The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy (Rachel Joyce)

 

This is a book that follows The Unlikely Pilgrimmage of Harold Fry. You can't really read Queenie's story without having first read Harold's story, I think. I found Harold's book pretty slow, but I was taken by his journey and his reflection on his life. This is Queenie's side of the story - a woman that he worked with, that it seems, was in love with him. I'm uncomfortable with stories of infidelity - but in this one there is no relationship and no physical intimacy - just love from a distance. It's kind of odd. Harold's son is also friends with Queenie, and, actually, a total jerk. Queenie is dying. In many spots it felt like maybe morpheme was speaking. It was very slow moving as well but I felt like I couldn't quit on her as she lay dying. It's a strange story. I'm sure someone smarter than me can find some great symbolism and meaning in it. 

Goodreads says:

https://ihaveabookyoushouldread.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-unlikely-pilgrimage-of-harold-fry.html

The Elephant's Girl (Celesta Rimington)

 

I loved this book. It was a grade 3 book club pick. I chose it for October because it has ghosts and paranormal activity in it. It wasn't scary though. It was a beautiful story.

The voice in this book trailer is not the voice I imagine Lexington to have at all. It's way too young.

The theme of figuring out who you are and finding ways to accept yourself are great for young readers. Throughout the book, Lexington communicates with the wind and with an elephant and through it, learns to accept herself and find the strength in her own uniqueness. She also learns to allow her friends to be themselves and be unique as well. I loved how she stood up for herself and worked hard to discover what was lost (literally and figuratively). 

Goodreads says:
An elephant never forgets...but Lexington Willow can't remember her past. When she was a toddler, a tornado swept her away from everyone and everything she knew and landed her near an enclosure in a Nebraska zoo, where an elephant named Nyah protected her from the storm. With no trace of her family, Lex grew up at the zoo with her foster father, Roger; her best friend, Fisher; and the wind whispering in her ear.

style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" />Now that she's twelve, Lex is finally old enough to help with the elephants. But during their first training session, Nyah sends her a telepathic image of the woods outside the zoo. Despite the wind's protests, Lex decides to investigate Nyah's message and gets wrapped up in an adventure involving ghosts, lost treasure, and a puzzle that might be the key to finding her family. Can Lex summon the courage to hunt for who she really is--and why the tornado brought her here all those years ago?

There's A Ghost In This House (Oliver Jeffers)

 

All the vellum (with ghosts on it!) is amazing. Kids will love this! 

Goodreads says:

A captivating new picture book with interactive transparent pages, from world-renowned artist Oliver Jeffers.

Hello, come in.
Maybe you can help me?

A young girl lives in a haunted house, but has never seen a ghost. Are they white with holes for eyes? Are they hard to see? She’d love to know! Step inside and turn the transparent pages to help her on an entertaining ghost hunt, from behind the sofa, right up to the attic. With lots of friendly ghost surprises and incredible mixed media illustrations, this unique and funny book will entertain young readers over and over again

The Little Knight Who Battled Monsters (Gilles Tibo)

A Canadian author. Yea!!

This story was so cute. It is a great friendship story....similar to enemy pie. Maybe most of the witches and ogres and ghosts out there are just misunderstood.

We really had some good chuckles. The whole chocolate cake business was a good starter for conversations. Imagine how much more this little knight could do if he ate healthy? LOL The book will be a favorite in our library corner, for sure. Every page is full of hilarious labels and comments that will keep kids engrossed for long stretches, I'm sure.

This book isn't listed on Goodreads!!

Here is the story summary from my library:

Sometimes the bravest thing a knight can do is to lay down his arms.

In a curious kingdom built on top of a forest lives a little knight. He has no battles, because there are no enemies around. He spends long days reading and planting flowers, long nights dreaming and snoring peacefully.

One day the little knight wakes with a start to a loud knocking at his fortress door. Three of his loyal subjects have been kidnapped! With fresh chocolate cake in his belly, he sets off into the dark forest to find the monsters holding them captive. Can the little knight keep his vow and return them home safely?

