Top Ten Tuesday-October 11

It has been a while since I posted a Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  Finding more time now that summer has come to an end, I thought I would join up again when I saw today's question.........

Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

My list in no particular order - They just stand out in my mind

- The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore 

- Harry Potter - all seven of them of course!

- The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

- Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

- Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

- Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor

- The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

- The Shining by Stephen King

Apples

Apple trees grow in more parts of the world than any other fruit tree. They have been in existence for about two million years. From blossom to pollination to picking, here is information about how they grow, their various parts and different varieties. Instructions on how to plant and care for an apple tree are included. Juice, jelly, cider, pie or right off the tree...apples are delicious (jacket description)

This past weekend, we took advantage of the beautiful fall weather in Wisconsin and went apple picking.  A yearly tradition that we never seem to outgrow and still enjoy together as a family. While out in the orchard, this reminded me of one of my many all-time favorite books by Gail Gibbons.  She provides much information on many topics and Apples is a great addition when it comes to the fall season.  Inside you will find a brief history on how the colonists brought apple seeds from England and then moved westward.  From pollination to picking time to the dormant stage, the book gives wonderful information on all things apple related.  After reading this book, you will gain an appreciation for all the apple truly has to offer. The illustrations are detailed and plentiful as well as bold and bright. For families looking to have a fun family day activity, this book would make a great read-a-loud before you head out to the orchard. Also, a recipe is included in the back pages and I know I am looking forward to baking my first apple pie with my daughter this year. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4 - 8.~

Title: Apples
Author: Gail Gibbons
Genre: nonfiction
Pub. Date: December 2000, Holiday House
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall review

When twelve-year-old Florence boards the horse-drawn coach in London, she looks forward to a new life at Crutchfield Hall, her great-uncle’s manor house in the English countryside. Anything will be better, Florence thinks, than the grim London orphanage she has just left.  Florence doesn’t reckon with the eerie presence that haunts the cavernous rooms and dimly lit hallways of Crutchfield. It’s the ghost of her cousin Sophia, who died the year before. Sophia’s ghost seeks to recreate the scene of her death and cause someone else to die in her place so that she will be restored to life. And she intends to force her newly arrived cousin to help her. (goodreads summary)

Florence has lived at Miss Medleycoate's Home for Orphan Girls since she was 5 years old when she lost both her parents in a drowning accident. She had no other family to live with until seven years later finds that she is the great-niece of Thomas Crutchfield. He searched a very long time for her and made arrangements for Florence to live at Crutchfield Hall with himself, his spinster of a sister and James, a cousin from her father's brother who also had become orphaned.  Unfortunately, James is very ill and in a fragile state. Not only had he lost his parents but after moving in at Crutchfield Hall, his older sister Sophia was killed in a tragic accident.  Once Florence arrives, she soon realizes she is not welcomed by her Great-Aunt Eugenie and finds that she places Sophia on a pedestal.  When Florence is taken to her new room for the first time, she feels an eeriness about the house, almost as if she is being watched and hears laughter in the halls.  Many strange and unusual things are about to take place behind the doors of this dark and creepy house.  Florence must find the mysteries behind Sophia's death before she can feel settled in her new surroundings and call this place home.

Just in time for halloween, this book will give kids spine tingling shivers. It had many exciting thrills for such a short story and I enjoyed this classic styled ghost tale. The words and characters had a wonderful 19th Century English feel to it and I loved the many references of classic book titles and authors. Hopefully young readers will recognize a few because they are quite old but popular enough for some titles to click.  When Florence encounters Sophia's ghost, it is evident that she was not only nasty in life but it carried over to her afterlife with a vengeance. Sophia is demanding and can make people say and do things beyond their control and Florence cannot seem to escape her bidding. Sophia entices Florence to visit James even though she knows it is forbidden. She finds James is also haunted by his sister and needs help releasing himself from her hold.  The adults in this story want to believe but not sure if they should believe? I think Sophia is written as an unhappy lingering spirit whose anger keeps her from crossing over to a more peaceful and better life.  It is the idea of her popping up at any moment and sensing James and Florence's fear of her anger and mind games whenever she is around that makes this story the scary page turner. What she really wants is for someone to pay for her untimely death so she can come back and live the life she was entitled to.  But who does she want and why? I felt it had a good beginning, climatic middle and a fast wrapped up ending. Everything a spooky ghost story needs to keep you on the edge of your seat.  Although, the end did leave me with questions wondering if there could have been more to finish the story or did the author leave room for a second book.  It was a simple, quick read and may capture the reader who likes psychological type ghost stories as well as the short length. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 and up.~

Title: The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall
Author: Mary Downing Hahn
Genre: fiction
Pub. Date: September 2010, Clarion Books
Hardcover, 153 pgs.

