are other stories available from the duo Eve Titus and Paul Galdone including ANATOLE AND THE CAT (#2), ANATOLE AND THE ROBOT (#3), ANATOLE OVER ITALY (#5), ANATOLE AND THE POODLE (#6), ANATOLE AND THE PIANO (#7), ANATOLE AND THE THIRTY THIEVES (#8), ANATOLE AND THE TOYSHOP (#9), and ANATOLE AND THE PIPED PIPER (#10), so enjoy them all.

NOTE: Older readers may enjoy the Basil of Baker Street Series by the same author and illustrator. The character is based off of Sherlock Holmes.

FURTHER FUN: 1) The story includes a few simple French phrases that can be read, discussed, and practiced. 2) Use the story with a cheese tasting program and let the children make little signs to say if they liked the cheese or not. 3) Have a discussion about jobs and what they may be able to do now to help someone out.
]]> Almuric 8579301 157 Robert E. Howard Pamela 2
The language of the story is pure Howard in style and may be a little challenging to some readers... "It is needless for me to narrate the details of the following months. I dwelt among the hills in such suffering and peril as no man on Earth has experienced for thousands of years. I make bold to say that only a man of extraordinary strength and ruggedness could have survived as I did. I did more than survive. I came at last to thrive on the existence" (page 21)

I liked the passage where Esau explains that he has risen in the ranks of civilization from savage to barbarian....but I couldn't find the passage again. Lots of fighting, violence and bloodshed...mentions of torture

Just a fun, quick read if you like stories of barbarians going from one survival event to the next. Robert E. Howard is the creator of Conan (who is my favorite) Many different covers all unique -- mine came with Esau fighting the winged demons.]]> 3.45 1939 Almuric
author: Robert E. Howard
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.45
book published: 1939
rating: 2
read at: 2021/04/17
date added: 2021/04/17
shelves: barbarian, pulp-fiction, adventure, torture, prison, heroes, survival, rescue, demons, fighting, problem-solving, fantasy
review:
SUMMARY: When Esau Cairn was sent across space to the demon-haunted planet of Almuric, he knew nothing of his destination. The secret discovery of the scientist who had invented the space-transition machine, Almuri was a world of strange and terrible beings, of savages and swordsmen, of winged monsters and incredible secrets. -- How Esau, alone on Almuric, with nothing but his wits and his muscles to protect him, faced Almuric's worst perils to make him master and monarch is a novel worthy of the creator of the Conan stories. (from back cover)

The language of the story is pure Howard in style and may be a little challenging to some readers... "It is needless for me to narrate the details of the following months. I dwelt among the hills in such suffering and peril as no man on Earth has experienced for thousands of years. I make bold to say that only a man of extraordinary strength and ruggedness could have survived as I did. I did more than survive. I came at last to thrive on the existence" (page 21)

I liked the passage where Esau explains that he has risen in the ranks of civilization from savage to barbarian....but I couldn't find the passage again. Lots of fighting, violence and bloodshed...mentions of torture

Just a fun, quick read if you like stories of barbarians going from one survival event to the next. Robert E. Howard is the creator of Conan (who is my favorite) Many different covers all unique -- mine came with Esau fighting the winged demons.
]]> The Bitter Side of Sweet 25613902
Fifteen-year-old Amadou counts the things that matter. For two years what has mattered are the number of cacao pods he and his younger brother, Seydou, can chop down in a day. This number is very important. The higher the number the safer they are because the bosses won’t beat them. The higher the number the closer they are to paying off their debt and returning home to Baba and Auntie. Maybe. The problem is Amadou doesn’t know how much he and Seydou owe, and the bosses won’t tell him. The boys only wanted to make some money during the dry season to help their impoverished family. Instead they were tricked into forced labor on a plantation in the Ivory Coast; they spend day after day living on little food and harvesting beans in the hot sun—dangerous, backbreaking work. With no hope of escape, all they can do is try their best to stay alive—until Khadija comes into their lives.

She’s the first girl who’s ever come to camp, and she’s a wild thing. She fights bravely every day, attempting escape again and again, reminding Amadou what it means to be free. But finally, the bosses break her, and what happens next to the brother he has always tried to protect almost breaks Amadou. The old impulse to run is suddenly awakened. The three band together as family and try just once more to escape.]]> 336 Tara Sullivan 0399173072 Pamela 4
I like how the three characters learn to trust each other and help each other out and become some sort of a family unit to survive their ordeal and to survive the after effects of their traumatic experience. That is what I think made the characters so memorable and likable and why I ended up buying a copy of this book.

NOTE: There is a debate as to whether Khadija was sexually assaulted by the guards.

2018 Rebecca Caudill Nominee]]> 4.22 2016 The Bitter Side of Sweet
author: Tara Sullivan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2019/10/26
date added: 2020/12/11
shelves: brothers, kidnapping, plantation, abuse, activist, reporters, secret, chocolate, caudill-book-selection, cruelty, decisions, escape, family, girls, jobs, one-man-makes-a-difference, problem-solving, range8, rebecca-caudill-award-selection, rescue, second-chance, self-reliance, siblings, slavery, stowaway, survival, torture, disabilities, fair-trade, 104-books-that-i-really-like, want-to-buy, young-adult-fiction
review:
I debated rather to include this title in LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE: A Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family. It was a haunting tale that stayed with me and I would only recommend it to a more mature reader and then allow for discussion afterwards. The life on a cacao plantation is very brutal, dismal, and depressing but also a subject that needs more of a spotlight. This story takes place in our modern world and to know that a boy could be stolen from his homeland, made to work for free, and be deprived of decent food and shelter is something that is not often discussed. The story does find a better ending which gives a brief glimpse of what a fair-trade cacao plantation looks like. Although the main characters are two brothers, Amadou and Seydou, there is a strong female character, Khadija, that makes this title good for both male and female readers. The version I had did include a list of discussion questions.

I like how the three characters learn to trust each other and help each other out and become some sort of a family unit to survive their ordeal and to survive the after effects of their traumatic experience. That is what I think made the characters so memorable and likable and why I ended up buying a copy of this book.

NOTE: There is a debate as to whether Khadija was sexually assaulted by the guards.

2018 Rebecca Caudill Nominee
]]> <![CDATA[Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage (Thea Stilton #19)]]> 18693362 176 Thea Stilton 0545646561 Pamela 4
A quick read from a popular children's series (Thea Stilton) about a trip to the organic chocolate plantation in Ecuador which is in the running for the Chocolate Cup award. I like the dedication of the two owners of Cocoa Loco who do their best to keep to their high standards of organic gardening when everything around them start to go wrong. The story is a mystery of sorts and contains clues throughout. It also includes small factual pages throughout as well.

There are a lot of Stilton sisters and it is sometimes hard to keep up who is who. A counter-story of a long ago relationship sort of slow downs the story in places but serves its purpose to get the characters together and make at least one sister have a motive to be curious enough to track down answers to the mystery of strange occurrences at the chocolate factory.

ACTIVITY: As you read this story, you should have noticed the unique style of font used to highlight certain words in the story. The use of color and creative artistic style font emphasized the words. Try making your own illustrative words like the ones used throughout this book.

SPECIAL NOTE: Sweet potatoes can be used as organic (natural) pest control.

Added this fictional/fun title to LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family) that I'm writing.]]> 4.31 2014 Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage (Thea Stilton #19)
author: Thea Stilton
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/22
date added: 2020/12/11
shelves: sisters, mystery, problem-solving, relationships, chocolate, plantation, organic, contest, travel, ecuador, juvenile-fiction
review:
SUMMARY: The Thea Sisters are visiting a friend in Ecuador who has a sweet job � he runs a chocolate factory! His factory is in the running for the Chocolate Cup, a major award for the highest-quality chocolate made in the country. But suddenly, chocolate production starts to malfunction. Is it sabotage? It’s up to the Thea Sisters to crack this candy-filled case! (from book jacket)

A quick read from a popular children's series (Thea Stilton) about a trip to the organic chocolate plantation in Ecuador which is in the running for the Chocolate Cup award. I like the dedication of the two owners of Cocoa Loco who do their best to keep to their high standards of organic gardening when everything around them start to go wrong. The story is a mystery of sorts and contains clues throughout. It also includes small factual pages throughout as well.

There are a lot of Stilton sisters and it is sometimes hard to keep up who is who. A counter-story of a long ago relationship sort of slow downs the story in places but serves its purpose to get the characters together and make at least one sister have a motive to be curious enough to track down answers to the mystery of strange occurrences at the chocolate factory.

ACTIVITY: As you read this story, you should have noticed the unique style of font used to highlight certain words in the story. The use of color and creative artistic style font emphasized the words. Try making your own illustrative words like the ones used throughout this book.

SPECIAL NOTE: Sweet potatoes can be used as organic (natural) pest control.

Added this fictional/fun title to LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family) that I'm writing.
]]> <![CDATA[The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (The Secrets of Droon, #1)]]> 1061388 81 Tony Abbott 0590108395 Pamela 4
The first title in the series gives a good introduction to the three main characters: Eric, Julie, and Neal. It also gives a glimpse into the world of Droon and some of the characters that live there (some of them good and some of them evil). Includes strong characters (both male and female). May be a little confusing at first since it is introducing all the main characters as well as a new world with new words that a beginning reader may have trouble making out at the beginning.

Similar in style and size as the Magic Treehouse Series. Good for Reluctant Readers since it only has an average of 80 pages, the text is in large font, and also includes some illustrations. Would make a great read aloud. It is also a fast read because the low number of pages does not allow time for lots of details.

I read this book years ago and found it fast paced and interesting. I recently came across the series again and am reading it again to see if it is as good as I remembered. It only took me fifteen minutes to read the first volume. The biggest struggle I had with the series was finding all of the 44 books in the right order to follow the storyline (must be read in order). The series is numbered #1 - #36 and then there are Eight Special Edition volumes that fall specifically within the series. For example Special Edition #1: The Magic Escapes comes between #16 and #17. Check the Scholastic website for a printable checklist of the titles and their order.

Creative discussion or classroom curriculum: #1) what does it take to create an imaginary world with new species and surroundings?; #2) Discuss the use of foreshadowing when the book refers to Keeah's mother twice as perhaps she is not really dead; #3) what is the significance of the soccer ball in both Droon and the Upper World.]]> 3.86 1999 The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (The Secrets of Droon, #1)
author: Tony Abbott
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2015/12/18
date added: 2020/11/02
shelves: adventure, portal, fantasy, friends, good-vs-evil, kidnapping, magic, problem-solving, range5, rescue, 102-books-that-i-really-like, to-read
review:
SUMMARY: Eric, Julie, and Neal would rather be playing soccer but instead have been sent to the basement to help clean it out. As they are goofing off they discover a hidden door which reveals a portal entrance to the world of Droon. Here they meet the Princess Keeah who has been kidnapped by Lord Sparr and the three friends set out on a rescue mission to bring her back. Only Princess Keeah knows the way back to the portal which will take them home.