How To Make Friends With a Ghost (Rebecca Green)

Cute story! It was especially great to read it on Halloween day. It sparked a good debate about whether it is fiction or non-fiction. It all depends on whether or not you believe in ghosts! We decided as long as you can justify what genre you give it, you're right.

Goodreads says:

What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favorite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren't looking! If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you'll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you. 

A whimsical story about ghost care, Rebecca Green's debut picture book is a perfect combination of offbeat humor, quirky and sweet illustrations, and the timeless theme of friendship.

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.

Pinduli (Janell Cannon)

Oops..my picture has the paper strip I put on all library books in my classroom. 

Oh well!

What a beautiful story! The illustrations are amazing. There is a little bit of challenging vocabulary interspersed. I read it to my class while they were eating and everyone, even my 'I really am not interested in stories' kids were glued to it. Good lessons on character....sometimes people do mean things because something has happened to them. We have had a few conversations in class lately about context and how the context can help you understand a difficult word (or a tricky situation). This is a great example of that concept.

Good Reads summary: 

Pinduli's mama has always told her that she's the most beautiful hyena ever. But Dog, Lion, and Zebra don't think so. Why else would they make her feel so rotten about her big ears, her fuzzy mane, and her wiggly stripes? Poor Pinduli just wants to disappear--and she tries everything she can think of to make that happen. Yet nothing goes her way. Nothing, that is, until a case of mistaken identity lets her show the creatures of the African savanna how a few tiny words--bad or good--can create something enormous.

Janell Cannon, the creator of the bestselling Stellaluna, introduces yet another endearing character in this triumphant story about self-image, self-acceptance, and treating others with respect.

Eerie Elementary: The Locker Ate Lucy (Jack Chabert)

We are really loving these Branches books in my classroom. It's true. They do give kids confidence!

Goodreads summary:

Sam Graves's school is ALIVE!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In the second book in the series, Sam Graves's friend Lucy disappears into her locker! Sam and his friend Antonio follow a trail of clues that leads them through the locker and deep inside the school. Will they find Lucy? Will they learn why the school is ALIVE? Sam and Antonio must rescue Lucy from this scary school before it's too late!

In this book we also learn why the school is alive. It is a quick read and there's plenty of humor.

The School is Alive - The Eerie Elementary Series (Jack Chabert)

Scholastic has something fantastic going on with the new "Branches" series. There are so many great and easy chapter books! We are loving these in my classroom.

Who isn't creeped out when they're alone in a school? This might not help me go in on weekends nad get work done!

I'm guessing my kids are going to love this book - and they'd rather be caught DEAD than alone in our school at night.

This would make a great read-aloud in October. It's quick, has great pictures and the story is captivating. And to top it off, the main character is in 3rd grade. Perfect!

Goodreads summary:

Eerie Elementary is one scary school!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this first book in the series, Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He'll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it's too late!

Awake and Dreaming (Kit Pearson)

I asked the folks at the place where I buy books for my Grade 3 book club books for recommendations the other day, and this book was one of their recommendations. I hadn't read it so decided to find it.

I'm not sure it is right for my Grade 3 book club, but what a fabulous book! The edition I read had an introduction by Kenneth Oppel that was amazing as well.

Here is the Goodreads Summary:

Theo and her young, irresponsible mother seem trapped in their miserable, poverty-stricken life. Theo dreams of belonging to a "real"family with two parents and brothers and sisters, and her dream seems to come true when she is mysteriously adopted by a large, warm family, the Kaldors. For the first time in her life, Theo has brand new clothes and things of her own, security and good friends. But as time passes, the magic of Theo's new life begins - literally - to fade, and soon she finds herself back with her mother. Were the Kaldors real, or just a dream? And who is the shadowy figure who haunts Theo's thoughts?

I love the magic in this book. A ghostly writer haunts the Kaldors house and comforts Theo. I love the hope. Theo rises survives her tough life and even finds ways to grow despite the challenges. I love the connection to reading. Theo loves reading and her ghost friend was also a writer. I'm generally not a fan of finding out a part of a story was just a dream - but in this book it seems to work. I wouldn't say it totally has a happy ending. It has a 'we'll do the best we can' ending. It certainly fits. I love that it is set in BC as well.


