While this little book did not include all of my favorite facts about Teddy Roosevelt, it was chock full of good info. J and I thoroughly enjoyed readWhile this little book did not include all of my favorite facts about Teddy Roosevelt, it was chock full of good info. J and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this larger-than-life president, especially since we could do it IN PERSON! If you don't know much about this earlier Roosevelt, this is a great place to start. We especially enjoyed the page detailing all the animals that lived in the Roosevelt Zoo when they were in the White House.
If I could play editor, I would include more info about his trip down the Amazon (The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey is an adult-size tale of this trying time.) and some info about Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The North and South portions of the park are on either side of his Elkhorn Ranch in North Dakota. A visit to the park and nearby Medora is highly recommended....more
Since Ellen Tebbits is a favorite read from my childhood, I got a hold of a copy of this companion book to read with my grandson. While Otis may at fiSince Ellen Tebbits is a favorite read from my childhood, I got a hold of a copy of this companion book to read with my grandson. While Otis may at first seem less than lovable, consider his home life in comparison to a character like Henry Huggins.
Otis lives in an apartment with a single mother who owns a dance studio and he doesn't have a dog. Henry's hone on Klickitat Street would provide a sense of stability that Otis does not have in his toolbox. Otis goes about his day seeking to cause excitement. He is a button pusher.
Nowadays he would be a candidate for ADD meds. Would such a remedy be helpful to Otis? I am not a medical expert, but I have three boys who exhibited varying symptoms of ADD. Only one benefited from meds. All three are married and in service careers. God's grace is clear in their paths to the present.
If you decide to pick this one up, do keep in mind that this is a book from 1953. Otis and his class do not look at activities like a Mexican Hat Dance or "playing Indian" in the same way as we do in our more enlightened time. Consider this a slice of life and enjoy the timeless themes that run throughout this classic read.
J and I were able to read much of this in person since we are visiting our son and family in Latvia this month. Both of us chose our favorite chapters as is our practice. J chose "Otis and the Thirty Bugs" when Otis and his friend Stewy compete to collect thirty bugs each for football star Hack Battles on. They consider it their duty to the success of the Zachary P. Taylor High School football season. My favorite chapter was "Otis's Scientific Experiment" in which the class feeds two rats drastically different diets to show the value of consuming nutritious meals. What will happen if someone sneaks into the classroom to alter the experiment?
Swimming is who I am. It's WHAT I am. I am sun-bleached hair, goggle-creased cheeks, cracked lips, freckled shoulders, prune-y fingertips. I AM the water.
WitSwimming is who I am. It's WHAT I am. I am sun-bleached hair, goggle-creased cheeks, cracked lips, freckled shoulders, prune-y fingertips. I AM the water.
Without it, I am nothing. Without it, I am a girl missing her mom, who couldn't care less about her water-daughter.
Tully Burch used to train and race across the water with her mom. When her mom left they had been planning a swim across Lake Tahoe. On this July day, Tully has her best friend Arch in a kayak to support her attempt to swim across the lake. The Godfather Swim.
Jamie Sumner has written Tully's story in verse, from her POV. Each hour she is in the water the opposite shore grows closer. Twelve miles. Six hours. That is the plan. What will happen when her dad finds out about her plan? What about the weather? What about the doubts that creep in with her mother gone?
A few pages have specially shaped poems: a bell, a lightning bolt, and waves. The rest of the pages flow past smoothly and I could feel Tully's determination as well as her uncertainty. Arch is the best kind of friend. Even Sumner's Acknowledgments are in verse. There is still time to read this with Summer in the present tense. Highly recommended....more
Bat, Cat, and Rat are still roomies in this second book. They worked hard and want to go on vacation, but cannot agree on where to go. Bat wants OuterBat, Cat, and Rat are still roomies in this second book. They worked hard and want to go on vacation, but cannot agree on where to go. Bat wants Outer Space. Cat wants the Spa. Rat wants the Buffet. While Cat and Rat bicker about their preferences, Rat goes to the store and uses their vacation fund to purchase what they need for a staycation that will make each one happy. Little details like Rat changing the Car Wash sign to Cat Wash and eating cat's spa cucumber slices will give readers a reason to go back and reread....more
Everyone loves an odd couple. Orris is a rat who has been around the barnyard for awhile. Timble is an owl lacking in common sense. One night they meeEveryone loves an odd couple. Orris is a rat who has been around the barnyard for awhile. Timble is an owl lacking in common sense. One night they meet in a dramatic fashion reminiscent of the story of the mouse and the lion. Being the cynic that he is, Orris wonders how long before Timble gives into her rodent cravings. Looks like it will be awhile -- at least three stories are promised featuring these new bosom buddies. Love the charming and whimsical illustrations. Kate DiCamillo fans will love the fact that Orris tells Timble a story of a wolf and a raven and a princess. If you don't know how that one goes, just look for this book: The Puppets of Spelhorst. ...more
The first Jasmine Toguchi installment introduced us to the art of mochi. This second book is about Girl's Day -- a Japanese holiday honoring women andThe first Jasmine Toguchi installment introduced us to the art of mochi. This second book is about Girl's Day -- a Japanese holiday honoring women and girls. There is also more mochi! Jasmine has big plans to share the celebration with her best friend Linnie. She even has a special kimono for friend to wear. When the two friends have a falling out, Jasmine has to figure out how to make things right in time for the big day. Love all the information on this Japanese celebration, especially the doll display and how to wear a kimono diagram. There are many other books in this series and each one will have a feature a different aspect of the Japanese culture. ...more
Ever get locked in a building by mistake? Jo-Beth and Mary Rose Overhill know what that is like. On a snowy night in Indianapolis the two sisters enteEver get locked in a building by mistake? Jo-Beth and Mary Rose Overhill know what that is like. On a snowy night in Indianapolis the two sisters enter the Finton Memorial Library looking for a restroom after their father (Last-Minute Harry) has gone to find gas for their car. They get distracted by a kid hack exhibit and find the doors are locked for the night. With a blizzard happening outside, the girls are already on high alert. As they hear and see spooky occurrences, the younger of the two gets her drama queen crown out. Kids who like a few goosebumps will enjoy this read. Parents will be relieved that all of the happenings are shown to have a logical cause. With the phones out of order, the girls are hoping someone will notice their sign in the window that says: "Help! I'm a Prisoner in the Library."