The first title in the series gives a good introduction to the three main characters: Eric, Julie, and Neal. It also gives a glimpse into the world of Droon and some of the characters that live there (some of them good and some of them evil). Includes strong characters (both male and female). May be a little confusing at first since it is introducing all the main characters as well as a new world with new words that a beginning reader may have trouble making out at the beginning.

Similar in style and size as the Magic Treehouse Series. Good for Reluctant Readers since it only has an average of 80 pages, the text is in large font, and also includes some illustrations. Would make a great read aloud. It is also a fast read because the low number of pages does not allow time for lots of details.

I read this book years ago and found it fast paced and interesting. I recently came across the series again and am reading it again to see if it is as good as I remembered. It only took me fifteen minutes to read the first volume. The biggest struggle I had with the series was finding all of the 44 books in the right order to follow the storyline (must be read in order). The series is numbered #1 - #36 and then there are Eight Special Edition volumes that fall specifically within the series. For example Special Edition #1: The Magic Escapes comes between #16 and #17. Check the Scholastic website for a printable checklist of the titles and their order.

Creative discussion or classroom curriculum: #1) what does it take to create an imaginary world with new species and surroundings?; #2) Discuss the use of foreshadowing when the book refers to Keeah's mother twice as perhaps she is not really dead; #3) what is the significance of the soccer ball in both Droon and the Upper World.
]]> The Haymeadow 52551 John doesn't feel up to the task, but he hopes that if he can accomplish it, he will finally please his father. But John finds that the adage "things just happen to sheep" is true when the river floods, coyotes attack, and one dog's feet get cut. Through it all he must rely on his own resourcefulness, ingenuity, and talents to survive this summer in the haymeadow.

]]> 208 Gary Paulsen 0440409233 Pamela 3 Summary: Fourteen-year-old John Barron is asked, like his father and grandfather before him, to spend the summer taking care of their sheep in the haymeadow. Six thousand sheep. John will be alone, except for two horses, four dogs, and all those sheep. John doesn't feel up to the task, but he hopes taht if he can accomplish it, he will finally please his father. But John finds that the adage "things just happen to sheep" is true when the river floods, coyotes attack, and one dog's feet get cut. Through it all he must rely on his own resourcefulness, ingenuity, and talents to survive this summer in the haymeadow. (back cover)

Gary Paulsen is a master storyteller -- I read everything that I can get a hold of...however, there are things in the books that I skip over and try to ignore. In this case there are few minor cuss words, mentions drinking and chewing tobacco and refers to Playboy magazine once. There is also a vivid passage about a man having been skinned for his transgressions (which is still rattling about in my brain). For all of this I reduced a five star book down to three.

I love the character of John and his struggle to find his place on the ranch that should have belonged to his family but doesn't. However, he will find out the truth about that and his grandfather which he so admires and it just might change his viewpoint about the sheep ranch and his plans of what to do with his life. In the meantime, John must find the courage to stay the entire summer days from any civilization high in the haymeadow of the mountains and attend 6,000 sheep by himself with little training and only two horses and four sheep dogs for help. The first part of the book is the introduction of characters, the Barron family and getting the sheep to the haymeadow. The action starts with John's first night and continues non-stop for a few days. The last chapters tell of a changed boy into a young man and his changing relationship to his father.

The illustrations by Ruth Wright Paulsen add much to the story.]]> 4.02 1992 The Haymeadow
author: Gary Paulsen
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1992
rating: 3
read at: 2018/09/17
date added: 2020/11/02
shelves: adventure, advice, animals, bad-day, bear, bravery, camping, confidence, cowboy, dogs, dreams, family, father-and-sons, firearms, food, generations, inheritance, learning, natural-disaster, problem-solving, responsibility, ruthless, sheep, snake, work, ranch, self-reliance, coyotes, wagon, truth, tween-fiction
review:
The Haymeadow / by Gary Paulsen (195 pages)
Summary: Fourteen-year-old John Barron is asked, like his father and grandfather before him, to spend the summer taking care of their sheep in the haymeadow. Six thousand sheep. John will be alone, except for two horses, four dogs, and all those sheep. John doesn't feel up to the task, but he hopes taht if he can accomplish it, he will finally please his father. But John finds that the adage "things just happen to sheep" is true when the river floods, coyotes attack, and one dog's feet get cut. Through it all he must rely on his own resourcefulness, ingenuity, and talents to survive this summer in the haymeadow. (back cover)

Gary Paulsen is a master storyteller -- I read everything that I can get a hold of...however, there are things in the books that I skip over and try to ignore. In this case there are few minor cuss words, mentions drinking and chewing tobacco and refers to Playboy magazine once. There is also a vivid passage about a man having been skinned for his transgressions (which is still rattling about in my brain). For all of this I reduced a five star book down to three.

I love the character of John and his struggle to find his place on the ranch that should have belonged to his family but doesn't. However, he will find out the truth about that and his grandfather which he so admires and it just might change his viewpoint about the sheep ranch and his plans of what to do with his life. In the meantime, John must find the courage to stay the entire summer days from any civilization high in the haymeadow of the mountains and attend 6,000 sheep by himself with little training and only two horses and four sheep dogs for help. The first part of the book is the introduction of characters, the Barron family and getting the sheep to the haymeadow. The action starts with John's first night and continues non-stop for a few days. The last chapters tell of a changed boy into a young man and his changing relationship to his father.

The illustrations by Ruth Wright Paulsen add much to the story.
]]> <![CDATA[The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase (The Candymakers, #2)]]> 28118451 The highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Candymakers by beloved author Wendy Mass

It has been a few months since the nationwide New Candy Contest, and Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy have returned to their regular lives. But when the winning candy bar comes down the conveyor belt at the Life is Sweet candy factory, Logan realizes something's very wrong....

When the Candymaker announces that they will be going on tour to introduce the new candy bar, the four friends see this as an opportunity to make things right. But with a fifty-year-old secret revealed and stakes higher for each of them than they ever imagined, they will have to trust one another--and themselves--in order to face what lies ahead.

In this action-packed sequel to the bestselling novel The Candymakers, prepare to embark on a journey full of hidden treasures, secret worlds, and candy.

LOTS and LOTS of candy.
]]> 544 Wendy Mass 0316089192 Pamela 4
The book is thick (very thick) just like the first one...but, the story moves very quickly. It is also in the style of the first book with the four different perspectives about the same events taking up the first part of the book and then combining all the characters in the end chapters. I gave this book a four star rating, because even though I really liked it, the surprise of the story organization was a big surprise in the first title and sort of expected here. Plus there is a lot going on in the plot of this one, almost too much, too fast, to be really believable.

I love how the four main characters...Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy...all interact together and have come to somewhat depend on each other. They all have quirky lives and can understand each other's predicaments and offer support in all types of circumstances. But in this title, my favorite character was AJ. Not more than a kid himself, he has been put in charge of these four mostly mature kids to drive, guide, and protect them on this road trip. He is very smart and has access to the coolest gadgets including a new prototype for a spy rv which becomes the group's mode of transportation.

I also like the honesty of the kids. Only two people know that the candy being produced is not exactly the same as the candy created for the contest. But they go to extra-special efforts to make sure everything is correct and by the rules even knowing that it could cause their musical sweet creation, the Harmonicandy, to go out of production before it even gets started.

This book also shows a different aspect of the factory...instead of production it is more about the business end of things including lots of marketing with slogans, wrapper design, and media coverage. I like that all the kids have a part to play including Miles who comes up with a list of 31 slogans for "the suits" to pick from.

I'm glad that Philip's violin is still in the story and that his talent is so powerful that it touches many lives. It is also very interesting as we learn more about Philip's family and childhood through memories and a search for a grandmother that he didn't know existed.

I could go on about more things...like Aurora the cat who barks like a dog...the geocatching adventure that almost ruins a dead drop mission...and the finding of special, blue, round, very rare chocolate seeds that could be "out of this world."....but I think you should read the book and find out more for yourself.]]> 4.20 2016 The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase (The Candymakers, #2)
author: Wendy Mass
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/15
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: adventure, alliances, blackout, business, camp, camping, candy, cat, childhood-memories, chocolate, choices, decisions, disabilities, disguises, environment, extinction, family, feelings, field-trip, friends, generations, grandmothers, homesick, hugs, inventions, letters, music, nature, perspective, problem-solving, quest, range5, responsibility, road-trip, rv, secret, secret-organization, siblings, spy, teamwork, treasure, truth, contest, scars, factory, jobs, geocaching, librarians, words, marketing, journal, chaperone, seed, lies, asteroid, maps, want-to-buy, juvenile-fiction
review:
First off let me say that the first book, CANDYMAKERS, has become one of my all-time favorites. This is the sequel, and yes, you need to read number one first to make any sense out of this storyline.

The book is thick (very thick) just like the first one...but, the story moves very quickly. It is also in the style of the first book with the four different perspectives about the same events taking up the first part of the book and then combining all the characters in the end chapters. I gave this book a four star rating, because even though I really liked it, the surprise of the story organization was a big surprise in the first title and sort of expected here. Plus there is a lot going on in the plot of this one, almost too much, too fast, to be really believable.

I love how the four main characters...Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy...all interact together and have come to somewhat depend on each other. They all have quirky lives and can understand each other's predicaments and offer support in all types of circumstances. But in this title, my favorite character was AJ. Not more than a kid himself, he has been put in charge of these four mostly mature kids to drive, guide, and protect them on this road trip. He is very smart and has access to the coolest gadgets including a new prototype for a spy rv which becomes the group's mode of transportation.

I also like the honesty of the kids. Only two people know that the candy being produced is not exactly the same as the candy created for the contest. But they go to extra-special efforts to make sure everything is correct and by the rules even knowing that it could cause their musical sweet creation, the Harmonicandy, to go out of production before it even gets started.

This book also shows a different aspect of the factory...instead of production it is more about the business end of things including lots of marketing with slogans, wrapper design, and media coverage. I like that all the kids have a part to play including Miles who comes up with a list of 31 slogans for "the suits" to pick from.

I'm glad that Philip's violin is still in the story and that his talent is so powerful that it touches many lives. It is also very interesting as we learn more about Philip's family and childhood through memories and a search for a grandmother that he didn't know existed.

I could go on about more things...like Aurora the cat who barks like a dog...the geocatching adventure that almost ruins a dead drop mission...and the finding of special, blue, round, very rare chocolate seeds that could be "out of this world."....but I think you should read the book and find out more for yourself.
]]> <![CDATA[The Burning Bridge (Ranger's Apprentice, #2)]]> 144349 Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout. Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans. They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?

