- The Tapestry Series by Henry H. Neff --
susiej, 09:14:45 03/23/09 Mon [5]
These are gooooood! Maybe even better than Harry. I've only read the first but am totally enthralled. For one thing, the first book, Hound of Rowan, is heavily influenced with Celtic Mythology (Cuchalain)and ends with a wonderfully poignant quote from Melville that makes me want to read Moby Dick. So, its more literary than Rowlings. There is also a lot of mention of fine art- Rembrandt, Vermeer, but its explained if you don't know the work, so I learned something. And I really liked this main character- he's not as angst ridden as so many fanatasy protaganists. It was refreshing.
I will say her writing style is a mite better. There were a few awkward sentences in The Hound of Rowan, but they never kept me from the story and I know I'm a tough critic. And this is Middle Grade so there's a reason for the simplicity.
I found Hound of Rowan while working at Duncan's school library. I got it for him and he said I "HAD" to read it. I took it to London and actually was itching each night to get back to the room so I could read!! Emily read it on the plane home and David is next in line. I'm getting Second Seige today!
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- The Fetch by C. C. Humphreys, book 1 of the Runestone Saga -- PeggyB, 20:50:20 11/10/08 Mon [6]
FETCH: The Double, Wraith or Apparition of a living person
In the attic, in an old sea chest, secreted away, are a mysterious journal and a set of runes: 24 stones that will change Sky’s life forever.
When Sky and his cousin Kristin find their Norwegian grandfather’s runes, Sky feels like the wait is over, like he can now release the breath he wasn’t even aware he’d been holding. But when he lays out the stones in a runecast they find in Sigurd’s journal, he is catapulted into a world filled with more possibilities and more danger than he ever imagined.
This first entry in the Runestone Saga is an utterly unique blend of horror, supernatural possibility, and historical truth that will leave readers wrung out from tension and clamoring for more.
The above description is from the author's website (click the image to go to the website). I picked up this book at Surrey--taking the opportunity to have it autographed by the author (C. C. Humphreys also wrote the Jack Absolute books). I intended it as a gift for my 12 year-old son, but he doesn't accept reading recommendations from me very readily any more, so I read it. Could NOT put it down!!! Hard to say much about the plot without giving away spoilers. I will say, there is warfare, bloodshed, and murder involved (and even a oija board). So if your young reader is squeamish, you might want to pass on this. I would call this a young-teen read, the protagonist is 15, so let's say reading audience of 13-16. I really want to read the rest of the series....yeah, I need more books on my TBR list, but I really want to learn what becomes of Sky and Kristin!!!
Two thumbs WAY UP!!!!!!!!
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- Any thoughts on.......? -- Tracy (), 09:35:05 10/21/08 Tue [9]
The 39 Clues Book One: The Maze of Bones?
CLICK HERE
I found these books on Chapters. They are recommended for 7-9 years old and by Rick Riordan.
I'm trying to find a series that we can read together. The boys are now 5 and 7. Not sure if it will be possible to find a series appropriate for both.
and.....
The Magic Treehouse books
CLICK HERE
Last edited by author: Tue October 21, 2008 09:41:36
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- I'm not familiar with the "39 Clues" books, but I can absolutely stand by the Magic Tree House series. I think you and the boys will love them! (NT) -- Peggy, 12:36:05 10/21/08 Tue
- The Magic Treehouse series would be good for both, I think. I don't know the other book, though. Connor (7 yrs) has been bringing home Junie B. Jones books from school and he seems to really enjoy the humor of them. The reading level is below where he reads at, but Junie B is pretty gregarious and makes us all laugh. He also goes along correcting all her improper use of the English language since she's in Kinder/1st grade in the books he's brought home. I have had a hard time with books for Connor becuase he reads at an advanced level, but still likes books with pictures in them. Even if they are b/w drawings. So I go with less challenging for the entertainment factor at this point...don't want to discourage him from reading. (NT) -- Lil, 12:42:34 10/21/08 Tue
- Thanks for the responses - good to know what other parents think. Lil, I think your boys and the DBF's are the same age so I was hoping you would know something about the books. I'm off to the bookstore tomorrow to take a look at both series. Darn, I have to spend time in the bookstore ;) (NT) -- Tracy, 19:02:14 10/21/08 Tue
- Don't know about the 39 clues books, but the Magic Treehouse books are the books that planted the seed for my son. They were the first chapter books that he read that he wanted to do nothing else but read. Phillip is reading the Secrets of Droon currently and has also enjoyed the Warrior series, although those are pretty thick. I also picked up the first book in the Redwall series, but he hasn't started that yet. As far as reading together, I'm reading Phillip, Thomas and Andrea "Where the Red Fern Grows". So far they are all really enjoying it. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 06:55:24 11/11/08 Tue
- Hi Tracy, my DS (just turned 9) loves Geronimo Stilton books. At his recent book fair, the 39 Clues books were highly recommended by several people. He chose the first one & loved it - is begging for the next two for Easter. I haven't read it though, so can't give an adult opinion. Another series that he has had fun with is the Horrible Harry series. He's read so many, his teacher said he had to read something else for book reports from now on. (NT) -- MaryJ, 13:36:49 04/08/09 Wed
- Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff -- PeggyB, 09:23:06 02/22/08 Fri [1]
This Newberry Honor winner was published in 2002. I volunteer at Justin's school in the Classic Books program (a book club for kids) and we have this book in our collection, but I had not read it .... so I just did.