Favorite quotes:

P. 224 Cecily:  "I think an open book symbolizes imagination. Only imagination will save people from their narrow, cramped expectations of life-like those my parents had." She chuckled. "But enough of my philosophizing. When you've done nothing but think for forty years you get pretty pedantic. 

P. 244 "Oh, Theo, forgive me - I keep forgetting how young you are. Material is what a writer calls the - the stuff, the ingredients for a good story. Your life may have been awful and it may become awful again. But it makes for a much better story than the Kaldor's easy life. Do you understand?

Theo's head was spinning. "No I don't."

"You will one day. But for now just keep observing the richness you have - Vancouver and Victoria, your mother and your aunt, the Kaldors, ....Watch it, use it. The bad times and the good times, too. If you watch carefully, there are always what I call shining moments, even in hard times - moments of sheer joy, when you're just glad to be alive.

...."Here's what I think Theo. writers are both awake and dreaming. They have to pay attention - to be mindful of all the small things in life, the details, whether ordinary or wonderful or terrible. Then they dream of what they can turn those details into. And if your life gets really difficult, Theo, there are two things you can do. You can force yourself to see people at a distance, like someone in a story. Then they'll lose their power over you, or yiu can make up something better and escape to it."

Tags:

Abuse - there isn't a lot of abuse in this story. Theo's mom, Rae does hit her though and Theo learns to stand up to her and lets her mom know it is not okay to hit kids.
Addictions - Theo's mom smokes
Canadian Authors - Kit Pearson is a Western Canadian
Chasing Dreams - Theo wants nothing more than to be in a real family
Children - There are many children in this story
Family - Rae separates herself from her family and tries unsuccessfully to be a family for Theo. Her sister helps out. The Kaldor family is a "real" family to Theo.
Friendship - Theo has difficulty making friends sometimes because of the transient life they've led
Ghosts - Cecily, a dead author, becomes a friend to Theo
Homelessness - Theo and her mom move a lot and have times where they're homeless
Imagination - Theo deals with her life by sometimes escaping it into her imagination
LGBQ - Theo has a friend who has two moms
Personal Growth - Theo does a lot of learning and growing as does her mother
Realistic Fiction - A lot of kids live lives like this!
School - Theo attends many different schools due to moving so much

Liesl and Po (Lauren Oliver)

“Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.”

~Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Sometimes books find you. This was one of those books. I've had it sitting on my desk for quite a while. One of my dear teacher  friends gave it to me. She always has good book recommendations. I have looked at this one for a while and wished I could get to it. Not long before she gave it to me I had read Breadcrumbs and this book has a similar fairy tale feel to it. Finally the time came where I could choose what to read next, and this one was at the top of my list. The timing couldn't be more perfect. This book made me feel, perhaps, ineffably content. It has some wonderful explanations about life, love, justice and mercy.

p. 12 Ineffible was her favorite word. When Liesl was very small, her father had often liked to sit and read to her: real grown-up books, with real grown-up words. Whenever they encountered a word she did not know, he would explain to her what it meant. Her father was very smart; a scientist, an inventor, and a university professor.
Liesl very clearly remembered on time at the willow tree, when he turned to her and said, "Being here with you makes me ineffably happy, Lee-Lee." And she had asked what ineffable meant, and he had told her.
She liked the word ineffable because it meant a feeling so big or vast that it could not be expressed in words.
And yet, because it could not be expressed in words, people had invented a word to express it, and that made Liesl feel hopeful, somehow.

I seem to have a lot of death in my life lately. My dear Aunt Marvelle passed away recently. This past weekend I found out that Bob Turley died (he was a great in Primerica), and this weekend Ralph Klein died. I got to know Ralph Klein's daughter in law at  Highwood when she served on the school council with me. I see her often as she works out at the pool where our kids have swim practice and it's always nice to touch base with her. Then, just this past weekend, a woman who was like a mother to me, Lauretta Boisselle, passed away. She is my dear friend, Carma's, mother. She was recently put in a hospice and died quicker than I expected she would. She was a great woman: generous to a fault, fun, accepting, and fiercely loyal. We will all miss her terribly.

