A Monster Calls (Patrick Ness)

 

Someone must of recommended this book to me. I should keep better track because whoever that was, I need to have a conversation with!! 

This is quite a book. It's almost a short story - but maybe a novella is more correct. The way it is written is brilliant and captivating. 

Notes:

- it slowly unraveled for me. I realized that the monster is pushing Connor to face his feelings surrounding his mother's illness....but then then he is the monster sometimes. Maybe Connor unconsciously knows the truth but is afraid to face it. It's all a lot for a young boy. I'm shattered for him.

- This book was rather timely as I have an aunt who is really facing some big health struggles. How do books find you at just the right time?! This was definitely one. 

- The monster tree is a yew tree - which ends up being a type of treatment his mother tries as a last ditch effort. It doesn't work. 

Goodreads says:

The bestselling novel about love, loss and hope from the twice Carnegie Medal-winning Patrick Ness.

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness takes the final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd and weaves an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.

Winston Chu Vs The Whimsies (Stacy Lee)

 

I love the concept of this book. Rick Riordan has people writing classics like Percy Jackson but they are folktales from other countries. I need to read more of these! 

I did this as a read-aloud. It's pretty long though and lots of detail that make it perhaps a little too long for grade 3. It took us almost 3 months to read it. Every now and then I'd read ahead and then figure out what parts I could skip to make it go a little faster. It is pegged as a middle-grade book, and I'd agree. Some of the humor was beyond my students. There is a little bit of boy/girl crush stuff too. Although, the soccer talk was a hit!

Goodreads says:

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling author Stacey Lee's modern reimagining of a classic Chinese folktale—replete with magic, boba, and lots of trash talking.

Twelve-year-old Winston Chu is supposed to learn impulse control at the cooking academy his mom enrolled him in. But learning to think before he acts won’t happen overnight.

While skateboarding home with a pie in hand, Winston inadvertently stops a robbery at Mr. Pang’s Whimsies, an oddities shop in Chinatown. As a reward, Mr. Pang invites Winston to choose any item in the store. But the strange old man warns Winston to browse carefully, for the first thing Winston touches will be the thing he gets. Before Winston can decide, a magpie flies under a shelf, and he impulsively grabs an old broom to sweep it out.

Mr. Pang hands him the broom, along with a dustpan. “Two for one. Congratulations.”

Deflated, Winston returns home, determined to put the broom incident behind him. Or at least in the closet. But when some of his most beloved possessions go missing, all Winston can think about are the broom and dustpan. Did they somehow take his stuff? And what—or who—will they dispose of next?

It’s time to break into Mr. Pang’s Whimsies, where clearly there’s more going on than meets the far-seeing eyeball. It’s time to fight magic with magic. And this time, Winston better have a plan.

The Library of Unruly Treasures (Jeanne Birdsall)

 

I loved the idea of this book. I sometimes had a hard time keeping all the fantasy characters straight, especially their language.  Because of that, I  don't think this would be a good read-aloud, unfortunately.

Goodreads says:

The Borrowers meets Matilida in this funny, winning story of a girl who finds herself an unlikely hero when she stumbles upon a big secret about little creatures. The latest book from the National Book Award winning author of the Penderwicks series.

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.

Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings.  And no, they're not birds. They're called Lanukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?

The Ladhukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...

The Christmas Pig (JK Rowling)

 

Great fantasy story! When I received it, I wasn't tempted by the title (A Christmas Pig?) or the cover. Seemed a little silly. However, it was well worth the time. We read it for grade 3 book club. The illustrations are amazing. We had also just read Pocket Bear - which is about lost toys. This one tells you where lost toys go - which was very creative and really speaks to kids, I think. She even has a place for lost habits (good and bad!) and a place for lost love, lost hope, lost determination and ambition and more.

Best line:
p. 258 He'd given the Things hope, which no lock can contain.

Goodreads says:

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

One boy and his toy are about to change everything...

Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens — DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack’s newest toy — the Christmas Pig (DP’s replacement) — has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known...

Pocket Bear (Katherine Applegate)

 

I'm currently reading this book aloud to my class and I read it on my own for my Children's Lit Book Club. It is beautiful! It could be a great introduction to the hard topic of war. I'm finding it's a bit of a challenging read aloud for my class because the vocabulary is very rich. However, it makes for some great discussions.  We thought the vocabulary level might be better for around a grade 5 or 6 student - but felt like it would be unlikely they'd pick it up on their own because the cover makes it look like a book for younger students. It would be a great novel study though!

When we read that the girl and her mother are from Ukraine, that the father died and the family home was bombed....we had to pause and marvel. "Wow. Imagine. It's just the girl and her mom!"

A good follow up project might be to bring in our own loved toys, have a "spa day" to get them all cleaned up and then donate them. We could even write a letter to the new owner and explain what we'd like them to know about this boy. 

I think I will give each of my students a bear for Christmas. Maybe we can make scarves for them or something...and write their bear's biography.

Goodreads says:
Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his "becoming": the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.

An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket Bearreminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.

Billy and the Giant Adventure (Jamie Oliver)

 

January 2025: I might be the only person on the planet who didn't know who Jamie Oliver was before I read this book. He's a chef. He has trouble with words and is apparently dyslexic. He wrote a book. 

I read lots of raving reviews about it....but I'm not on board. I didn't think it was really well written. I also thought it was way to long for J fiction. He could have made each adventure one book if he really wants kids to read it. Close to 400 pages is too much. Although, the pictures were great. They were big and interesting and really well done. 

I always tell my students, when we are learning narrative writing, that they can't a story with "I got up and had breakfast" and they can't end it with "I went home, had dinner and went to bed". Jamie Oliver does that with EVERY single chapter. I know he's a food guy....but it was too much. 

The recipes were interesting. Not sure why he also added his favorite movies from the 80s. Maybe they inspired his story? I don't know. 

It's part Narnia (they escape into a magical forest....David Robertson did a Narnia remake way better in The Barren Grounds), part environmental education (something is wrong with the "Rhythm"....which is always capitalized in the book....I'd encourage kids to read Willowdeen instead of they want that topic) and part adventure (Magic Tree House anyone?).

Oh. And it's called the GIANT adventure because there's a giant....but you don't find that out until the last few chapters. Weird.

There's controversy with book 2. He has been criticized for stereotyping First Nations people in Australia. I blame that one on the editors. Seriously? No one clued in?? I think they just ran with something they thought could really sell because he's already famous. 

Because we picked this for our Grade 3 book club book, I did finish it. I wouldn't have otherwise.

I don't usually have this much to say about books I don't like.

Update: My students LOVED this book. Maybe I should stop being such a grumpy old teacher. LOL We sat in a circle and talked about our favorite parts. Ten students had read it and their responses were so delightful. We had lots of laughs remembering the funny parts of the book.

Reread August 2025. I'm still not a fan. This is a terribly written book. It could have been 200 pages if all the food stuff that kids aren't interested in was left out. With this read I wrote out chapter summaries to help keep myself focused. It was the only thing that kept me going, to be honest. I'll never pick this book again for a book club read! It's just been too painful.

Chapter summaries:

Chapter 1 The Day It All Began We meet all the kids (Billy, Anna, Andy and Jimmy), a bully named Bruce Brace and Basil. Basil is a sprite that lives in Waterfall Woods. He warns them about the boonas - a rag tag group of creatures that like to bother the sprites

Chapter 2 Boonas vs Billy Billy goes into Waterfall Woods alone because he got a message on his necklace that Basil needed help. He has a confrontation with the boonas....all solved with some dramatic fighting which Billy wins dramatically. The worst of the boonas was Mama Boona but Billy conquers her by throwing food his mother had packed for him in a picnic basket (I guess this fit in his backpack?) Billy goes home and shares with his friends that the sprites have told him about a problem in Waterfall Woods - an imbalance.