This is a wonderful book. Amazon recommends ages 9-12 years. It is the story of an artistic 12 year old girl who was abandoned as a baby and how she deal with that and learns about family. The book is written in two story lines, with alternating chapters between flashbacks to her time with a foster family who wants to adopt her and why she runs away, and the story of her life with the retired art teacher with whom she is placed after running away. I am rarely moved to tears by something I've read, but this book really got to me. Highly recommended.
Also, it appears that Hallmark did an adaptation of this book for TV in 2007.
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- Great Young Adult Series... The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith -- JenK, 07:51:03 11/06/07 Tue [1]
I read these books in high school and just LOVED them. I am getting them for my neice for Christmas as she will be 14 two days after Christmas. The books are:
1. The Awakening
2. The Struggle
3. The Fury
4. Dark Reunion
They are about 2 vampire brothers and a girl they both love. I really like them better than the Twilight Series, though to be fair, I've only read the 1st book in that series. Having lots of trouble getting into it.
LJ Smith also has a trilogy called The Secret Circle about a group of teenage witches. I think it's a good fantasy read.
Has anyone else read these books? Whatcha think??
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- I just finished a really good YA book, "Nicky Deuce,Welcome to the Family," -- beccabee (), 23:35:50 10/10/07 Wed [1]
It was written by Steve Schirripa, best known from The Sopranos television series.
The book follows the story of Nicholas Borelli, Jr., a wealthy twelve year old vegetarian kid from the New Jersey suburbs who is left in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn in the care of his almost unknown Grandmother Tutti one summer after the sewage system at his Summer camp explodes and his parents don't want to give up a world cruise to stay home with him.
Renamed Nicky Deuce by his Uncle Frankie, he is taught how to be a "goomba" by Frankie and some of the fine Italian characters of the neighborhood.
Following the adventures of this clueless upper crust kid thrown into the rich life of of a fiercely ethnic enclave is a real pleasure. You will especially love Nicky's first try at stickball.
No nasty words or explicit violence, just a fun tale.
Nicky Deuce, Welcome to the Family; Steven R. Schirripa & Charles Fleming, Delacorte Press, New York; 2005.
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Vampire addiction is spreading in my house with DS1 reading Peeps by Scott Westerfield. Probably aimed at 14+ but he is loving it. Last week he balanced out the equation by devouring Stephen Cole's Wereling trilogy about Werewolves. He needs more thumbs for the thumbs up signs. -- Sheila, 03:22:12 07/03/07 Tue [2]
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- author Roland Smith Jaguar the second in a trilogy -- BetsyG, 12:00:04 05/06/07 Sun [1]
I am reading Jaguar with my 7th grade special ed class now in conjunction with our study of Amazon rainforest. The novel stands alone but the same character is in 2 other novels one before and one after. I am enjoying the action adventure and its set in modern times.
Roland Smith has web site that lists his books go here:
http://www.rolandsmith.com/
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- The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsberg -- LadyPeggyB, 22:34:00 03/29/07 Thu [1]
We just did this for the 5th grade Classic Books group. Amazon say ages 9-12 years, but my co-facilitator jested "This book is too good for kids!!"