Lauren Oliver, the author of Liesl and Po, said she wrote this book in two months of intense writing after the sudden death of her best friend. She put together wonderful descriptions of life, death and the thin veil between the two. I am a bit of a fast reader. Sometimes I skim rather than reading the words carefully. I found with this book I wanted to slow down and drink up the wonderful descriptions, making sure I didn't miss any of the descriptive detail.

Liesl in Liesl and Po is a girl who is locked in the attic by her step mother. Her father has died and her step mother loves living on the riches that were left to Liesl. Po is a ghost who comes and helps her escape. Po also has a pet with it (you can never tell if Po is a girl or a boy), named Bundle. Bundle doesn't bark though. He always says, "Mwark". Since mwark rhymes with bark, perhaps I assumed Bundle is a dog. Bundle does have a lot of cat-like traits though, so I'm not sure!

p. 109 Liesl let out another snorting laugh and covered her mouth to stifle the sound. "I wanted your help crossing the street," she said, "I keep forgetting you aren't real."
"I'm real," Po said, bristling. "I'm as real as you are."
"Don't be mad," Liesl pleaded, and as Po floated off, she put one foot in front of he other without even noticing it. Step, step, step. "You know what I mean."
"I just don't have a body. Neither does wind or lightning, but they're real."
"It's only an expression, Po." Liesl had crosses the street. "Sheesh."
"Light doesn't have a body," Po continued, and up ahead, Bundle yipped and skipped and turned full circles in the air. "Music doesn't have a body, but that's real..."
"For someone with no body, you're very touchy, you know."


They're able to communicate without talking.

Although Liesl was so terrified she thought she might faint, she got the sense that Bundle and Po had just had a conversation without words, and in the midst of her terror she thought very clear, How strange. How strange and nice. To be able to always say what you mean without having to say anything.

The author makes a number of suggestions about what happens after someone dies, and the strong connections between life and the after life.

p. 75 Bundle and Po skimmed over the top of a glowing moonlit hill and came to a place where black water ran  between soft, pillowed, cloudy hills: a quiet, secluded place, and one both ghosts knew well, and came to often.
There was another ghost sitting by the river, however, and Po stopped short. Bundle let out a small yelp of surprise. This was Bundle and Po's secret spot, exactly one third of the way between the endless waterfall and star 6,789. Po had never seen another ghost there, not one single time.
The new ghost had its back to Bundle and Po, and it was muttering something. It must have only recently crossed over, as even from the back its silhouette was very defined, and very clearly that of a man.
As Po drifted closer, it heard the same saying, "If I could only get back to that willow tree. I'm sure then I could find my way home. Fifteen feet from the tree is the pond, and up the short little hill is the house, where little Lee-Lee will be waiting with her mother...."
Po was stunned. All of the atoms of its being flipped simultaneously in a funny direction, so the ghost shivered from the inside out. Po had not been kidding when it told Liesl that the chances of seeing her father again were next to impossible: And yet, here her father was. In Bundle and Po's secret place, no less.

There are a long list of characters, who initially, do not seem connected at all. In the end it all comes together. The story is grey and full of sadness. In the beginning of the book Liesl says that the sun had not count out in 1,728 days. It was never sunny. Finally, the spell keeping the entire world grey is broken and everyone gets what they deserve in in the end.

The illustrator for this book deserves some praise as well. I was really drawn in by the illustrations. They're black and white, perhaps to match the sad mood of the book. There's so much expression in all the character's faces. I wanted to sit and look at the drawings, rather than skim past them.

I've read some great blog posts on this book. You might enjoy them too. Check them out here, here and here.

The books says it is for 8-12 year olds. I wonder how 8 year olds would enjoy it. I think I'd like to give it a try with my students to see if it's something they enjoy. It might  be something to read around Halloween...ghosts, spells, magic and more fits that time of year. It has a different feel to it though. I liked it!