With bigger battles and higher stakes, John Flanagan's epic adventure charges ahead with this rousing follow-up to The Ruins of Gorlan.

]]> 262 John Flanagan 0399244557 Pamela 5
Another one of the wards from book one appears, Alyss, on her first mission for the diplomatic corps. Another strong female character of Evanlyn is introduced as a young handmaid that has escaped the attacks of Morgarath's Wargals and seeks shelter with Will and Horace.

The story is well-written, fast-paced, and full of adventure. The battle scenes at the end are well-written and pull the reader faster through the drama. The ending leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Will and Evanlyn in the third installment of the Ranger's Apprentice.

The book contains war violence (without gore).]]> 4.31 2005 The Burning Bridge (Ranger's Apprentice, #2)
author: John Flanagan
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 2017/10/14
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: adventure, alliances, apprentice, courage, fantasy, friends, good-vs-evil, medieval, military-fort, missing-persons, monsters, patriotism, prisoners, problem-solving, range6, rescue, war, 103-books-that-i-really-like, want-to-buy, tween-fiction
review:
Ranger's Apprentice #2 - The Burning Bridge lives up to the expectations of the reader which began in book #1 -- The Ruins of Gorlan. The story continues as Will and Horace's training is interrupted by war preparations. Morgarath's war plans have been captured and the whole army is moving to intercept. However, Will and Horace find out other information that show the army is moving toward a clever trap and they must make up their minds how to best help -- by carrying the news to the army leaders or by causing the enemy havoc before they can complete their deadly plans.

Another one of the wards from book one appears, Alyss, on her first mission for the diplomatic corps. Another strong female character of Evanlyn is introduced as a young handmaid that has escaped the attacks of Morgarath's Wargals and seeks shelter with Will and Horace.

The story is well-written, fast-paced, and full of adventure. The battle scenes at the end are well-written and pull the reader faster through the drama. The ending leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Will and Evanlyn in the third installment of the Ranger's Apprentice.

The book contains war violence (without gore).
]]> Big Bug Surprise 663483 Introducing Prunella--an irresistibly irrepressible, independent, bug-loving little girl, sure to create quite a buzz!

Prunella is aflutter to share her big bug surprise at show-and-tell. But suddenly, the classroom is abuzz with an even bigger bug surprise! A swarm of bees has invaded! With her teacher and her classmates frantic, can Prunella's buggy know-how save the day? Luckily, Prunella has an idea. And like a true queen, she leads the bees safely to a new hive. Her teacher is impressed! Her classmates cheer! But what does Prunella do? She shares more bug facts, of course, and her audience couldn't beeeee more delighted.]]> 32 Julia Gran 0439676096 Pamela 3
The illustrations are large and comical.
The last page has a few buggy facts.]]> 3.70 2007 Big Bug Surprise
author: Julia Gran
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/10
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: school-report, facts, bugs, bees, problem-solving, picture-book
review:
If you collected bugs which one would you take to school for show-and-tell? As Prunella prepares her presentation she is overflowing with facts about all kinds of bugs...however, her constant companion which can be found throughout the illustrations is a spider (which is not a bug). During Prunella's presentation there is a bug catastrophe but Prunella knows exactly what to do...and saves the day...and now everyone wants to know more about the amazing bug community.

The illustrations are large and comical.
The last page has a few buggy facts.
]]> <![CDATA[Beyond the Deepwoods (The Edge Chronicles: The Twig Saga #1; The Edge Chronicles #4)]]> 607437
So begins a heart-stopping adventure that will take Twig through a nightmare world of fearsome goblins, bloodthirsty beasts and flesh-eating trees. Can he discover the truth about his past?

Beyond the Deepwoods is the first book of the Twig Saga � second trilogy in The Edge Chronicles. Each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.]]> 278 Paul Stewart 0385750684 Pamela 1
*** NEWLY ADDED TO REVIEW (07/26/19) -- I moved this from 4 stars to 1 star; I really like the storytelling part and the words and structure of the tale; however, the more I think about the content of the story, the more it repels me. I have changed much in my viewpoints since first reading this book as a new librarian. I am now more conservative in my recommendations and this is very dark in places and I don't think I would recommend it to a young reader (or any reader at that). To get the best of Paul Stewart's storytelling and Chris Riddell's artwork read their other writing project -- FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES which I whole-hardheartedly recommend. ***

Paul Stewart is a wonderful storyteller and this 278 page book went very quickly. The Introduction is a quick introduction to the geography of The Deepwoods and the surrounding area. The rest of the book is like an introduction to all the people and creatures that live there as Twig stumbles from group to group. Even though the storytelling was amazing, but my emotions were drained following Twig from one danger to the next danger. The book is a little gruesome in places and is fit for a more MATURE READER.

The illustrations by Chris Riddell added much to the book and the were plentiful. They brought to life this weird and mysterious world and its inhabitants. The pen and ink illustrations are very detailed and you could look at them over and over and see something different each time.

The best part of the book was Twig's friendship with the banderbear (and it also turned out to be the saddest as well) -- Chapter 8. The second best part of the book is where Twig finally discovers who he is when he finally encounters the dreaded gloamglozer and does what noone else does -- escapes -- Chapter 13.

The book ends with Twig starting a new adventure that he never thought was possible which leads to a sequel -- this is a series within a series -- which I never really got straight.

The design of the hardcover book was a delight -- the size and feel of the book was great and the pages design made it very unique.

NOTE: The author and illustrator also have another series for younger readers -- Far-Flung Adventures -- three titles in any order but must read all to get the whole story because they interlap in storyline. Corby Flood, Hugo Pepper, and Fergus Crane.]]> 3.74 1998 Beyond the Deepwoods (The Edge Chronicles: The Twig Saga #1; The Edge Chronicles #4)
author: Paul Stewart
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1998
rating: 1
read at: 2019/04/12
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: fantasy, adventure, family, orphan, woods, lost, friends, danger, pirate, problem-solving, belonging, blanket, death, dreams, escape, father-and-sons, growing-up, identity, prisoners, rules, self-reliance, survival, trees, names, creatures, juvenile-fiction, tween-fiction
review:
SUMMARY: Twig never fit in anywhere -- he had no friends, he looked different, he thought differently and had dreams of the open sky. It only brings more questions when he is told that he was found at the base of the woodtrolls home as a baby...but for his safety, it is time for him to leave. Immediately, Twig becomes distract and breaks the first rule of Deepwoods -- Don't stray from the path. Lost and alone he faces the dangerous world of the Deepwoods.

*** NEWLY ADDED TO REVIEW (07/26/19) -- I moved this from 4 stars to 1 star; I really like the storytelling part and the words and structure of the tale; however, the more I think about the content of the story, the more it repels me. I have changed much in my viewpoints since first reading this book as a new librarian. I am now more conservative in my recommendations and this is very dark in places and I don't think I would recommend it to a young reader (or any reader at that). To get the best of Paul Stewart's storytelling and Chris Riddell's artwork read their other writing project -- FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES which I whole-hardheartedly recommend. ***

Paul Stewart is a wonderful storyteller and this 278 page book went very quickly. The Introduction is a quick introduction to the geography of The Deepwoods and the surrounding area. The rest of the book is like an introduction to all the people and creatures that live there as Twig stumbles from group to group. Even though the storytelling was amazing, but my emotions were drained following Twig from one danger to the next danger. The book is a little gruesome in places and is fit for a more MATURE READER.

The illustrations by Chris Riddell added much to the book and the were plentiful. They brought to life this weird and mysterious world and its inhabitants. The pen and ink illustrations are very detailed and you could look at them over and over and see something different each time.

The best part of the book was Twig's friendship with the banderbear (and it also turned out to be the saddest as well) -- Chapter 8. The second best part of the book is where Twig finally discovers who he is when he finally encounters the dreaded gloamglozer and does what noone else does -- escapes -- Chapter 13.

The book ends with Twig starting a new adventure that he never thought was possible which leads to a sequel -- this is a series within a series -- which I never really got straight.

The design of the hardcover book was a delight -- the size and feel of the book was great and the pages design made it very unique.

NOTE: The author and illustrator also have another series for younger readers -- Far-Flung Adventures -- three titles in any order but must read all to get the whole story because they interlap in storyline. Corby Flood, Hugo Pepper, and Fergus Crane.
]]> Baghead 800088 Good Night, Monkey Boy, the hilarious tale of a haircut gone awry!

One day Josh had a big, brown bag idea: to wear a paper bag over his head. He thought it was a good idea. His mother did not. Neither did his bus driver, his teacher, or his soccer coach. What could Josh possibly be hiding?

A surprise ending will keep kids giggling–and from taking haircuts into their own hands!]]> 40 Jarrett J. Krosoczka 0553111728 Pamela 2
The cover is very cool with paper that is similar to that of a paper bag with two eye holes cut out so you can see the eyes shinning through.

I guess my biggest question is -- do the kids of today know what a paper bag is? I grew up with paper bags and using them to store things, carry things, and yes...even make crafty things out of. But will it ring true with today's generation??]]> 3.80 2002 Baghead
author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2002
rating: 2
read at: 2020/07/23
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: hair, haircut, decisions, creativity, problem-solving, sisters, secret, picture-book
review:
This is a quick fun read about Josh and him suddenly deciding to wear a paper bag over his head for an entire day. If you look at the title page close enough, you kind of get a hint as to why the paper bag is needed

The cover is very cool with paper that is similar to that of a paper bag with two eye holes cut out so you can see the eyes shinning through.

I guess my biggest question is -- do the kids of today know what a paper bag is? I grew up with paper bags and using them to store things, carry things, and yes...even make crafty things out of. But will it ring true with today's generation??
]]> <![CDATA[Al Capone Shines My Shoes (Tales from Alcatraz, #2)]]> 6137155
You see, Moose has never met Al Capone, but a few weeks ago Moose wrote a letter to him asking him to use his influence to get his sister, Natalie, into a school she desperately needs in San Francisco. After Natalie got accepted, a note appeared in Moose?s freshly laundered shirt that said: Done.

As this book begins, Moose discovers a new note. This one says: Your turn. Is it really from Capone? What does it mean? Moose can?t risk anything that might get his dad fired. But how can he ignore Al Capone?]]> 274 Gennifer Choldenko 0803734603 Pamela 3
This story continues where the last one leaves off. Natalie is attending a specialized school of the island and the Flannigan family is adjusting to life without her. Moose has more time for baseball, has his parents to himself, and has more hardships than he knows what to do with.

Moose also develops a case of hives when he finds out that Al Capone wants Moose to pay back his favor (getting Natalie into the special school) and give his visiting wife some yellow roses. But not everything is as it seems as Natalie returns to Alcatraz for a visit and Moose finds a bar spreader in her suitcase (I want to say more, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

Note: Moose is growing up and hormones starting to kick in � notices Piper’s figure, features, and smell; makes statement about how he can’t really look at the Warden’s pregnant wife without thinking about how the baby got there. Moose gets advice on how to kiss girls and actually ends up kissing a girl (not saying who, but you can probably guess with no problem).