Chapter 3 Basil to the Rescue Billy's experience with the Boonas gives him courage to take on Bruno the bully at school. Bruno dumps Billy's lunch on his head, steals his donut when he leaves the bakery shop. They have an altercation and finally Billy zips off on his skateboard, only to crash into a lady whose groceries go flying. While trying to help her, of course, Bruno catches up. But Basil freezes everyone. He spends the weekend at his grandfather's house and finds out he knows about the rhythm and about a strange mystery of two brothers who went into Waterfall Woods and one disappeared.

Chapter 4 Battle of the Treehouse The Boonas come to attack Billy. They managed to get a piece of his clothing in the wrestle in the previous chapter. All the kids are in the treehouse. Luckily, Andy eats a lot of beans and has gas and so they're able to create fire while farting on a flame. The Boonas have never seen anything like this and run in fear. Andy is named Andy the Fart Blaster.

Chapter 5 The Lost City

Basil gets lost. They find him and it turns out as they do so they're led to a lost city. There's talk of Balthazar. Who is Balthazar?  Problems with the water and The Rhythm are introduced. Andy's Uncle Kev has a new electronic prison tag? Random weird information (p. 148)

Chapter 6 Who's Wrecking the Rhythm

I can barely stand this anymore. These chapters meander so much. 

Gem of a quote: ....when you've fought off Boonas and discovered hidden cities, the school bully doesn't seem such a big deal anymore (p. 177) Lesson: Imaginative play and ignoring bullies pays!! 

The kids discover more dead fish. They're concerned and set off to figure out why this is happening. They find a pipe that is "gushing green-tinged gunk pouring into the river," which also causes their eyes to sting. They spy on the location and find someone dressed up as a "scary astronaut" (lame description). Seems that they have a turkey farm and all the poop is pumped out on a conveyor belt (why was it green??) They want to keep investigating but they have a field trip coming up so they decide to forge some letters from their parents to give the schools to get out of going to school...elaborate plans and concerns over handwriting, spelling problems, etc are discussed ad nauseum. The kids decide to contact a local reporter because he has always wanted a big break story.

Chapter 7 Billy's Masterplan

Lots of detail about how they write the letters....they eventually discover a typewriter and decide to type their letters excusing their absence. Jimmy is encouraged to "think James Bond". Do kids even know who James Bond is? Couldn't the author find something that would be a better connection?

Finally, they're back on their adventure, only something weird has happened....the compass seems to be totally reversed. They discover some huge beautiful garden and a giant.

Chapter 8 A Giant Mystery

Turns out the giant is friendly and he used to be their size but he ate vegetables a lot and grew like crazy. The giant likes to sing (totally corny song) and has an "enchanting voice". That really doesn't go anywhere though and is instead, an extra superfluous, unnecessary detail. There's some lame dialogue (The giant says, "What's that? Who's that? Where are you....where are you? Let me see you - give me a sign!" They introduce themselves and find out his name is Bilfred. He tells his story: he was sad to be trapped in this garden but he started to realize how beautiful this little piece of paradise was and started to change his attitude. 236) He teaches them that his garden taught him that  nature and life are all about harmony (p. There's weird kid humor moments (Andy yelped and let our a panicked fart, which propelled him just a little bit further...p. 233) The giant also sometimes uses big words: "There are many tales about the symbiotic relationship between Sprites and Giants..." (p. 251) which is kind of weird next to the fart jokes. He gives them some stones in a variety of colors that appear to be magical.

Then there's this weird "meanwhile, back in the bedroom where dad is telling the kids a bedtime story" narrative. I'd almost forgot this book is dad telling kids a story. The kids beg for the story to continue. As the mom, I'd say, just go to sleep! But anyway...