Thanks to my GR friend, the terrific Tina, for helping me to discover this classic 70's read....more
You had me at "Nancy Drew" and this book did not disappoint. The four members of The Sherlock Society are snooping around and using their skills to geYou had me at "Nancy Drew" and this book did not disappoint. The four members of The Sherlock Society are snooping around and using their skills to get answers. And Grandpa James is the comic relief.
The book begins with a dramatic yacht explosion while three members of the team are on board. Then Ponti jumps back in time to show the build up to the incident. As the four kids (ages 12 & 13) use modern technology, Grandpa helps them learn good old-fashioned reporting skills. The WHO,WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY. He even insists on using pen and paper early in the process.
One of my favorite characters wasn't even a person. It was a 1964 Cadillac named Roberta. And the story of how she got her name is worth the price of admission.
This is the start of a fabulous new series from Ponti complete with a Miami location (a sunny place filled with shady people) and hints of one of the shadiest -- Al Capone. Stay tuned!
Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
Ralph and his motorcycle hitch a ride to Irwin J. Sneed Elementary in Cucaracha, CA in this third Ralph S. Mouse book. His friend Ryan gives him a ridRalph and his motorcycle hitch a ride to Irwin J. Sneed Elementary in Cucaracha, CA in this third Ralph S. Mouse book. His friend Ryan gives him a ride on the school bus. Ralph makes himself at home in a boot during the school day and roams the building at night. Lock up your seed mosaics and your library paste (ick)! Room 5, under the direction of teacher Miss Heidi Kuckenbacker, even devotes a whole day to celebrating their new pet mouse. My favorite chapter was "The Maze" when the whole class watches to see if Ralph can beat the maze to get to the peanut butter at the end. For J., his favorite chapter was "The Surprise" where Ralph gets a very happy ending indeed. We both loved his learning curve in adjusting to that surprise. Stay tuned. We will be reading Otis Spofford next. ...more
In 1966, Ying Chang Compestine was just three years old and living in Wuhan with her parents (both doctors). Then Mao Zedong took over. The changes inIn 1966, Ying Chang Compestine was just three years old and living in Wuhan with her parents (both doctors). Then Mao Zedong took over. The changes in her family life were heartbreaking. Because her parents were writing letters to a doctor in San Francisco, they were labelled as US spies and soon her father was put in prison. While he was away from them, Ying and her mother dreamed of emigrating to San Francisco and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. The detailed illustrations by Xinmei Liu show the tyranny all around. Ration coupons were handed out to the people, but the shelves were almost always empty. Once when Ying was on her way to buy meat for her and her mother, a boy stole her coupons. She chased him down and got them back. After weeks without soap in the hot summer months, Ying had to have her hair shaved. Finally ten years later, the Revolution ended and Ying's father was returned to them. It will be ten more years, but Ying and her family do get a chance to come to the US and see that bridge that helped them to endure the terrors of the Revolution. This enlightening and inspiring read is recommended to ages 10 and up....more
This comical graphic novel from Jeff Mack includes a quick tutorial on reading the genre. Perfect for beginners! Pony gives Dog his own pet. Once Dog This comical graphic novel from Jeff Mack includes a quick tutorial on reading the genre. Perfect for beginners! Pony gives Dog his own pet. Once Dog gets used to the idea of having a rock as a pet, he names it Lulu and proclaims it to be a T. Rex. Fun ensues as Dog ramps up his imagination giving Lulu a very messy bath and then taking her for a walk. Is the rest of the neighborhood ready for Lulu? It might take an adjustment or two. Everyone needs a nap after the outdoor adventure. ...more
Turning twelve opened up a new world for Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. That is where Betsy's father has his store. There is a new Carnegie library being builtTurning twelve opened up a new world for Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. That is where Betsy's father has his store. There is a new Carnegie library being built. The building getting the most attention in this installment is The Opera House. Our favorite preteens are so excited about the upcoming production of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Winona, a girl in their class, has three complimentary tickets. How will they ever get her to choose them to go along? It is fun to see their creative methods of persuasion. This fourth book also includes Christmas, the opening of the library, and a second play to enjoy: Rip Van Winkle. Jump back in time to the early days of the 20th century with Betsy and her friends. ...more
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