Amazon posts this from Publishers Weekly:
This 1996 Newbery Medal winner charts the ties that bind four members of an extraordinarily successful 6th-grade quiz bowl team. In a starred review, PW called it "glowing with humor and dusted with magic."
It really is a wonderful book, and begs to be reread. We had a terrific discussion with the kids.
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- The Secret Hour - 'Brilliant" according to my eldest! -- Sheila, 17:27:56 03/23/07 Fri [2]
From Marcus
Everywhere else has 24 hours in day, but a town called Bixby, in Oklahoma, has 25. For one secret hour time freezes for everyone except a group of 5 kids.There are dark creatures, shapeshifters, that can only come out at this hour. These creatures, called Darklings, hunt the Midnighter's. One of the midnighters has a special power and the Darklings want to stop her before she finds out what it is.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend for girls and boys around 11&12. It's a really good book.
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- New feature in the ShamrockPatch -- LadyPeggyB, 14:07:05 02/23/07 Fri [1]
For those Shamrocks who have joined our ShamrockPatch Yahoo Group, I've added a database there where we can post our favorite kid books.
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- Psssst! It's Me... The Bogeyman -- Shanarama, 07:15:01 02/11/07 Sun [2]
Author: Barbara Park
Reading level: 4-8
DS brought this book home from school after library day. I have to say, it's one of the funniest kids books I have read. We all enjoyed it again and again. Amazon says:
From School Library Journal
Park's Bogeyman grabs ankles, playfully tickles a child's arm while he hesitantly pokes into a dark closet in search of pajamas, and otherwise scares the pants off of nervous Nellies. However, he claims he is first and foremost a true professional who strictly abides by the terms stated in the "Official Bogeyman Contract." A recent tabloid headline, "Evil Bogeyman Bellows Boo: Boy Scouts Go Berserk," has really gotten his dander up. With a "psssssssst" he gets the attention of a wide-eyed boy on top of a bed and proceeds to whine incessantly about the slanderous publicity, sounding a lot like his wolf buddy in Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Viking, 1989). Kroninger's brightly colored paper collages are terrific and the layout, a mix of expressive typefaces with artwork that practically pops out at readers, sets just the right tongue-in-cheek tone for this giggly read-aloud. The Bogeyman's silly histrionics, full of threats, confessions, and complaints, are perfectly conveyed by the long, skinny, ice-blue arms with red fingernails that stretch out from under the bed. Rather than dispelling the notion of a bogeyman, Park and Kroninger go one better: they let children in on the secret of scaring him away for good. A special treat for Halloween, this book is also a year-round panacea for anyone who's ever been afraid of the things that go bump in the night.
John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX
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- Tashi by Anna Fienberg -- Sheila, 18:28:49 01/18/07 Thu [3]
My second son is not a devoted reader but he has loved these books. According to the blurb on Amazon:
A boy named Jack describes his new friend, Tashi, who arrives one day on the back of a swan from a magical country populated with giants, dragons, ghosts and all sorts of other things that go bump in the night. Tashi mesmerizes Jack (and Jack mesmerizes his parents) with tales of his exploits about outwitting a succession of deliciously horrible villains ("I'll pluck out your nose hairs, one by one," a bandit threatens Tashi. Sometimes Tashi tells a story, to Jack; sometimes Jack recounts a Tashi adventure to his parents. In an amusing role reversal, Jack's parents hang breathlessly on their son's every word ("So tell us," Jack's father says. "After Tashi tricked those giants and teased the bandits, how did he meet these ghosts?"), and the dialogue between the storyteller and his audience invisibly tightens the narrative tension. Teasers end each tale (" `So that's the end of the story,' said Jack sadly. `And everyone was safe and happy again.' `Yes,' said Tashi, `that is, until the bandits arrived' "). Appearing one or two to each page, Gamble's playful b&w drawings are an integral part of the fun, making this outsize volume a prime choice for shipping to summer camp with newly independent readers. Best of all, the answers to those cliffhangers are only a turn of a page away. Ages 6-10.
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- Author: Carl Deuker -- LadyPeggyB, 14:40:34 01/06/07 Sat [1]
I just finished reading "On the Devil's Court" by Carl Deuker. Deuker writes books about teenagers facing difficult situations, each story is set within a sports theme. Devil's Court is about a Joe Faust, a high school boy, son of a famous scientist, who only feels at home on the basketball court. When the family moves from Boston to Seattle, Joe struggles to fit in with peers and his family. All he wants is an opportunity for an outstanding basketball season in his Senior year; as Joe finds success he wonders if he has made a deal with the devil.