Chapter 9: Operation Overnight

All through the book they use walkie talkies...and have codes like "operation overnight" which means they're all lying to their parents that they're staying at another person's house over night...but in reality they're off on another adventure (sometimes there are great lessons in this book and other times they're plain old lying to their parents and forging letters) Amidst the intricate details of breakfast, Billy finds out from this parents that the reporter friend is on the trail of the story they leaked to him. Billy side steps reporters, circling helicopters, etc to get on with his adventure. They've realized they're able to open the secret door to this land of adventure by being tree-huggers. They're solved the problem of the disturbance of the Rhythm so now their mission is to rescue Bilfred, the giant. They do.

Chapter 10: Bilfred's Tale

Turns out Bilfred had gone into the woods with his brother. They got scared and got separated. Big tears plop down as Bilfred tells the story. The kids realize Bilfred's brother is Wilfred...the cranky old man who always tells them to not go into the woods. Turns out he's only cranky because he misses his brother so very much (insert eye roll). Now the dilemma is how can they reunite a man and his brother when the man is actually a giant and their homes are swarming with journalists. They get Bilfred to tell them a story (code word kind of thing) that only Wilfred would recognize.

Chapter 11 A Midnight Adventure

The break into Wilfred's house and discover a room full of maps all over the walls and newspaper clippings about a boy being lost in the woods. The secret code worked (a tin that Bilfred had given Wilfred and of course, Wilfred still cherishes it)

Chapter 12 Together Again

The hug a tree thing works and Bilfred and Wilfred are reunited. A map is discovered that shows there is even more in the Waterfall Woods than they realized...but that's an adventure for another day.

Epilogue

Kids can't believe this story is over and beg for a resolution to what else happens in Waterfall Woods. Dad promises he'll keep telling stories.

And I'm so glad to be finished this corny book finally. I think it's time to put the book in the recycling, to be honest.

Goodreads says:
One pinch of adventure, a dash of friendship, a sprinkle of mystery and a HUGE spoonful of magic . . . Jamie Oliver, bestselling author and internationally renowned chef, delivers the perfect recipe for a page-turning children's fiction debut!

Billy and his friends know that Waterfall Woods is out of bounds; strange things are rumoured to have happened there and no one in their village has ventured past its walls for decades...But when they discover a secret way in, Billy and his best friends, Anna, Jimmy and Andy, can't resist the temptation to explore! Only to quickly discover that the woods are brimming with magic and inhabited by all sorts of unusual creatures, including a whole community of sprites who need the children's help!

With magical battles, a long-lost mythical city, fantastical flying machines, epic feasts and one GIANT rescue, get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!

The Puppets of Spelhorst (Kate DiCamillo)

 

This is a quick read, but I'm not sure it'll be a hit with students. It could make for a good study though because it appears there is some amazing symbolism in there somewhere where I haven't quite gone yet. It's subtitled, A Norendy Tale, and in the bookjacket it references two more books....so maybe there is more to come to help me understand this story? In the beginning of the story the puppets are bought by the sea captain who spends all his time, and eventually dies in bed. In the end, Jane Twiddum takes the puppets to go find her lost love. Was her lost love the sea captain? Was he writing to someone else (she did have the letter) or did we just go full circle?

I need someone with more time than me to help me discuss this book and figure it out. Candlewick press has a bunch of really interesting questions. Perhaps this is meant as a middle school novel, similar to The Little Prince. 

Goodreads says:

From master storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes an original fairy tale—with enchanting illustrations by Julie Morstad—in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning, and high spirits.

Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined. A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in.

A Mouse Called Miika (Matt Haig)

 

In the Christmas series, this one is my second favorite! This book is listed as 1.5 in the series. You really can't read it without reading A Boy Called Christmas....but this one is not to be missed. I read it aloud to my class. Whenever someone was away, there was no getting away with just moving on. They always had to have a discussion about what they missed. It was a great way to review and summarize. 

Great words of wisdom:

The Truth Pixie: Happiness has nothing to do with good things or bad things. (p. 129)

Miika: All you need to be brave is love. His older sister had been wrong all that time ago. You couldn't live life just looking after yourself. You had to live with yourself too. And he wanted to live not as who he had become. But as who he could be. 