Wild Life review

Erik is preparing for his first-ever hunting trip when he learns that his parents are being deployed to Iraq.  A few days later, Erik is shipped off to North Dakota to live with Big Darrell and Oma, grandparents he barely knows. When Erik rescues a dog that’s been stuck by a porcupine, Big Darrell says Erik can’t keep him. But Erik has already named her Quill and can’t bear to give her up.  He decides to run away, taking the dog and a shotgun, certain that they can make it on their own out on the prairie.  In this story of adventure and survival, Erik learns about the challenges and satisfactions of living off the land, the power of family secrets, and the pain of losing what you love. (goodreads summary)


Twelve year old Erik arrives home with exciting news that he passed his hunter safety course and is looking forward to his first outing with his best friend and father. It is soon overshadowed when Erik learns that both parents are being deployed to Iraq at the end of the week. Arrangements have been made for him to move to a very small, underdeveloped town in North Dakota to live with grandparents he does not know.  When Erik arrives, his grandmother is sweet but his grandfather "Big Darrell" is very cool and does nothing to welcome him into his home.  Erik cannot believe he will be living in this remote area for 6 months or maybe even longer. When a stray dog in need of help shows up at the farm with porcupine quills in its nose, he befriends the dog and feels that his life may be bearable after all. But to his dismay, Erik's grandfather says "No dogs" and strictly forbids it into the home. Unfortunately, the owner of the dog has also been located a couple of days later and is ready to take her back. Not only does he have a hard time adjusting to his new surroundings but also does not want to return the dog.  While Erik is alone one day, he decides to see what is behind the closed door that his grandparents do not want him to enter in. Inside, he finds a bedroom shrine from Erik's uncle who died at an early age from the Vietnam War.  When he notices his uncle's old hunting gear, gun and a few other supplies in the closet, he decides to run away to survive living a pioneer life on the land away from any adults telling him what to do.  Besides, what more does he need when he has supplies and a faithful dog by his side?

This story is a quick and fast paced survival/adventure read.  It moves along in a matter of five days time and Erik is faced with a few challenges such as finding shelter, hunger, thirst, sickness and snowy weather. Naturally, things do not go as planned for him and eventually realizes this adventure could be harder than he thought.  The writing was not only wonderfully descriptive but also gave me detailed feeling of the setting and characters.  Because of the fast pace, it just may capture some reluctant readers in need of a bookshare book.  I thought there were some great vocabulary words that kids may find new and noteworthy as well.  Hunting and cleaning pheasants and a rabbit is mentioned in detail but I guess that is part of the true survival experience Erik faces. Both Big Darrell and Erik had to come to terms with loss and change that made for some character development for each person.  I also thought the cover art was eye-catching and beautiful.  I think this is a "just right book" for grades 5-8.~

Title: Wild Life
Author: Cynthia DeFelice
Genre:  Fiction
Pub. Date: April 2011, RR Donnelly & Sons
Hardcover, 177 pgs.

The Best Pet Ever review

A little girl really wants a pet and with some creative thinking and a very active imagination she finds all types of objects that can become the best pet ever. A rock, a glove, a candy wrapper and even a balloon all serve as substitutes! Until, one day, she carefully opens a box to find a real kitten--and he is the best pet in the WORLD!  (goodreads summary)

When the little girl in the story asks her mom for a pet, her mom's reply is "we'll see".  So instead, by using her imagination, this carefree girl finds various objects that she can turn into the best pet.  This cute story is full of imagination and using creativity to come up with something out of the simplest thing.  The wonderfully done illustrations will make you smile and laugh. Especially when the girl gives names to her object pets and describe the things they will do . The book brought me back to my childhood when I would make things out of boxes and play for days on end with it until it fell apart. I love books that promote using the imagination and think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: The Best Pet Ever
Author: Victoria Roberts - illustrated by: Deborah Allwright
Genre: Picture book
Pub. Date:  March 2010, Tiger Tales
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Book Blogger Hop - September 16

Thanks to Crazy for Books for this great Book Blogger Hop question this week, iIt is a great way to meet other bloggers and share our thoughts.  Here is what Jen has to say about this weeks question!