The story seem slow in the beginning…gets better near the end as the kids realize something unusual is happening on the island and trying to decide what to do and/or who to tell.
Interesting side-story about the interaction between the Guards and the Prisoners. Each guard is different. Some break the rules, like the Warden using prisoners in his house as free labor (which in the end backfires); Trixle and his bent on power is annoying to everyone on the island; and Moose’s father who treats them with guarded respect but also knows not to trust the prisoners or get to close.

Stereotype: disabilities � Natalie is improving in many areas; although she still needs to be watched she interacts more with the people she encounters especially with Moose. Natalie is able to express her ideas and feelings better which makes her my favorite character in this series. However; we also see some of the stereotypes against disabilities/mental illness/autism in the way the Warden and Trixle. It is interesting to find out that Trixle has a brother that he hasn’t seen in years because he was like Natalie and the family decided to send him away to an institution. At the end even Trixle is surprised twice by Natalie’s ability to help out in a crisis

Least favorite character: Piper who is mean and selfish and with the current situation with a new baby coming to the family; her mother sick; and father focus on the baby makes her world uncertain and she takes it out on everyone around her � including getting Moose’s and Jimmy’s father on probation for something they didn’t do. She has no love for this “new baby� but has she changed her mind at the end � will she be different in the next book? (I hope so, but then there wouldln’t be much conflict in the story to work out).

The kids on the whole island are truly now friends � the foiling the scheme of the convicts has brought them all together for the first time (even Piper for a short time).
NOTE: A little violence at the end when the escaping convicts hold the kids as hostages

NOTE: The first title: AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS is one of my favorites that I read often. � I have read this title a couple of times before but realized there was a fourth title in the series and I’m rereading everything to refresh my memory of events before finding number four. I also noticed that I had not done a GOOD READS review of this title so I did this one a little quicker than I normally do.]]> 3.99 2009 Al Capone Shines My Shoes (Tales from Alcatraz, #2)
author: Gennifer Choldenko
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2020/04/27
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: secret, friends, prisoners, prison, problem-solving, jailbreak, disabilities, islands, guards, baseball, family, party, babies, babysitting, first-kiss, power, criminals, decisions, rules, brother-and-sister, siblings, favors, tween-fiction
review:
AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES is the second title in The Tales of Alcatraz Series by Gennifer Choldenko. NOTE: The series needs to be read in order.

This story continues where the last one leaves off. Natalie is attending a specialized school of the island and the Flannigan family is adjusting to life without her. Moose has more time for baseball, has his parents to himself, and has more hardships than he knows what to do with.

Moose also develops a case of hives when he finds out that Al Capone wants Moose to pay back his favor (getting Natalie into the special school) and give his visiting wife some yellow roses. But not everything is as it seems as Natalie returns to Alcatraz for a visit and Moose finds a bar spreader in her suitcase (I want to say more, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

Note: Moose is growing up and hormones starting to kick in � notices Piper’s figure, features, and smell; makes statement about how he can’t really look at the Warden’s pregnant wife without thinking about how the baby got there. Moose gets advice on how to kiss girls and actually ends up kissing a girl (not saying who, but you can probably guess with no problem).

The story seem slow in the beginning…gets better near the end as the kids realize something unusual is happening on the island and trying to decide what to do and/or who to tell.
Interesting side-story about the interaction between the Guards and the Prisoners. Each guard is different. Some break the rules, like the Warden using prisoners in his house as free labor (which in the end backfires); Trixle and his bent on power is annoying to everyone on the island; and Moose’s father who treats them with guarded respect but also knows not to trust the prisoners or get to close.

Stereotype: disabilities � Natalie is improving in many areas; although she still needs to be watched she interacts more with the people she encounters especially with Moose. Natalie is able to express her ideas and feelings better which makes her my favorite character in this series. However; we also see some of the stereotypes against disabilities/mental illness/autism in the way the Warden and Trixle. It is interesting to find out that Trixle has a brother that he hasn’t seen in years because he was like Natalie and the family decided to send him away to an institution. At the end even Trixle is surprised twice by Natalie’s ability to help out in a crisis

Least favorite character: Piper who is mean and selfish and with the current situation with a new baby coming to the family; her mother sick; and father focus on the baby makes her world uncertain and she takes it out on everyone around her � including getting Moose’s and Jimmy’s father on probation for something they didn’t do. She has no love for this “new baby� but has she changed her mind at the end � will she be different in the next book? (I hope so, but then there wouldln’t be much conflict in the story to work out).

The kids on the whole island are truly now friends � the foiling the scheme of the convicts has brought them all together for the first time (even Piper for a short time).
NOTE: A little violence at the end when the escaping convicts hold the kids as hostages

NOTE: The first title: AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS is one of my favorites that I read often. � I have read this title a couple of times before but realized there was a fourth title in the series and I’m rereading everything to refresh my memory of events before finding number four. I also noticed that I had not done a GOOD READS review of this title so I did this one a little quicker than I normally do.
]]> <![CDATA[Al Capone Does My Homework (Tales from Alcatraz, #3)]]> 16101014 224 Gennifer Choldenko 0803734727 Pamela 2
The story is similar to the others in the series but starts much slower. I almost gave up on the story but it did pick up about 2/3rds through the book.

My favorite part is the interaction between Moose and his autistic sister Natalie. The special school is helping Natalie to become more normal, but her teacher has asked Moose to use his special connection with Natalie to teach her to look people in the eye when she talks to them. The best scene is the one where Natalie who is now sixteen is trying to visit her Dad by herself in the hospital where under-aged Moose is not allowed.

The kids in the book show lots of growth, especially Moose who thinks he is responsible for everyone and everything around him.

06/23/20 -- I'm rereading the series because I just found out there is a fourth title in this series and I'm trying to remember what all has happened. The first book in the series is one of my all time favorites that I read over and over again. This third title in the series I don't like really except for the very very end with Natalie and Moose. NOTE: I did have this at 3 stars but I lowered it to 2 stars with this reading.

I did find some quotes that I liked but missed the first time around.

My father once told me there are lots of things to keep private, but if you're doing something in secret ask yourself why. (p106)

It's different when you kiss someone you really care about. It's like when you're there in person at a baseball game instead of just hearing it on the radio. (p174)

People are responsible for themselves. All you can do is try to inspire each person to be his best self. (p195-196)]]> 4.09 2013 Al Capone Does My Homework (Tales from Alcatraz, #3)
author: Gennifer Choldenko
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2020/06/23
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: alcatraz, cockroach, counterfeit, courage, criminals, disabilities, hospital, law-enforcement, love, money, prisoners, problem-solving, range6, scam, siblings, autism, growing-up, tween-fiction
review:
The third in the Tales from Alcatraz series continues the story of Moose Flanagan's family and friends from their home on Alcatraz Island. Mr. Flanagan has been promoted from a prison guard to Assistant Warden and is being targeted by the inmates to gain points in their prison game. A fire in the Flanagan apartment starts a chain of events that lead to the hospital.

The story is similar to the others in the series but starts much slower. I almost gave up on the story but it did pick up about 2/3rds through the book.

My favorite part is the interaction between Moose and his autistic sister Natalie. The special school is helping Natalie to become more normal, but her teacher has asked Moose to use his special connection with Natalie to teach her to look people in the eye when she talks to them. The best scene is the one where Natalie who is now sixteen is trying to visit her Dad by herself in the hospital where under-aged Moose is not allowed.

The kids in the book show lots of growth, especially Moose who thinks he is responsible for everyone and everything around him.

06/23/20 -- I'm rereading the series because I just found out there is a fourth title in this series and I'm trying to remember what all has happened. The first book in the series is one of my all time favorites that I read over and over again. This third title in the series I don't like really except for the very very end with Natalie and Moose. NOTE: I did have this at 3 stars but I lowered it to 2 stars with this reading.

I did find some quotes that I liked but missed the first time around.

My father once told me there are lots of things to keep private, but if you're doing something in secret ask yourself why. (p106)

It's different when you kiss someone you really care about. It's like when you're there in person at a baseball game instead of just hearing it on the radio. (p174)

People are responsible for themselves. All you can do is try to inspire each person to be his best self. (p195-196)
]]> Chicken Story Time 29662539 A wonderfully silly take on library story time that's perfect for children, chickens, and everyone in between

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to story time at the library, of course! The children like the chicken, the chicken likes the children, and everyone loves story time. So it's no surprise that more children (and more chickens!) get in on the fun until there are more kids and critters than the librarian knows what to do with. Luckily, she comes up with a creative solution and manages to find little R & R for herself.

Fans of Bats in the Library and Library Lion will fall in love and story time will never be the same!]]> 40 Sandy Asher 0803739443 Pamela 3
SUMMARY: Storytime in the library becomes increasingly chaotic as first one chicken then a whole flock joins in and the librarian must come up with a creative solution so that everyone can enjoy the story.

REVIEW: As a librarian, I read anything about books and libraries. I liked this title because who doesn't love storytime -- especially children and chickens (in this case). A curious chicken sneaks into the library for weekly storytime and arrives the next week with some friends in tow...and the next week a few more. When there are too many children and chickens the librarian has to come up with a creative solution to bring order to the chaos.

NOTE: Children's librarians will love this story as well as regular library storytime children.]]> 3.81 2016 Chicken Story Time
author: Sandy Asher
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/27
date added: 2020/10/30
shelves: storyteller, library, chickens, reading, problem-solving, picture-book
review:
Chicken Story Time / written by Sandy Asher ; illustrated by Mark Fearing -- New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, c2016 (36 pages)

SUMMARY: Storytime in the library becomes increasingly chaotic as first one chicken then a whole flock joins in and the librarian must come up with a creative solution so that everyone can enjoy the story.

REVIEW: As a librarian, I read anything about books and libraries. I liked this title because who doesn't love storytime -- especially children and chickens (in this case). A curious chicken sneaks into the library for weekly storytime and arrives the next week with some friends in tow...and the next week a few more. When there are too many children and chickens the librarian has to come up with a creative solution to bring order to the chaos.