Deuker's books are probably best suited for boys age 12 and up. Girls might enjoy them too, if they like the sports involved. Other books by Deuker that I have read are: Night Hoops and High Heat. Of the three, I liked High Heat the best.
BTW, Carl Deuker is a teacher in our neighborhood elementary school. He teaches the 5/6 advanced class (I'm hoping Justin will be in his class next year). Here is a link to Carl's website CLICK HERE
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- Has anyone's children read the Scott Westerfield book Secret Hour? Looked interesting at the book shop. -- Sheila, 02:50:49 01/05/07 Fri [1]
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- Just wondering about a book..... -- Tracy, 17:11:53 12/17/06 Sun [9]
Hi there!
Well, I am starting to write down recommended books for boys in particular and hope my list will come in handy soon. I was browsing on-line at Chapters and came across a book called "You Read to Me and I'll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman. I'm wondering if anyone here has read it with children, or has heard anything about it? It is recommended for ages 4 to 6 which I am interested in.
Thanks and I enjoy reading all of the recommendations.
Tracy
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- Tracy, I haven't read this yet, but I just placed a hold on it at the local library. It looks like this book is part of a three-book series: short stories, fairy tales, and Mother Goose tales. Sounds interesting! If you are looking for recommendations, I would encourage you to consider the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osbourne. Peggy recommended it below, and I can tell you that all three of my kids have loved these books. I am currently reading them to my 5-year-old DD (but boys like them, too). (NT) -- Sallie, 12:13:00 12/31/06 Sun
I am not familiar with that particular book. Are you looking for books to help young children learn to read? If so, I have two words for you: BOB BOOKS!!!! They are fantastic...come inside for more on this >>>>> -- LadyPeggyB (), 14:26:47 01/06/07 Sat
- I actually have gotten this book from the library I work at for my DD#2. I thought it would help her out but she wasn't interested. I know she can read and does a pretty good job at it too, but won't read at home to us or with us except a few words or sentences. I asked her teacher she said DD#2 reads to her! Maybe its just me... (NT) -- NancyH, 04:46:17 01/18/07 Thu
- This isn't a series, though I know the author has written other books, but it is an incredible story. -- Sarah La, 04:44:48 12/04/06 Mon [1]
The book is "Bridge to Terabithia" author Katherine Patterson. I think I was in the 4th grade when I read it, so I'll say age level is 9-12. But I know even adults would like it. I had forgotten all about this book, until the other day. I was on IMDB, and saw that they will be making a movie of this book...I can only hope they do it some justice!
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- Hello Everyone! What a wonderful idea! I will be here alot since my DD #1 ALWAYS has her nose in a book (I think she takes after me for some reason!) -- NancyH, 14:04:01 11/13/06 Mon [2]
I have a GREAT series that we found at the library I work at!
Name: Blood Red Horse
Book one of the De'Granville Trilogy
Author: K.M. Grant
Recomended ages: 10 and up
This series is set in the 12th Century and deals with a family and their voyage on the Crusades. A lovely book about the love between a boy and his horse and the special bond that happens along the way to all involved with these two wondeful characters. There is action, some war scenes a little blood, (to be expected in a war!) but very well done.
My DD's (ages 10 and 5) loved this story, we listened to it in the car on a audio CD and Maggie Mash did a wonderful job reading it!
If you or your child love historical fiction or horses this series just might be for you!
We have also listened to the second book I will post about that later!
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- Visiting Big W the other in the books section, DS1 was very excited to see two more Jonathan Stroud books of the trilogy which begins the "Amulet of Samarkand". Christmas is sorted for him at least! -- Sheila (), 19:09:14 11/03/06 Fri [2]
The first is Bartimaeus, hence the Bartimaeus Trilogy, a five-thousand-year-old djinni summoned to earth. Nathaniel, an eleven year-old magician apprentice, is the summoner. Nathaniel summons Bartimaeus to steal the, wait for it, Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace. Lovelace, is a magician of un-rivaled ruthlessness and ambition.