This week, I went to Twitter for the prompt. Thank you to @fangswandsfairy for a great blogger-focused question! 

“As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile?”

My Answer:  I had a hard time writing a profile for myself. I think I had a blank page in front of me for two days and I remember going back and forth to my computer. So, I decided to just write about the passion that I had for books and how we as adults can help instill this in our children by helping them make good reading choices.  I love reading so many genres of books and passing on that "just right book" for everyone to enjoy through my blog.

I am looking forward to reading what others have said and will catch a few new profiles along the way. Have a great hop weekend everyone!!

Imaginary Girls review

Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby. But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.(goodreads summary)

Ruby and Chloe are separated when the tragic death of a classmate is questioned and she moves in with her distant father miles away. The reservoir is a place where kids would go for parties and swimming but there are also many other secrets that it holds. Two years after the discovery of London's dead body, Ruby finds Chloe and insists she returns to her hometown to be reunited so she can take care of and protect her just like before. Ruby and Chloe share the same mother who was non existent in their lives growing up.  Ruby was always the popular, daring and outrageous sister. All the girls want to be like her and all the boys want to be with her. Upon her return, Chloe now finds things are more different than usual with Ruby.  She seems to hold an unexplainable power over the small community and the people around her.  She is manipulative and will use others as a pawn to get what she wants whenever she wants, especially with ex-boyfriends.  Being influenced by Ruby's unnatural force, some almost seem to be in a trance like state at times in her presence. Both sisters also have an incredible needy bond but hold a strong love and trust for each other.  Ruby is very protective of Chloe and insists that she does not go near the reservoir or leave the outskirts of town.  Ruby would tell Chloe stories of the flooded Town of Olive that was laying underneath the reservoir giving it a ghostlike quality. As Chloe adjusts to the many unusual changes around her, she unfolds answers to the secrets that lay at the bottom of the mysterious watering hole which determines what is real and what is not.

When I first started reading this book, I had a hard time getting into it. I wasn't sure what direction this story was taking. I found myself confused in the beginning and almost gave up on it.  It took me until the first 80 pages to realize this was becoming more exciting and I was liking it.  I picked up on the beautiful writing talents of the author and ended up surprisingly captivated by this supernatural story after all. I found myself eager to read into the next chapter to see what was going to happen. The haunting words flowed so easily and they gave me such an eerie visualization that I had the heebie jeebie's for a couple of days.  Good writing is suppose to do this for the reader and I found myself hooked on the spookiness.  The relationship of the two sisters seemed quite strange but it was a story about the strong bond of sisterhood and how far someone would go for the one they loved.  What Chloe had to figure out was the truth behind Ruby's powerful force and how it connected with the death of London which turned out to be a surprise as well.  I enjoyed the twists and turns at each new chapter keeping my attention until the very end. I admit I was left with questions lingering in the end  but I suppose that was the author's intent, so I would reflect on what I just read.  There is drinking and Chloe does have a sexual encounter but is not written in too much detail and is brief.  This book may not be for the reader looking for a wrapped up plot in the end but I was glad I gave it a chance with an open mind.  It will make for a good supernatural story to curl up with now that the chilly fall nights are fast approaching.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 16 and up.~

Title: Imaginary Girls
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Genre: young adult, paranormal
Pub: Date: June 2011, Dutton Books
Hardcover,  348 pgs.