Miika: I'm sorry about all this. I didn't mean to steal the cheese.' He saw the Truth Pixie's doubting eyes. "Well, I did actually. I did mean to steal it. And it was really tasty cheese. And there was enough to live on forever. But I realized that some things are more important than cheese...even excellent cheese." (p. 166)

Miika: 'A me kind of mouse," Miika said. "That is the kind of mouse I am. And I don't need you to like me any more, Bridget the Brave. You can think whatever you want. And to be honest, I didn't like the feeling of being a thief. Even a cheese thief. Yes, Urga-burga is delicious. But no cheese tastes as good as being kind feels. And that's what I want to be. I want to be a kind creature. And sometimes the very bravest thing is to be who you want to be." (p. 173)

"Well, yes," said Nikolas, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, with his red hat in his hands and his head touching the ceiling. "That's true. You were a cheese thief. But you did the right thing in the end. And it's how things end that matters." Nikolas had tears in his eyes. "And there's nothing more important in the whole world than a good friend." (p. 176)

Truth Pixie: "....the truth is, not everyone will like us. Not everyone we meet will always want the best for us. And not everyone will know our truth. If people want to hate us, it's easier to let them. You see, it is better to be disliked for bei9ng who you are than to be liked for who you are not. Being who you are not is exhausting." (pp. 183-184)

"Be you," the Truth Pixie continued. "Be the full you. Don't try to make yourself small to match someone else. And, sure, fitting in is fine. But it's not as great as standing out. Standing out is..." she searched for the word, "...outstanding!" (p. 184)

Goodreads says:

From the world of A Boy Called Christmas, now a major motion picture, comes the epic adventure of a tiny hero

This is a tale of mice and magic.

It is also a tale of great love (of cheese) and great danger. And of learning the lesson that what matters most--when it comes to cheese and life--is not how strongly you smell but how strong you are on the inside.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas (Matt Haig)

 

This is a book adults AND kids will love. There are lots of 'words of the wiser' sign posts to keep you feeling good. Characters continue from A Boy Called Christmas. Charles Dickens makes an appearance. There are hopeless situations where hope is not lost....and that's where the magic of Christmas comes from. 

I'd definitely read A Boy Called Christmas first, but this is a great follow up. There are lots of great twists and surprising turns that will keep everyone entertained. I wouldn't be surprised if this one was made into a movie as well.

"Life is like a chimney - you sometimes have to get through the dark before you see the light" (p. 53)

Goodreads says:

JOURNEY TO THE EDGE OF MAGIC

If magic has a beginning, can it also have an end?

When Amelia wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask - Father Christmas.

But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled.

But Amelia isn't just any ordinary girl. And - as Father Christmas is going to find out - if Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone . . .

Once Upon A Wardrobe

 

I have really loved this book. As Megs, a caracter who leans more towards math and science, discovers the power of story, I was finding myself giving resounding sounds of agreement at the beauty and magic of story. It is a testament of the importance of imagination and the importance of reading.

Through a series of interviews with CS Lewis and his brother, Warnie, Meg discovers how CS Lewis came up with the story of Narnia. I listened to the audio book and read the physical copy sometimes and my ability to keep track of all the various parts of his life were quite muddled and so I don't have anything to record about that. It's a shame. Patti Callihan came up with him very probable connections between his story and his life. 

Goodreads says:

From Patti Callahan, the bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, comes another enchanting story that pulls back the curtain on the early life of C. S. Lewis.

“Where did Narnia come from?”

The answer will change everything.

Megs Devonshire is brilliant with numbers and equations, on a scholarship at Oxford, and dreams of solving the greatest mysteries of physics.

She prefers the dependability of facts—except for one: the younger brother she loves with all her heart doesn’t have long to live. When George becomes captivated by a copy of a brand-new book called The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and begs her to find out where Narnia came from, there’s no way she can refuse.