DS1 is 11 and loved it
PS He finish The Great Tree of Avalon and loved it! Thanks for the recommendation
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- Chasing Vermeer -- Sallie (), 12:31:40 11/01/06 Wed [1]
Author: Blue Balliett
Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12
An engaging novel that follows two eccentric sixth graders, Petra and Calder, as they try to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of a famous Vermeer painting. Balliett uses various tools to reveal the clues, including art, pentominoes, and Charles Fort's "Lo!", a book of strange phenomena.
My children so enjoyed Chasing Vermeer, it inspired a trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC to see the very painting that appeared (or should I say disappeared?) in the book!
Balliett's latest book is called The Wright 3, featuring Petra and Calder on another artistic adventure.
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- Picking up on the post below: Series for Kids -- LadyPeggyB, 11:47:36 10/23/06 Mon [11]
As I said below, many "experts" recommend getting kids to read a series in order to keep their interest in reading. Let's post some of the series (or trilogies, etc.) that our kids have enjoyed. Try to use this format:
Name:
Author:
Reading level:
Name: Magic Tree House
Author: Mary Pope Osborne
Reading level: 7-10 years (per Barnes&Noble)
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- Name: Secrets of Droon
Author: Tony Abbott
Reading Level: 7-10 years (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 11:50:18 10/23/06 Mon
- Name: A to Z Mysteries
Author: Ron Roy
Reading Level: 7-10 years (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 11:53:07 10/23/06 Mon
- Name: The Borrowers
Author: Mary Norton
Reading level: Amazon says age 9-12 (NT) -- Erica, 23:45:47 10/24/06 Tue
- Name: Redwall // Author: Brian Jacques // Reading level: Age 10 to 12 -- TanyaB, 05:45:33 10/26/06 Thu
- I stumbled upon this board by accident, while on the RR board, I am in desperate need of something of something good to read, as I am almost finished with a re-read of "The Books", so I hope you don't mind my posting. :) Also, I have been away from the boards for a while, and I'm not certain I can navigate the messaging quite the way I want, so, please excuse me if it comes out wrong. :) But, I wanted to post, because books are my passion. My oldest is only 7, and hasn't read very many series yet, besides "The Littles", but when I was a child, about 8 or 9, I guess, I was absolutely riveted by Madeleine L'engle's books..."A Wrinkle in Time" and all those. They are fantastic journies, that I hope my children will explore someday. (NT) -- Sarah La, 19:38:51 10/26/06 Thu
- When my son was about 9, he stopped reading ( he is now 13) and the school librarian gave him the Anthoney Horowitz, school boy spy book to read STORMBREAKER, He said he was just going to read a couple of pages and then discard it.. He became so absorbed in the story, we had to go and buy the series....I rarely say no to book buying! Since then Harry read all his books and was back on the reading track, whew. They are about a Alex Rider, who becomes a mini James Bond, Horowitz also uses amusing names for adults to enjoy, like Alex's girlfirend is called Sabina Pleasure! So any difficult 9-11 yr old boys these are the books for them... -- Trixiara, 01:20:42 10/23/06 Mon [8]
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- Pigs Can't Fly © 2002 -- Lil, 15:16:46 10/20/06 Fri [2]
Author: Ben Cort (Illust. by Ben Cort)
Genre: Read-aloud
Reading Level: Preschool/Kindergarten
From the back cover: "Pig is bored. He never has any fun! Other animals seem to have much more fun than pigs do. Determined to find adventure, Pig tries to be a tall giraffe, then a bouncy kangaroo, but he never quite gets it right. Then Pig meets parrot and has the best idea yet. Wouldn't flying be the most fun of all..."
This is a wonderful book! I love to read it to my son and he loves to hear it. Its a funny story about Pig who is not happy being a pig. He tries lots of "clever ideas" out, but none really work for him. Basically the moral of the story is that trying to be something your not doesn't work and you should be happy just the way you are.