NOTE: Children's librarians will love this story as well as regular library storytime children.
]]> Assassins (Left Behind, #6) 85957 448 Tim LaHaye 0842329277 Pamela 5
SUMMARY: The Tribulation Force hurdles toward the four murders foretold in scriptures. The head of Enigma Babylon One World Faith is in jeopardy, as are the two witnesses at the Wailing Wall as "the due time" approaches. Antichrist himself is prophesied to suffer a lethal head wound. As a supernatural horde of 200 million demonic horseman slay a third of the remaining population, the Tribulation Force prepares for a future as fugitives. Yet another Force member dies, and others join as crisis draw them around the globe. Rayford and the newest member of the Trib Force are attacked by Global Community security guards in America...David maintains precarious surveillance at the GC palace in New Babylon...Mac and his new copilot are attacked on the Condor 216 in Africa...Hattie is imprisoned in Belgium...Rayford walks into a trap in France, narrowly escapes a shooting and GC fighter planes in Al Basrah, and plots his own involvement in the assassination of the Antichrist. Meanwhile several vie for that same "privilege". World history and prophecy collide in Jerusalem at the middle of the Tribulation for the most explosive episode yet of the continuing drama of those left behind. (book jacket)

REVIEW: Another excellent installment in the series....however, I'm reading so fast I can't remember what happens when. All I do know is that we seem to always be having to say goodbye to a friend but then a new one comes along to replace them. It is very realistic to see these characters in the midst of a noble and holy cause backslide like all humans and become selfish, bored, and a little whiny at times.

Even though the book is called ASSASSINS you have to wait almost to the very, very end to find out who kills who.]]> 4.00 1999 Assassins (Left Behind, #6)
author: Tim LaHaye
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/21
date added: 2020/10/27
shelves: adventure, believing, christian-fiction, bible-history, bravery, escape, evil, family, fiction, heroes, martyrs, missing-persons, pilots, politics, problem-solving, prophecy, range9, religion, reporters, safe-house, second-coming, selfish, teachers, teamwork, warriors, want-to-buy
review:
Assassin's (Left Behind #6) / by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins -- Wheaton, IL -- Tyndale House Publishers, c1999. (416 pages) RANGE 9 -- ADULT BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

SUMMARY: The Tribulation Force hurdles toward the four murders foretold in scriptures. The head of Enigma Babylon One World Faith is in jeopardy, as are the two witnesses at the Wailing Wall as "the due time" approaches. Antichrist himself is prophesied to suffer a lethal head wound. As a supernatural horde of 200 million demonic horseman slay a third of the remaining population, the Tribulation Force prepares for a future as fugitives. Yet another Force member dies, and others join as crisis draw them around the globe. Rayford and the newest member of the Trib Force are attacked by Global Community security guards in America...David maintains precarious surveillance at the GC palace in New Babylon...Mac and his new copilot are attacked on the Condor 216 in Africa...Hattie is imprisoned in Belgium...Rayford walks into a trap in France, narrowly escapes a shooting and GC fighter planes in Al Basrah, and plots his own involvement in the assassination of the Antichrist. Meanwhile several vie for that same "privilege". World history and prophecy collide in Jerusalem at the middle of the Tribulation for the most explosive episode yet of the continuing drama of those left behind. (book jacket)

REVIEW: Another excellent installment in the series....however, I'm reading so fast I can't remember what happens when. All I do know is that we seem to always be having to say goodbye to a friend but then a new one comes along to replace them. It is very realistic to see these characters in the midst of a noble and holy cause backslide like all humans and become selfish, bored, and a little whiny at times.

Even though the book is called ASSASSINS you have to wait almost to the very, very end to find out who kills who.
]]> <![CDATA[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)]]> 236093 Come along, Toto, she said. We will go to the Emerald City and ask the Great Oz how to get back to Kansas again.

Swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado, Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves stranded in the fantastical Land of Oz. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home. With her companions the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy experiences an adventure full of friendship, magic and danger. A much-loved children's classic, The Wizard of Oz continues to delight readers young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and silver shoes.

]]> 154 L. Frank Baum 0140621679 Pamela 2
I’m writing a story with a character that is stuck in a world with the book The Wizard of Oz. I had read the book many years ago, but needed to reread it to make sure how to use it properly in the story that I am writing. First of all for a book written in 1900, it isn’t that bad. The language is simple and easy to understand and would make an OK read aloud to children. I think the best thing about the edition that I had was the illustrations by W.W. Denslow, especially the illustrations at the beginning of the chapters that incorporated the first letter of the first word on the page.

The book has the favorite characters of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard himself and of course the yellow brick road. But there are a few differences than in the beloved movie � one is the shoes themselves (but I will not spoil it for the reader), how they escape the great poppy fields, the sad story of the Tin Woodsman and how he came to be made out of tin, and the phrase � There is no place like home, etc. There are also a few gruesome pages (like all children’s fantasy/fairy tales) but they are not gory.

The story will be very familiar to individuals who have watched the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz� starring Judy Garland (FIND OTHER CAST MEMBERS) but in my humble opinion, this is one of those rare occasions where Hollywood improved upon the book. Also try out the continuation of Dorothy’s story with the Disney movie “Return to Oz� which introduces different characters that you can find in the original stories � Yes, that’s right, OZ is a series of fourteen stories. The second story, “The Marvelous Land of Oz� was written four years later in 1904 after many of Baum’s young readers begged for another story. He promised he would write another if he received one thousand requests (which he actually got much more than one thousand.)

One of my favorite sentences in the book -- (p180) there has never been a Winged Monkey in Kansas yet, and I suppose there never will be, for they don’t belong there.
]]> 4.00 1900 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)
author: L. Frank Baum
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1900
rating: 2
read at: 2015/06/30
date added: 2019/12/31
shelves: adventure, courage, fairy-tales, friends, good-vs-evil, kindness, knowledge, lion, problem-solving, quest, rescue, road-trip, scarecrow, shoes, stranded, witch-wizard, woodsman, woods
review:
The Wizard of Oz / by L. Frank Baum; illustrated by W.W. Denslow � New York: Ballantine Books, c1979, original text c1900). Map of the Marvlous Land of Oz by James E. Haff and Dick Martin.

I’m writing a story with a character that is stuck in a world with the book The Wizard of Oz. I had read the book many years ago, but needed to reread it to make sure how to use it properly in the story that I am writing. First of all for a book written in 1900, it isn’t that bad. The language is simple and easy to understand and would make an OK read aloud to children. I think the best thing about the edition that I had was the illustrations by W.W. Denslow, especially the illustrations at the beginning of the chapters that incorporated the first letter of the first word on the page.

The book has the favorite characters of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard himself and of course the yellow brick road. But there are a few differences than in the beloved movie � one is the shoes themselves (but I will not spoil it for the reader), how they escape the great poppy fields, the sad story of the Tin Woodsman and how he came to be made out of tin, and the phrase � There is no place like home, etc. There are also a few gruesome pages (like all children’s fantasy/fairy tales) but they are not gory.

The story will be very familiar to individuals who have watched the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz� starring Judy Garland (FIND OTHER CAST MEMBERS) but in my humble opinion, this is one of those rare occasions where Hollywood improved upon the book. Also try out the continuation of Dorothy’s story with the Disney movie “Return to Oz� which introduces different characters that you can find in the original stories � Yes, that’s right, OZ is a series of fourteen stories. The second story, “The Marvelous Land of Oz� was written four years later in 1904 after many of Baum’s young readers begged for another story. He promised he would write another if he received one thousand requests (which he actually got much more than one thousand.)

One of my favorite sentences in the book -- (p180) there has never been a Winged Monkey in Kansas yet, and I suppose there never will be, for they don’t belong there.

]]> <![CDATA[Arthur's Birthday (Arthur Adventure Series)]]> 1709865 32 Marc Brown Pamela 2
SUMMARY: Their friends must decide which party to attend when Muffy schedules her birthday party for the same day as Arthur's.

REVIEW: A good problem solving story of how do you have two birthday parties at one time. It is interesting that the boys group together and the girls group together when sides are chosen; the boys saying who needs girls, however, the girls claim it won't be much fun without the boys.
There is also a theme of "spin the bottle" going on behind the scenes which is probably why the girls want a party with the boys along (that one you will have to explain to your young readers). I also like the portrayal of Arthur's family life including extended family. And I like how unselfish Arthur is when he comes up with a solution to share his special day with all his friends that will also make Muffy happy as well.

NOTE: Arthur has long been a children's favorite book character. I have read some, but not all of them. I remember the original Arthur, the Aardvark, had a longer snout characteristic of aardvarks, but in later years it was shortened and rounded and now looks very similar to the other animals he interacts with (I miss the original version).]]> 4.09 1989 Arthur's Birthday (Arthur Adventure Series)
author: Marc Brown
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1989
rating: 2
read at: 2017/11/23
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: birthday, party, problem-solving, friends, boys, girls, family, picture-book
review:
Arthur's Birthday /written and illustrated by Marc Brown -- New York : Little Brown and Company, c1989, revised 2011. (32 pages)

SUMMARY: Their friends must decide which party to attend when Muffy schedules her birthday party for the same day as Arthur's.

REVIEW: A good problem solving story of how do you have two birthday parties at one time. It is interesting that the boys group together and the girls group together when sides are chosen; the boys saying who needs girls, however, the girls claim it won't be much fun without the boys.
There is also a theme of "spin the bottle" going on behind the scenes which is probably why the girls want a party with the boys along (that one you will have to explain to your young readers). I also like the portrayal of Arthur's family life including extended family. And I like how unselfish Arthur is when he comes up with a solution to share his special day with all his friends that will also make Muffy happy as well.

NOTE: Arthur has long been a children's favorite book character. I have read some, but not all of them. I remember the original Arthur, the Aardvark, had a longer snout characteristic of aardvarks, but in later years it was shortened and rounded and now looks very similar to the other animals he interacts with (I miss the original version).
]]> <![CDATA[Anatole and the Cat (Anatole, #2)]]> 802349
Clever Anatole must act to protect his job, and his life! He must do what no mouse has done before--find a way to bell the cat. Bonne chance, Anatole!]]> 40 Eve Titus 037583902X Pamela 3
SUMMARY: Anatole is the happiest, most contented mouse in all of Paris. He is Vice-President in charge of Cheese Tasting at Duvall's cheese factory. He works in secret at night--the people at Duvall have no idea their mysterious taster is really a mouse! So M'sieu Duvall thinks nothing of bringing his pet cat to the factory...Clever Anatole must act to protect his job, and his life! He must do what no mouse has done before--find a way to bell the cat. Bonne chance, Anatole!

Review: Sequel to the first title called, ANATOLE, another childhood favorite. The book addresses the old storyline of how does one bell a cat...and Anatole is the only mouse known to have done so.

FORMAT: The format is the same as the first with alternating black and white spread and then red, white, blue, and black illustrations.

FAVORITE PART: "So Anatole again became the most honored, respected mouse in all France.