Despite her timidity about approaching the famous author, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with the Oxford don and his own brother, imploring them for answers. What she receives instead are more stories . . . stories of Jack Lewis’s life, which she takes home to George.

Why won’t Mr. Lewis just tell her plainly what George wants to know? The answer will reveal to Meg many truths that science and math cannot, and the gift she thought she was giving to her brother—the story behind Narnia—turns out to be his gift to her, instead: hope. 

Beatrice and Croc Harry (Lawrence Hill)

 

There were things I loved about this book and things I did not like at all. He works with some difficult themes (racism, friendship, etc.) in a magical and brilliant way.

I thought it could have been way shorter. It's too long for kids. Maybe it should be a series?? I don't know. I also thought the use of fancy words was at times, pretentious and too much.

p. 34: The writing, in perfect purple calligraphy, indicated exactly what to do. It even instructed her to find, hanging from a nail in the pantry, a giant spoon with a three-foot-long handle. Beatrice lowered her rope ladder, carried the glue fixings and the spoon to the pit near the river, set a fire, hung a pot over the burning embers and followed the instructions. Easy as pie. She did not know why people said easy as pie, because good pie was surely hard ot make. Making glue would be easier.

p. 118  "It must be awfu to not know what you did, but to still feel bad about it," she said.
"It feels like I am trapped," Croc Harry said.

A flight flicked on in Beatrice's brain. Now she understood that crocodiles also had deep, unexpressed feelings.

p. 123 Beatrice read the message aloud. "Cue number 3. Crocodiles are social reptiles, so why does Croc Harry fail to fraterize? Why does he never swim, hunt or eat with other crocodiles? Is Croc Harry who he says he is? Is he worthy of your friendship? Find clue number 5 on Croc Harry's belly.

Later she finds out his belly is soft and lovely....quite the opposite of his scutes you normally see.

p. 217 Friends are like books. You carry them with you forever, regardless of mundane impediments like geography.

p. 241 Horace to Beatrice: Sometimes you anno me, but even then I don't stop liking you.


Goodreads says:

One of Canada's most celebrated author's debut novel for young readers

Beatrice, a young girl of uncertain age, wakes up all alone in a tree house in the forest. How did she arrive in this cozy dwelling, stocked carefully with bookshelves and oatmeal accoutrements? And who has been leaving a trail of clues, composed in delicate purple handwriting?

So begins the adventure of a brave and resilient Black girl's search for identity and healing in bestselling author Lawrence Hill's middle-grade debut. Though Beatrice cannot recall how or why she arrived in the magical forest of Argilia--where every conceivable fish, bird, mammal and reptile coexist, and any creature with a beating heart can communicate with any other--something within tells her that beyond this forest is a family that is waiting anxiously for her return.

Just outside her tree-house door lives Beatrice's most unlikely ally, the enormous and mercurial King Crocodile Croc Harry, who just may have a secret of his own. As they form an unusual truce and work toward their common goal, Beatrice and Croc Harry will learn more about their forest home than they ever could have imagined. And what they learn about themselves may destroy Beatrice's chances of returning home forever.

The Magician's Nephew (C.S. Lewis)

 

Since I claim to be a reader, I probably should have read this before now. Alas, this was my first time. I plan to read the entire series. I have read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe before but not the ones that follow. This book explains how the wardrobe became magical. There are a number of interesting connections and symbolism connected to Biblical stories.

I gave it a 5 on GoodReads because who am I to give CS Lewis anything less? I am not sure many of my students would ever enjoy it. It would be a stretch for them and that is usually the reason I read most Children's Lit books. Maybe I need to expand my purpose in reading though.