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- This is so awesome! I love reading young adult fiction so this is wonderful. My favorite series is His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman. It is sci-fi/fantasy and I would say it's more middle school on. There is alot that goes on so here goes... -- Lady Cooper-Smith, 20:23:21 10/17/06 Tue [4]
The main character is Lyra. In "The Golden Compass" She notices that children are disappearing all around her. When her best friend is taken her journey to discover the truth leads her to the North Pole. There she discovers a horrible experiment being conducted on the kidnapped children, be-friends a talking polar bear and finds out more about her mother's and father's estranged relationship. In the second novel, "A Subtle Knife" she discovers a tear in the fabric of the world and she enters a new world and meets a boy named Will Parry. Will comes to be in possesion of a knife that can cut the fabric between worlds. Lyra and Will are on the run from those who want the subtle knife. In the third novel, "The Amber Spyglass" Lyra and Will are in mortal danger and must travel to a world where no living soul has ever been. Through their journey they begin to discover the destiny the two of them must face together. I loved these books and read them shortly after high school. There are a lot of deeper themes running in these books and it was very mentally stimulating as well as entertaining. Highly recommended to young adults and adults in general.
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- The Keeping Days series by Norma Johnston -- Erica, 22:54:53 10/14/06 Sat [1]
Each book chronicles a year of the life a young girl, Letitia Sterling, starting when she was 14. It's set in the early 1900s in America. They're lovely coming-of-age books, and are probably appropriate for 14 year olds and older (and maybe younger).
In order, it's:
THE KEEPING DAYS
GLORY IN THE FLOWER
THE SANCTUARY TREE
A MUSTARD SEED OF MAGIC
*A NICE GIRL LIKE YOU
*MYSELF AND I
*These last two are told from Tish's niece's POV, but Tish's story is carried over a little and wrapped up.
Unfortunately, they're out of print, but if you can get a hold of them, I highly recommend it. The other Norma Johnson books I've read - e.g., Carlisle Chronicles (which is related a little bit to The Keeping Days) - have been wonderful as well.
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- Diary of a Worm, by Doreen Cronin -- CelticFluter, 19:48:01 10/12/06 Thu [2]
We've had this book for awhile, but I forgot about it until I was straightening up the books basket in my daughter's room. It's a read-to-me type of book; my daughter is almost 5 and she loves it. Clever, funny pictures are by Harry Bliss. This was from a Scholastic Book Order through school at a very reasonable price. Here's one page from it:
July 29 - Three good things about being a worm: (1) I never have to go to the dentist. (2) I never get in trouble for tracking mud through the house. (3) I never have to take a bath.
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- "The Flea's Sneeze" (© 2000) -- LadyPeggyB, 09:26:18 10/10/06 Tue [3]
Author: Lynn Downey (Illust. by Karla Firehammer)
Genre: Read-aloud rhyming verse
Reading Level: Preschool/Kindergarten (read to)
With the cold/flu season under way, I thought I would mention one of my favorite finds. The Flea's Sneeze is a great read-aloud rhyming verse set in a barnyard. It starts with a wee flea who is coming down with a cold. He coughs; he sniffles; he asks for a tissue ("Does addybody hab a tissue for be?"); but no one hears him in his discomfort...until he lets go with a SNEEZE!!! Suddenly, all the animals (rat, cat, bat, cow, owl, fowl, dog, hog, frog, and mouse) are jolted awake. The flea receives his much needed tissue....too late someone else has caught the cold.
This is one of those repetitive-verse style books (like the classic "The House that Jack Built") which young children love. Repetition and rhyme build familiarity with language and the story, and kid's joyously join in the verse. The illustrations are simple yet detailed and engaging (never underestimate the power of illustrations in children's books!!!).
The story also teaches empathy as well as hygiene around not spreading germs! There is even some valuable phonics demonstrated in some of the rhymes (e.g. Cock-a-doodle-doo, woo-woo, eeeewwwwww, nephew).
This is one of those books that will stay on my bookshelf long after my kids have grown!
CLICK HERE for The Flea's Sneeze
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- The Hello, Goodbye Window -- CelticFluter, 13:56:39 10/06/06 Fri [1]
This is another darling book for reading aloud to pre-schoolers. It was written by Norton Juster with sweet, child-like illustrations by Chris Raschka. It's all about how special it is to go to Nanna and Poppy's house. The version we have is from Scholastic, one of the school book orders. It's a Caldecott winner.
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- Web-based site that promotes reading for kids! -- Lil, 16:23:18 10/02/06 Mon [2]
Ladies - I wanted to share this site with you. It showed up in our school newsletter.
http://www.bookadventure.com/
It is a site that is free and has quizzes on 7,000 book titles. The kids earn points with their quizzes and then can turn them in for prizes. They have books for kids from Kindergarten to 8th Grade reading levels. I think the goal is not only to support reading, but to assist in reading comprehension. The site is maintained by Sylvan Learning Center.