And he was also the bravest, because -- for thousands of years the mice of the world had talked about belling the cat, but Anatole was the only one who did it!" (page 32)

NOTE: This title is #2 in the Anatole series.]]> 4.04 1957 Anatole and the Cat (Anatole, #2)
author: Eve Titus
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1957
rating: 3
read at: 2017/10/22
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: mouse, cheese, factory, fear, cat, problem-solving, france, picture-book
review:
Anatole and the Cat / written by Eve Titus; illustrated by Paul Galdone -- New York : Dragonfly Books, c1957, c1985. (32 pages)

SUMMARY: Anatole is the happiest, most contented mouse in all of Paris. He is Vice-President in charge of Cheese Tasting at Duvall's cheese factory. He works in secret at night--the people at Duvall have no idea their mysterious taster is really a mouse! So M'sieu Duvall thinks nothing of bringing his pet cat to the factory...Clever Anatole must act to protect his job, and his life! He must do what no mouse has done before--find a way to bell the cat. Bonne chance, Anatole!

Review: Sequel to the first title called, ANATOLE, another childhood favorite. The book addresses the old storyline of how does one bell a cat...and Anatole is the only mouse known to have done so.

FORMAT: The format is the same as the first with alternating black and white spread and then red, white, blue, and black illustrations.

FAVORITE PART: "So Anatole again became the most honored, respected mouse in all France.

And he was also the bravest, because -- for thousands of years the mice of the world had talked about belling the cat, but Anatole was the only one who did it!" (page 32)

NOTE: This title is #2 in the Anatole series.
]]> <![CDATA[Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse]]> 197442
Everyone loves Willy the wind-up mouse, while Alexander, the real mouse, is chased away with brooms and imperiled by mousetraps. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be loved and cuddled, thinks Alexander, and he wishes he could be a wind-up mouse, too. In this gentle fable about a real mouse and a mechanical one, Leo Lionni explores the magic of friendship.

Originally published in 1969, the Caldecott Honor-winning Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse is sure to enchant a whole new generation of readers.

"A delicate fantasy about friendship, illustrated with bold, sumptuous collages."-- The New York Times]]> 32 Leo Lionni 0394809149 Pamela 3
SUMMARY: Alexander, the mouse, makes friends with Willy, a toy wind-up mouse, and wants to be just like him until Alexander discovers that Willy is to be thrown away. Caldecott Honor Book Award.

COMMENTS: A classic Lionni tale that has long been a favorite of mine. CURRICULUM: 1) Easily adaptable to story hour, my favorite format being flannel board format. 2) Collage images are simple and alluring and can easily be adapted for an accompanying craft. 3) Check with local interior designer for old sample books to create colorful lizards. 4) You can also recycle old greeting cards to create treasure boxes. 5) Give everyone a purple pebble (I found sacks of them at pet stores for fish tanks). Talk about wishing and if you had one wish to make on a purple pebble, what would your wish be.]]> 4.14 1969 Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
author: Leo Lionni
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1969
rating: 3
read at: 2009/06/10
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: belonging, fantasy, friends, lizards, magic, mouse, problem-solving, purple, rock, toys, wishes, picture-book
review:
Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse / written and illustrated by Leo Lionni (1969)

SUMMARY: Alexander, the mouse, makes friends with Willy, a toy wind-up mouse, and wants to be just like him until Alexander discovers that Willy is to be thrown away. Caldecott Honor Book Award.

COMMENTS: A classic Lionni tale that has long been a favorite of mine. CURRICULUM: 1) Easily adaptable to story hour, my favorite format being flannel board format. 2) Collage images are simple and alluring and can easily be adapted for an accompanying craft. 3) Check with local interior designer for old sample books to create colorful lizards. 4) You can also recycle old greeting cards to create treasure boxes. 5) Give everyone a purple pebble (I found sacks of them at pet stores for fish tanks). Talk about wishing and if you had one wish to make on a purple pebble, what would your wish be.
]]> <![CDATA[Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! (Adam Canfield of the Slash)]]> 1453209
For overprogrammed middle-grader Adam Canfield, waking up to a snow day is a dream come true � a chance to sleep late, put off planning the next issue of THE SLASH, and make some quick cash with his shovel. But the dream turns into a nightmare when some high-school kids mug Adam for his shoveling money. Then not only does the media blast the embarrassing story, but Adam’s own co-editors plan a contest outing bullies at their school. In a second look behind the scenes at a middleschool newspaper, Michael Winerip deftly blends kid-friendly humor with some provocative issues, including the subtle effects of class and racism and the thrill that comes from speaking truth to power.]]> 336 Michael Winerip 0763623415 Pamela 5
SUMMARY: Sequel to ADAM CANFIELD OF THE SLASH that picks up where the first story ended. Middle schooler Adam Canfield welcomes a snow day as an opportunity to earn some money. After being mugged by some high school bullies for his profits, Adam becomes the focus of unwanted media attention.

COMMENTS: The quality of the story is just as great as the first and adds a great new character -- that of Shadow. I listened to this title on audio and I was always smiling when Shadow started his round-about conversations especially the one concerning Phoebe and the bully survey. I love stories that have an individual or a small group that make a big difference which in this case is the school newspaper and the truth that it prints. I also liked how Jennifer and Adam problem-solved the situation about the results of the bully survey and came up with a way to tell the facts without hurting innocent bystanders.

Update 2019 - rereading this title I still enjoyed the storyline and characters but realized how very similar it was to the original in many many ways. It did have two new things that I enjoyed - 1) Adam's interaction with Forrest the war correspondent who took the easy way out and wrote a book not worthy of himself, and 2) the added character of Shadow an incredible young man with developmental challenges.

The thing I really like about this book series is that the kids are in middle school but display a huge amount of integrity and determination about telling the absolute truth in the face of deceiving adults and challenging circumstances.

There is also a look into what depression looks like when Adam finds his wayward friend Danny that will not interact with anyone because of manic depression. Add that to the subject of bullying, and juvenile violence, racism, and parents helping with homework and you have a lot of topics for further discussion and research.

And don't forget the creative writing masterpiece included, that of Adam's favorite cookie...Mrs. Radin's Famous Homemade Super-Chunk Buckets O' Chocolate Moisty Deluxe Chocolate Chip Cookies]]> 3.86 2006 Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! (Adam Canfield of the Slash)
author: Michael Winerip
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2019/03/21
date added: 2019/07/26
shelves: basketball, bullies, ethics, government, media, mystery, newspaper, principle, problem-solving, race-relations, range6, reporters, research, responsibility, school, science-fair, secret, survey, trees, truth, criminals, teachers, victim, friends, writer, disabilities, depression, tween-fiction
review:
Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! (Adam Canfield Series #2) / written by Michael Winerip (2007) --

SUMMARY: Sequel to ADAM CANFIELD OF THE SLASH that picks up where the first story ended. Middle schooler Adam Canfield welcomes a snow day as an opportunity to earn some money. After being mugged by some high school bullies for his profits, Adam becomes the focus of unwanted media attention.

COMMENTS: The quality of the story is just as great as the first and adds a great new character -- that of Shadow. I listened to this title on audio and I was always smiling when Shadow started his round-about conversations especially the one concerning Phoebe and the bully survey. I love stories that have an individual or a small group that make a big difference which in this case is the school newspaper and the truth that it prints. I also liked how Jennifer and Adam problem-solved the situation about the results of the bully survey and came up with a way to tell the facts without hurting innocent bystanders.

Update 2019 - rereading this title I still enjoyed the storyline and characters but realized how very similar it was to the original in many many ways. It did have two new things that I enjoyed - 1) Adam's interaction with Forrest the war correspondent who took the easy way out and wrote a book not worthy of himself, and 2) the added character of Shadow an incredible young man with developmental challenges.

The thing I really like about this book series is that the kids are in middle school but display a huge amount of integrity and determination about telling the absolute truth in the face of deceiving adults and challenging circumstances.

There is also a look into what depression looks like when Adam finds his wayward friend Danny that will not interact with anyone because of manic depression. Add that to the subject of bullying, and juvenile violence, racism, and parents helping with homework and you have a lot of topics for further discussion and research.

And don't forget the creative writing masterpiece included, that of Adam's favorite cookie...Mrs. Radin's Famous Homemade Super-Chunk Buckets O' Chocolate Moisty Deluxe Chocolate Chip Cookies
]]> <![CDATA[Splat the Cat and the Duck with No Quack (I Can Read Level 1)]]> 11507127 32 Rob Scotton 0061978582 Pamela 3
The story wasn't good or bad, but I could see a kid really liking Splat and his pet mouse Seymour (which goes everywhere that Splat goes). I did like that Splat's teacher was very patient and tried to help this strange little duck. For an added laugh, check out the saying printed on the eye chart.

The story also had elements of problem solving as different things were tried until finally coming up with why the duck was lacking in quacking.

I like the illustrations of Splat the Cat, especially the wildly crooked tail that quivers at times when he is worried or excited; however, sometimes the over done smiles are a little on the scary side. I thought it was unusual that all the other cats in the story had clothes, except for Splat who only wore a hat and carried a red book satchel

Based on the Splat the Cat character created by Rob Scotton; but this story was written by someone else.

An I Can Read Book -- Level 1 -- Defined as Beginning Reader (short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own) It seemed the story was written in words that a beginning reader would be able to read on their own.

I read this title in a hardbound copy of five (5) stories in this sentence; however, THE ADVENTURES OF SPLAT THE CAT was not listed in the Good Reads database; so I have reviewed them individually.]]> 3.75 2011 Splat the Cat and the Duck with No Quack (I Can Read Level 1)
author: Rob Scotton
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2019/04/11
date added: 2019/04/11
shelves: cat, mouse, ducks, books, glasses, bicycle, silence, problem-solving, teachers
review:
SUMMARY: Splat finds a "duck lacking in quacking" and wants to help. So he asks his friends and teacher to help figure out how to get the duck's quack back.

The story wasn't good or bad, but I could see a kid really liking Splat and his pet mouse Seymour (which goes everywhere that Splat goes). I did like that Splat's teacher was very patient and tried to help this strange little duck. For an added laugh, check out the saying printed on the eye chart.

The story also had elements of problem solving as different things were tried until finally coming up with why the duck was lacking in quacking.

I like the illustrations of Splat the Cat, especially the wildly crooked tail that quivers at times when he is worried or excited; however, sometimes the over done smiles are a little on the scary side. I thought it was unusual that all the other cats in the story had clothes, except for Splat who only wore a hat and carried a red book satchel

Based on the Splat the Cat character created by Rob Scotton; but this story was written by someone else.

An I Can Read Book -- Level 1 -- Defined as Beginning Reader (short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own) It seemed the story was written in words that a beginning reader would be able to read on their own.

I read this title in a hardbound copy of five (5) stories in this sentence; however, THE ADVENTURES OF SPLAT THE CAT was not listed in the Good Reads database; so I have reviewed them individually.
]]> <![CDATA[The Marvelous Land of Oz (Books of Wonder)]]> 135284 320 L. Frank Baum 0064409635 Pamela 3 Subtitle: Being an account of the further adventures of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman and also the strange experiences of the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Animated Saw-Horse and the Gump; the story being a Sequel to The Wizard of Oz.