Narrator, explaining what happened to the uncle when all the animals started surrounding them: For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are. (p. 136....chapter 10)  

Digory and the Witch (who represents evil):

"Foolish boy," said the Witch.  "Why do you run from me? I mean you no harm. If you do not stop and listen to me now, you will some some knowledge that would have made you happy all your life." (p. 175 ...chapter 13)

"What has the Lion ever done for you that you should be his slave?" said the Witch. "What can he do to you once you are back in your own world? And what would your Mother think if he knew that you could have taken her pain away and given her back her life and saved your Father's heart from being broken, and that you wouldn't - that you'd rather run messages for a wild animal in a strange world that is no business of yours?" (p. 176 ...chapter 13)

Why friends matter: The meanness of the suggestions that he should leave Polly behind suddenly made all the other things the Witch had been saying to him sound false and hollow. And even in the midst of all his misery, his head suddenly cleared, and he said (in a different and much louder voice): 
"Look here; where do you come into all this? Why are you so precious and fond of my Mother all of a sudden? What's it got to do with you? What's your game? (Digory to the Witch)

later, she continues to try to create a sense of urgency to follow her:
"Go then, Fools," called the Witch. "Think of me, Boy, when you lie old and weak and dying, and remember how you threw away the chance of endless youth! It won't be offered you again." (p. 178 ...chapter 13)

On seeing people's beauty on the inside:
All the sharpness and cunning and quarrelsomeness which he had picked up as a London cabby seemed to have been washed away, and the courage and kindness which he had always had were easier to see. Perhaps it was the air of the young world that had done it, or talking with Aslan, or both. (p. 181 chapter 14 the cabby and his wife once they're made King and Queen of Narnia)

On the fruit from the tree:

Aslan: That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. The fruit is good, but they loathe it ever after.
"Oh I see," said Polly. "And I suppose because she took it in the wrong way it won't work for her. I mean it won't make her always young and all that?"
"Alas, said Aslan, shaking his head. "It will. Things always work according to their nature. She has won her heart's desire; she has un-wearying strength and endless days like a goddess. But length of days with an evil heart is only length of misery and already she begins to know it. All get what they want; they do not always like it."  (p. 190 ...chapter 14)

Goodreads says:

When Digory and Polly are tricked by Digory's peculiar Uncle Andrew into becoming part of an experiment, they set off on the adventure of a lifetime. What happens to the children when they touch Uncle Andrew's magic rings is far beyond anything even the old magician could have imagined.

Hurtled into the Wood between the Worlds, the children soon find that they can enter many worlds through the mysterious pools there. In one world they encounter the evil Queen Jadis, who wreaks havoc in the streets of London when she is accidentally brought back with them. When they finally manage to pull her out of London, unintentionally taking along Uncle Andrew and a coachman with his horse, they find themselves in what will come to be known as the land of Narnia. 

The Boy Who Cried Ninja (Alex Latimer)

This is one of those books where kids get together and roll their eyes at the adults in their lives. Adults just don't get it!

This is a twist on the boy who cried wolf. Time has a great fantasy life. Well, everyone assumes it is fantasy. One of my students was able to summarize the story before we read this one. I should have asked at the end if they really were similar stories. It could be a good compare and contrast exercise. Definitely a great discussion starter for imagination.

This book would be a great way to start into a discussion about telling the truth.

Goodreads says:

In this quirky twist on The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a boys excuses turn out to have an unexpected element of truth.

The Giraffe, The Pelly and Me (Roald Dahl)

Peirce used to read this book again and again when he was young. It's a gooder, for sure. Definitely one of my more favorite Roald Dahl books.

Goodreads says:

A small boy with a desire to own a candy shop meets a window-washing team of a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey and together they go to work for the wealthy Duke of Hampshire, who makes all their dreams come true.

Crystal the Snow Fairy (Daisy Meadows)

I read this during DEAR time so I could do a book-talk with my students and use it for a Reading Response.

I see a lot of girls reading these Daisy Meadows book. Who the heck is Daisy Meadows anyway?? I might need to read a few more before I gain a great appreciation for them.

These kinds of books totally wreck my lessons on fiction versus non-fiction. Many of the kids are pretty sure that fairies really are real.