I have been looking over the site today, although I haven't used it for my Kindergartener yet.
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Great mysterious, adventurous, fun books for ages 9 and up -- Teagan (11) Fiona's DD, 10:54:36 10/01/06 Sun [3]
My favourite series of books are the Series of Unfortunate Events books by Lemony Snicket. They are adventurous fantasy books about three orphans who are trying to escape the treacherous hands of the villain Count Olaf who is after their enormous fortune. As you read, you also find out strange clues about the author, Lemony Snicket's, involvement in the mystery. I started reading them when I was 9 and I still love them at age 11. There are 13 chapters in each book and the 13th and final book comes out on Friday, October the 13th, 2006. They are also educational because Lemony Snicket always uses hard words and then explains what they mean. I've recommended them to a couple of friends and they love them too. There are some scary parts but most of the time it's fun adventure.
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- A very good book for 1st and/or 2nd grade children -- Morgan, 21:53:37 09/29/06 Fri [4]
Here's one of our favorites: Tammy and the Gigantic Fish. Catherine D. and James Gray. 1983. illustrations by William Joyce. ISBN 0-06-922138-0 (0-06-922139-9 lib. bdg.) Pages not numbered.
This is a fine book for everyone, not just fish (geek) biologists and anglers. It's a great story about a young lassie who goes on a fishing trip with her dad and grandpa. The two men catch a good number of fine fish in the morning but Tammy only lands a few familiar crustaceans. To make things things even worse, she has an issue with her fire cooked lunch. Right when they all decide to go home, something great happens on Tammy's line. I'm not going to tell you what happens next so you should find and read this (out of print) book.
I also need to report that the illustrations are outstanding. They look like inverse scratch board (white over black) to me. I'll check on this with our resident fish artist.
Peggy reported the following:
Alibris.com has several used copies:
http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?qwork=6544177&matches=9&qsort=r
Whatever the cost, it's certainly worth the read.
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- And Here's to You! -- CelticFluter, 07:53:31 09/29/06 Fri [1]
Peggy, what a great idea, devoting space to children's literature. The first one I'd like to share is 'And Here's to You!' by David Elliott with wonderful, whimsical illustrations by Randy Cecil. It's meant for the very little ones, geared toward building self-esteem. Here's one page: "Here's to the dogs! The Dreaming People! Dogs! Here's to the howling ones. The running, yipping, yowling ones. All go and fetch a stick ones. The lick, lick, lick, lick, lick ones. Oh, I love the dogs!" Of course the book ends with "And here's to you! The You Person! You!" If it's read with broad inflection, it really grabs the child's attention. This book makes a great gift, too.
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- For those of you with girls, any of L.M. Montgomery's books are wonderful -- The Anne of Green Gables series, Pat series, Storygirl series, Jane of Lantern Hill. They are all filled with wonderfully imagined and imaginative characters, most of whom don't quite fit into their worlds. Lovely books, alas not something my boys are interested in. -- CarlaDM, 08:10:25 09/28/06 Thu [6]
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- The Lost Years of Merlin -- LadyPeggyB, 13:33:14 09/26/06 Tue [2]
Author: T.A. Barron (CLICK HERE)
Genre: Fantasy, Arthurian Legend
Reading Level: 9 years and up (per Barnes & Noble)
This is a wonderful series of 5 books about the boy who grows up to become the Wizard of Arthurian Legend. I think adults who are interested in this subject will enjoy reading these books as well.
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- Welcome to the new Bairns' Bookshelf -- LadyPeggyB, 13:25:36 09/26/06 Tue [1]
One of my passions is encouraging children to read. Reading was an important part of my childhood and I would like to see every child have the opportunity to share that enjoyment.
Feel free to post recommendations, discuss books productively and respectfully. Consider having your child submit their own book review--I think it would be great to hear what the kids have to say about what they are reading!!
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Lymond's Chess Board
"They went over a bridge; they went under a bridge; and once, they even went backward!" This really is an adorable book. I was fortunate to stumble on it in a bookstore in Vancouver when DS#1 was very young and we were shopping while Morgan was working in the fish collection at the Vancouver Aquarium. Truly a great find. (NT) -- 