In some ways I liked this story better, maybe because I was unfamiliar with the story (unlike the first story which I knew mostly from the movie). The only characters to reappear are the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Glinda the Good Witch. Really didn't like the method of hiding Princess Ozma using of witchcraft

Beautiful black n� white sketches with color plates throughout by John R. Neill who would go on to illustrate over forty Oz books including three he wrote himself.

Afterword by Peter Glassmanwho is the co-owner of Books of Wonder in New York who helped bring about the re-edition of this classic in its original form.

After his death in 1919, Mrs. Baum let the publisher hire a talented writer named Ruth Plumly Thompson to continue the series and wrote nineteen stories. Then John R. Neill took over adding three more tales until his death in 1943. Over the next twenty years, four more Oz novels were written along with a reference called Who’s Who in Oz bringing the Oz series to 40 titles.

Love the large text as well as the large headings at the beginning of each chapter that is accompanied by a magnificient illustration.

Introduces some of the characters that we find in the movie “Return to Oz� but the storyline differs from the book.

T.E. at the end of your name � Thoroughly Educated � would use if I could
My favorite character has ended up being the Saw-Horse

Some great quotes including
…I am convinced that only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed. � Scarecrow, p188

Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it.� � Scarecrow, p155

summary: The Emerald City is being taken over by General Jinjur’s Army of Revolt (girls with knitting needles) and the Scarecrow must run for his life. Gratefully some recent strangers have come for a visit and they become his companions as he tries to regain the city as well as find the rightful heir, Princess Ozma.

Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, and Mr. H.M. Woggle-Bug, T.E. as well as the Gump help fight against General and Old Mombi.

Lots of actions, bad puns, amazing quotes accompany this second adventure in the series. Series needs to be read in order.
]]> 3.79 1904 The Marvelous Land of Oz (Books of Wonder)
author: L. Frank Baum
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1904
rating: 3
read at: 2015/06/30
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: adventure, alliances, bugs, cunning, fairy-tales, friends, good-vs-evil, inventions, magic, military, missing-persons, orphan, prisoners, problem-solving, range5, road-trip, royalty, scarecrow, treasure, war, witch-wizard, woodsman, transformation
review:
Marvelous Land of Oz / by L. Frank Baum; illustrated by John R. Neill (Book #2) � New York : William Morrow & Company, Inc. (Books of Wonder), c1904, 1985. (ISBN: 0688054390)
Subtitle: Being an account of the further adventures of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman and also the strange experiences of the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Animated Saw-Horse and the Gump; the story being a Sequel to The Wizard of Oz.

In some ways I liked this story better, maybe because I was unfamiliar with the story (unlike the first story which I knew mostly from the movie). The only characters to reappear are the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Glinda the Good Witch. Really didn't like the method of hiding Princess Ozma using of witchcraft

Beautiful black n� white sketches with color plates throughout by John R. Neill who would go on to illustrate over forty Oz books including three he wrote himself.

Afterword by Peter Glassmanwho is the co-owner of Books of Wonder in New York who helped bring about the re-edition of this classic in its original form.

After his death in 1919, Mrs. Baum let the publisher hire a talented writer named Ruth Plumly Thompson to continue the series and wrote nineteen stories. Then John R. Neill took over adding three more tales until his death in 1943. Over the next twenty years, four more Oz novels were written along with a reference called Who’s Who in Oz bringing the Oz series to 40 titles.

Love the large text as well as the large headings at the beginning of each chapter that is accompanied by a magnificient illustration.

Introduces some of the characters that we find in the movie “Return to Oz� but the storyline differs from the book.

T.E. at the end of your name � Thoroughly Educated � would use if I could
My favorite character has ended up being the Saw-Horse

Some great quotes including
…I am convinced that only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed. � Scarecrow, p188

Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it.� � Scarecrow, p155

summary: The Emerald City is being taken over by General Jinjur’s Army of Revolt (girls with knitting needles) and the Scarecrow must run for his life. Gratefully some recent strangers have come for a visit and they become his companions as he tries to regain the city as well as find the rightful heir, Princess Ozma.

Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, and Mr. H.M. Woggle-Bug, T.E. as well as the Gump help fight against General and Old Mombi.

Lots of actions, bad puns, amazing quotes accompany this second adventure in the series. Series needs to be read in order.

]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of the Green Ghost (Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators, #4)]]> 87573 179 Robert Arthur Pamela 2
SUMMARY: An old house with a new ghost; a necklace of Ghost Pearls that is found and then stolen; a series of mishaps; sets the Three Investigators on a search for the truth.

THE THREE INVESTIGATORS
“We Investigate Anything�
? ? ?
First Investigator………………Jupiter Jones
Second Investigator………� Pete Crenshaw
Third Investigator………………Bob Andrews

(p74)
“Say,� he called, “what are the question marks on your card for?�
Jupiter suppressed a chuckle. Those question marks always attracted attention.
“The question mark,� he said, in a very adult manner, “is our symbol, our trademark. It stands for mysteries unsolved, enigmas unanswered, conundrums requiring an answer.�

I grew up with The Three Investigators series and have been looking for them for years. I moved to a new town and the local library has a handful of them that I can’t wait to read. This title is the fourth in the series. The introductory chapter by Mr. Hitchcock gives an overview about the series and the Three Investigators along with details about their Headquarters. � The story actually starts real slow and it wasn’t until Chapter 10 when the boys try to escape through a cave that tunnels through the old gold mines that things picked up. From there on it is very action-packed and suspenseful. I also enjoyed the language and speech pattern of the two Chinese individuals in Chinatown � Mr. Won and Chang in chapter 12.

(p124) Mr. Won looked at Chang. “Small cricket, the blood of my nation flows in your veins also. I speak of the old China, not of the China of today�. A string of priceless pearls,� he said. “For more than fifty years their whereabouts were unknown. Now they have reappeared. And I must have them.�
(p125) “Oh venerable one,� [Chang] said, “we do not have the pearls. They are in the possession of another. One who is fleet of foot and stout of heart has them, and he has escaped with them to return them to my aunt. Return us to my aunt and I will try to persuade her to sell them to you�.�

I really liked the character of Chang, the long-lost relative that was brought over from Hong Kong to help his great aunt with the vineyard. He is very smart and cunning and was even praised as being a 4th Investigator.

Not one of the better stories, but still a good read. The detailed illustrations by Harry Kane add much to the story. You do not have to read the books in the order as they were written to be able to follow the storyline. For fans of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys (but I personally think they are better).
]]> 3.87 1965 The Mystery of the Green Ghost (Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators, #4)
author: Robert Arthur
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.87
book published: 1965
rating: 2
read at: 2015/06/30
date added: 2018/09/07
shelves: adventure, china, courage, criminals, fear, genius, ghosts, kidnapping, mystery, partners, problem-solving, range5, rescue, treasure
review:
The Mystery of the Green Ghost (1965) by Robert Arthur; illus. by Harry Kane.

SUMMARY: An old house with a new ghost; a necklace of Ghost Pearls that is found and then stolen; a series of mishaps; sets the Three Investigators on a search for the truth.

THE THREE INVESTIGATORS
“We Investigate Anything�
? ? ?
First Investigator………………Jupiter Jones
Second Investigator………� Pete Crenshaw
Third Investigator………………Bob Andrews

(p74)
“Say,� he called, “what are the question marks on your card for?�
Jupiter suppressed a chuckle. Those question marks always attracted attention.
“The question mark,� he said, in a very adult manner, “is our symbol, our trademark. It stands for mysteries unsolved, enigmas unanswered, conundrums requiring an answer.�

I grew up with The Three Investigators series and have been looking for them for years. I moved to a new town and the local library has a handful of them that I can’t wait to read. This title is the fourth in the series. The introductory chapter by Mr. Hitchcock gives an overview about the series and the Three Investigators along with details about their Headquarters. � The story actually starts real slow and it wasn’t until Chapter 10 when the boys try to escape through a cave that tunnels through the old gold mines that things picked up. From there on it is very action-packed and suspenseful. I also enjoyed the language and speech pattern of the two Chinese individuals in Chinatown � Mr. Won and Chang in chapter 12.

(p124) Mr. Won looked at Chang. “Small cricket, the blood of my nation flows in your veins also. I speak of the old China, not of the China of today�. A string of priceless pearls,� he said. “For more than fifty years their whereabouts were unknown. Now they have reappeared. And I must have them.�
(p125) “Oh venerable one,� [Chang] said, “we do not have the pearls. They are in the possession of another. One who is fleet of foot and stout of heart has them, and he has escaped with them to return them to my aunt. Return us to my aunt and I will try to persuade her to sell them to you�.�

I really liked the character of Chang, the long-lost relative that was brought over from Hong Kong to help his great aunt with the vineyard. He is very smart and cunning and was even praised as being a 4th Investigator.

Not one of the better stories, but still a good read. The detailed illustrations by Harry Kane add much to the story. You do not have to read the books in the order as they were written to be able to follow the storyline. For fans of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys (but I personally think they are better).

]]> Woodpecker Wants a Waffle 27210509 32 Steve Breen 0062342576 Pamela 2
SUMMARY: Benny the woodpecker is very determined to get a taste of the waffles that he keeps smelling coming from the new diner down the road. His woodland friends keep making fun of him because woodpeckers don't eat waffles. But nothing will stop him from his mission and he comes up with a brilliant solution.

REVIEW: I love waffles -- you can find stories with pancakes but ones with waffles are rare. So I decided to read this one. Benny is one determined woodpecker that keeps trying different things to get a waffle. He has a brilliant idea that comes as a surprise to the reader...at least to this one.

I do like how Benny stays determined even after all his friends tell him over and over that woodpeckers don't eat waffles. Go! Benny.]]> 3.88 2016 Woodpecker Wants a Waffle
author: Steve Breen
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2017/10/26
date added: 2018/08/26
shelves: hungry, waffles, problem-solving, diner, woods, determination, animals
review:
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle / written and illustrated by Steve Breen -- New York : HarperCollins, c2016. ( pages)

SUMMARY: Benny the woodpecker is very determined to get a taste of the waffles that he keeps smelling coming from the new diner down the road. His woodland friends keep making fun of him because woodpeckers don't eat waffles. But nothing will stop him from his mission and he comes up with a brilliant solution.

REVIEW: I love waffles -- you can find stories with pancakes but ones with waffles are rare. So I decided to read this one. Benny is one determined woodpecker that keeps trying different things to get a waffle. He has a brilliant idea that comes as a surprise to the reader...at least to this one.