This book reminded me of a book I read a long time ago. It was a true story about two little girls in England who took pictures of paper fairies, but made them look real. They fooled people and soon all sorts of people started believing they had really captured pictures of fairies. They even fooled Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!  It was called the Fairy Ring by Mary Losure. There could also be a good discussion about global warming after reading it! :)

Goodreads summary:

The Weather Fairies have lost their magical feathers! Rachel and Kirsty search for one in each Weather Fairies book. Read all seven books to help bring the weather back to Fairyland! 
Fairyland is home to the seven Weather Fairies! They use magical feathers to bring all of the weather to Fairyland. But when the feathers disappear, the weather turns wacky. The Weather Fairies must fix it -- fast! 
In this book, Crystal the Snow Fairy has lost her magic feather. Now it's snowing in summer! 
Find one feather in each book and fix the weather in Fairyland!

Superhero (Marc Tauss)

We are making this week "make a difference" week. It all started with our quote of the month:

If you think you're too small to be effective, you've never been in the dark with a mosquito.

We talked about how kids can make a big difference, even though they're small. They're kind of like superheroes!

This book was totally real to them. Of course kids can be superheroes.

Goodreads summary:

Every kid wants to be a SUPERHERO!

Maleek may be a small boy in a big city, but he's no ordinary kid. He's a scientist and a superhero! So when his beloved city's parks and playgrounds mysteriously disappear, it's up to Maleek and his robot Marvyn to save the day.

Marc Tauss's mesmerizing black-and-white photo-illustrations bring every young superhero's fantasy to life.

Leo A Ghost Story (Mac Barnett)

My students loved this story. Many of them have imaginary friends. The idea that an imaginary friend might actually be real was a little mind-bending for them. Quickly following whether or not a pretend friend could be real was whether or not ghosts are real. In true Mac Barnett style, the book really captured them. It was a big hit. We're really looking forward to reading it to our reading buddies!

The fact that the little girl in the story can see the ghost because she believes reminded me of Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher. There's a lot to be said for believing!

Goodreads Summary:

You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it is time to leave and see the world. That is how he meets Jane, a kid with a tremendous imagination and an open position for a worthy knight. That is how Leo and Jane become friends. And that is when their adventures begin. This charming tale of friendship—from two of the best young minds in picture books: the author of the Caldecott Honor–winning Extra Yarn and the illustrator of the Bologna Ragazzi Award–winning Josephine—is destined to become a modern classic that will delight readers for years to come.

The Night I Followed My Dog (Nina Laden)

Lots of silliness. We used this story for teaching reality versus fantasy. Good vocabulary words. Great imaginative story. Who doesn't wonder what their dog does when they think you're not looking?!

Goodreads Summary:
"I have a dog. Nothing exotic or special, just an ordinary dog. In fact, I always thought he was a boring dog. What I mean is, he can fetch, roll over, and shake hands, but mostly he sleeps and eats." 
Or so the little boy in this story thinks, until one morning when he opens the door a little early and sees his dog jump out of a limousine. That night he decides to follow his dog, and that's when the fun starts. 
Before he knows it, he has entered the little known world of doggy glamour. His dog, distinctly reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart, treats him to a nighttime adventure where he learns where dogs go to relax and sees what they do while their masters are fast asleep. A terrific read aloud, Nina Laden's story will have everyone captivated by the coolest dog around.

Ninja (Aree Chung)

This story is a child's imagination in action. I had to smile as I read the words. I imagined what it is like for a child who truly lives the life of a ninja. Great illustrations!

Goodreads summary:

A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission. There may be obstacles! But have no fear—a true ninja can overcome all challenges.

Inkheart (Cornelia Funke)

For some reason this has often been a stall book for me. I get half way through it then don't finish it. Despite all the times I started and didn't finish it, I love this book! (I did finally finish it) I love the idea of having stories come to life. I loved how people escape into the stories and escape out of the stories. I loved that reading well can make it all happen. I loved all the references to other books and stories. Fabulous story! Goodreads Summary: Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.   Characters from books literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans, but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life characters