I do like how Benny stays determined even after all his friends tell him over and over that woodpeckers don't eat waffles. Go! Benny.
]]> Happy Easter Davy! 1930605 32 Brigitte Weninger 0735814368 Pamela 2
SUMMARY: When Davy and his siblings learn that the Easter Bunny brings presents and colored eggs to children, they decide to find the bunny and ask him to bring them gifts too. When the Easter Bunny is nowhere to be found, Davy gets an idea that saves the day, but Davy gets the biggest surprise of all!

REVIEW: Story about a generous little rabbit that wants his siblings to experience the wonder of Easter eggs and secretly takes on the role of the Easter Bunny to his bunny family. Davy gets a surprise of his own when he also has a surprise toy and egg waiting for him -- but why? Does that mean Davy's Dad is the real Easter bunny?

FURTHER FUN:1) Discuss how Davy ended up with a gift as well; 2) Find egg shaped rocks and paint them to look like Easter eggs]]> 3.80 2000 Happy Easter Davy!
author: Brigitte Weninger
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at: 2017/12/04
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: easter-bunny, rabbits, family, giving, problem-solving, surprise, eggs
review:
Happy Easter, Davy / by Brigitte Weninger ; illustrated by Eve Tharlet; translated by Rosemary Lanning -- New York : NorthSouth Books, Inc., c2001. (28 pages)

SUMMARY: When Davy and his siblings learn that the Easter Bunny brings presents and colored eggs to children, they decide to find the bunny and ask him to bring them gifts too. When the Easter Bunny is nowhere to be found, Davy gets an idea that saves the day, but Davy gets the biggest surprise of all!

REVIEW: Story about a generous little rabbit that wants his siblings to experience the wonder of Easter eggs and secretly takes on the role of the Easter Bunny to his bunny family. Davy gets a surprise of his own when he also has a surprise toy and egg waiting for him -- but why? Does that mean Davy's Dad is the real Easter bunny?

FURTHER FUN:1) Discuss how Davy ended up with a gift as well; 2) Find egg shaped rocks and paint them to look like Easter eggs
]]> <![CDATA[Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands]]> 8643121 Going Blue educates young people about the earth’s water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action. With lively photos and practical suggestions, the book helps teens plan and do a meaningful service project that benefits our planet’s water system. Along the way, readers learn about issues such as clean water access, coral reef damage, runoff pollution, trash islands, factory fishing, bottled water, and much more. This combination of academic learning and community service is at the heart of the fast-growing teaching strategy known as service learning.

Going Blue is divided into the five stages of service learning: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. Special sections include a history of ocean exploration with a profile of Jacques Cousteau; an interview with Philippe Cousteau; stories of young people around the world addressing water issues; book and Web resources; and an afterword for adults.
]]> 151 Cathryn Berger Kaye 1575423480 Pamela 4
SUMMARY: Going Blue educates young people about the earth’s water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action. With lively photos and practical suggestions, the book helps teens plan and do a meaningful service project that benefits our planet’s water system. Along the way, readers learn about issues such as clean water access, coral reef damage, runoff pollution, trash islands, factory fishing, bottled water, and much more. This combination of academic learning and community service is at the heart of the fast-growing teaching strategy known as service learning.

Going Blue is divided into the five stages of service learning: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. Special sections include a history of ocean exploration with a profile of Jacques Cousteau; an interview with Philippe Cousteau; stories of young people around the world addressing water issues; book and Web resources; and an afterword for adults.

REVIEW: Although I didn't actually read the book, I did study its format and content. I was impressed at the presentation that it made -- stating a problem, showing how to look at the problem, how to use critical thinking, create an action plan, carry out the plan, and then share the information with others. I would have read in more depth but I don't have the time at the moment to focus in on this one issue. So I'm bookmarking it to return at a later date.]]> 3.71 2010 Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands
author: Cathryn Berger Kaye
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/25
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: ocean, water, environment, activist, range7, critical-thinking, problem-solving
review:
Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands / by Cathryn Berger Kaye, Philippe Cousteau, and Earth Echo International -- Minneapolis, MN : Free Spirit Publishing, c2010. (152 pages) RANGE 7 -- TEEN / YOUNG ADULT

SUMMARY: Going Blue educates young people about the earth’s water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action. With lively photos and practical suggestions, the book helps teens plan and do a meaningful service project that benefits our planet’s water system. Along the way, readers learn about issues such as clean water access, coral reef damage, runoff pollution, trash islands, factory fishing, bottled water, and much more. This combination of academic learning and community service is at the heart of the fast-growing teaching strategy known as service learning.

Going Blue is divided into the five stages of service learning: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. Special sections include a history of ocean exploration with a profile of Jacques Cousteau; an interview with Philippe Cousteau; stories of young people around the world addressing water issues; book and Web resources; and an afterword for adults.

REVIEW: Although I didn't actually read the book, I did study its format and content. I was impressed at the presentation that it made -- stating a problem, showing how to look at the problem, how to use critical thinking, create an action plan, carry out the plan, and then share the information with others. I would have read in more depth but I don't have the time at the moment to focus in on this one issue. So I'm bookmarking it to return at a later date.
]]> <![CDATA[Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car]]> 712100 40 Eileen Christelow 061848602X Pamela 3
SUMMARY: Five little monkeys wash the family car before trying to sell it, but that is only the beginning of their adventures with the old heap. (verso)

REVIEW: Another rhyming title featuring the five little monkeys. This time the family car breaks down again and Mother monkey wants to sell it. The five little monkeys think that the car needs to be cleaned up so they can get the most for it. This leads to the car getting a new paint job --which I love (it would like to have one just like it for a storyteller car). However, the five little monkeys must problem solve how to get the car out of the mud while it is surrounded by hungry alligators.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: "When I started inventing this story, I had no idea how it would end. I began telling and drawing the beginning of the story at schools. After each drawing I would ask the kids, 'Now what should they do?' which became the question the monkeys repeatedly ask themselves in this book. The kids would predict all kinds of funny scenarios while I drew. After we got to the middle of the story, the kids would go back to their classrooms to write and draw their own endings. Eventually, I decided that I, too, needed to write and draw my own ending." (book jacket)]]> 3.93 2000 Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car
author: Eileen Christelow
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2000
rating: 3
read at: 2017/12/01
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: money, cars, alligators, rhyming-text, problem-solving, adventure
review:
Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car / written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow-- New York : Clarion Books, c2000. (34 pages)

SUMMARY: Five little monkeys wash the family car before trying to sell it, but that is only the beginning of their adventures with the old heap. (verso)

REVIEW: Another rhyming title featuring the five little monkeys. This time the family car breaks down again and Mother monkey wants to sell it. The five little monkeys think that the car needs to be cleaned up so they can get the most for it. This leads to the car getting a new paint job --which I love (it would like to have one just like it for a storyteller car). However, the five little monkeys must problem solve how to get the car out of the mud while it is surrounded by hungry alligators.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: "When I started inventing this story, I had no idea how it would end. I began telling and drawing the beginning of the story at schools. After each drawing I would ask the kids, 'Now what should they do?' which became the question the monkeys repeatedly ask themselves in this book. The kids would predict all kinds of funny scenarios while I drew. After we got to the middle of the story, the kids would go back to their classrooms to write and draw their own endings. Eventually, I decided that I, too, needed to write and draw my own ending." (book jacket)
]]> <![CDATA[Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck]]> 661814 40 Lisa Wheeler 0152059121 Pamela 2
SUMMARY: One by one, Farmer Dale picks up animals who want a ride to town in his rickety old pickup truck. (verso)

REVIEW: OK story about a farmer that helps others he encounters along the way. Each animal he picks up fills the rundown truck until it can't go anymore, however, working together they get the truck started again and make it to town just in time for the talent show to begin. But then the story ends ... I felt like the ending was missing. I liked the colorful and humorous illustrations. My favorite being the one that is shaped like the windshield of the truck and let's you see everyone squashed inside the cab of the truck.]]> 3.85 2004 Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck
author: Lisa Wheeler
name: Pamela
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2004
rating: 2
read at: 2017/12/03
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: farmer, truck, animals, problem-solving, giving
review:
Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck / written by Lisa Wheeler; illustrated by Ivan Bates -- Orland, FL : Harcourt, Inc., c2004. (34 pages)

SUMMARY: One by one, Farmer Dale picks up animals who want a ride to town in his rickety old pickup truck. (verso)

REVIEW: OK story about a farmer that helps others he encounters along the way. Each animal he picks up fills the rundown truck until it can't go anymore, however, working together they get the truck started again and make it to town just in time for the talent show to begin. But then the story ends ... I felt like the ending was missing. I liked the colorful and humorous illustrations. My favorite being the one that is shaped like the windshield of the truck and let's you see everyone squashed inside the cab of the truck.
]]> <![CDATA[Poppleton Everyday (Poppleton, #3)]]> 643128 56 Cynthia Rylant 0590848534 Pamela 3
SUMMARY: Poppleton the pig goes stargazing, tries out a new bed before he buys it, and goes sailing for the first time.

This title is considered a beginner reader chapter book divided into three separate stories/chapters. The first story is about two friends stargazing but Poppleton gets dizzy until his friend Hudson solves the problem allowing them to enjoy laying out under the stars. The second story tells when Poppleton wants a new bed and heads to the store where he tries out the new bed from reading, watching TV, to eating his nightly snack. The third story is when Poppleton joins his friend Fillmore on his first sailing trip and does not have a good time.

REVIEW: I have always enjoyed Poppleton stories and in this volume the second story is my favorite. How often I have wanted to try out new furniture before buying to see if it is really what I want.

NOTE: Rylant is the author of several series for beginning readers including HENRY AND MUDGE and MR. PUTTER AND TABBY.]]> 4.11 1998 Poppleton Everyday (Poppleton, #3)
author: Cynthia Rylant
name: Pamela
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2017/11/29
date added: 2017/11/29
shelves: pig, stars, problem-solving, furniture, shopping, boats, friends
review:
Poppleton Everyday (Poppleton Book Three) / written by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Mark Teague -- New York : The Blue Sky Press / Scholastic Inc., c1998. (48 pages)

SUMMARY: Poppleton the pig goes stargazing, tries out a new bed before he buys it, and goes sailing for the first time.

This title is considered a beginner reader chapter book divided into three separate stories/chapters. The first story is about two friends stargazing but Poppleton gets dizzy until his friend Hudson solves the problem allowing them to enjoy laying out under the stars. The second story tells when Poppleton wants a new bed and heads to the store where he tries out the new bed from reading, watching TV, to eating his nightly snack. The third story is when Poppleton joins his friend Fillmore on his first sailing trip and does not have a good time.

REVIEW: I have always enjoyed Poppleton stories and in this volume the second story is my favorite. How often I have wanted to try out new furniture before buying to see if it is really what I want.

NOTE: Rylant is the author of several series for beginning readers including HENRY AND MUDGE and MR. PUTTER AND TABBY.
]]>