Calli Be Gold review

Eleven-year-old Calli Gold is the quiet third child in a family of loud overachievers. In fact, the family motto is Be Gold. Calli's sister is on an ice-skating team, and her brother's a basketball star. Her parents are sure she has a hidden gift for something. They just have to figure out what it is! But Calli has flopped at everything she's tried. She sure doesn't feel like a Gold.  Until a new person enters her life. Second grader Noah Zullo might seem strange to some people, but Calli can't help liking him, and they become partners in their school's Peer Helper Program. When they create a booth for the Friendship Fair, they fill it with secrets and surprises. And as Calli and Noah work and learn together, they even surprise themselves. (goodreads summary)

Calli is an average 5th grade girl growing up in a family of high achievers. Pressured by her family motto to "Be Gold" she is uncertain as to where she fits in with her family.  Her mom is highly scheduled with calendars and post-it notes keeping track of every activity claiming that their life would fall apart if it weren't for her organizational talents. When the family has dinner, her dad requests a status report from each child telling him of a daily accomplishment.  Unfortunately, Calli not only feels she has yet to find her proud moments but she is a disappointment to her parents as well. Her parents are pushing her to be successful at something but she just wants to be ordinary and feels that being quiet is okay in this family of louds. The family life is guided by be loud and get noticed and that being busy is a matter of importance.  When she meets Noah, who faces a few challenges himself, the two begin a very special and much needed friendship.

In a society today of constantly being on the go and over scheduling, this story could hit home with many readers.  Calli's family represents many today with hectic schedules and trying to balance out each child's activity, especially on the same day.   This dad is a type-A competitive parent who shouts from the stands at games and video tapes other team's practices so his son can be the best.  But Calli is not the only one trying to find a voice in the family. Her sister Becca does not tell her parents that her ice skating coach is threatening to replace her in the big competition with an alternate. She is afraid of what her dad will say of her not meeting the family expectations.  Alex feels there is more to life than basketball and mom would like to just sit in the front window and enjoy a coffee once. It seems that everyone has trouble expressing their true feelings to one another. Their lives are in such a rush that no one takes the time to listen. When Calli befriends Noah, she sees in him what no one else does.  An ordinary boy who just needs someone to understand his differences and help him try to fit into a world that makes him nervous. I loved the compassion and empathy displayed in Calli's determination to reach Noah in a way she saw that he needed. Noah in turn opened up and gave Calli the feeling of pride and accomplishment that she longed to find as well.  By the end of the book, there are a lot of good character developments among the family members. Many parents could read this story as well. It would gently remind us to sit back and take a look at our own family dynamics and what is truly important.  There is some talk of a girl wearing a bra and some boys in the class chanting "u-ter-us "and thinking this is quite funny when the teacher mentions an upcoming health class. Other than that, it is mild and mainly focuses on finding your sense of place, speaking up for yourself, compassion and remembering that rewards can come in small packages instead of an award or trophy.  I think this is a just right book for 6th grade and up.~

Title: Calli Be Gold
Author: Michelle Weber Hurwitz
Genre: fiction
Pub. Date: April 2011, Wendy Lamb Books
Hardcover, 198 pgs.

Book Blogger Hop - August 26

Thanks to  Crazy-for-books for hosting this hop, I hope to hop on from time-to-time......I also found some new blogs and I am looking forward to knowing what others are reading and saying! 

My Answer:  Yes I do. I am am softie when it comes to having pets. At the moment we only have our Dog who is a 9 year old golden retriever and two fish. My dog is the sweetest thing and I hate to see that she is starting to show her age this year. We did have chameleon's in the past, a gecko and  two gerbils too until this past year. My daughter has been working on a bunny for sometime now but I haven't budged on that one yet...........

Looking forward to reading how many households have pets and what kind! Have a great hop weekend!

“Non-book-related this week!! Do you have pets?”

Little Croc's Purse review

One fine day Little Croc finds a lonely lost purse ...and it's full of money! Does he keep it and use the money for himself? Will he succumb to the temptation of some new shoes, a cool lemonade or the teasing of his friends? No! Honourable Little Croc is off to find the owner. And when the owner of the purse lets him keep it and the money inside, he soon realises that being honest is its own best reward! This is a brand new heart-warming tale from "Dandylion" creator, Lizzie Finlay.

Here is a wonderful story that will help teach honesty and character building to the little ones. While playing hide-and-seek with the other crocodiles, little croc finds something that looks valuable. When he finds that the purse is filled with money, he must decide what the right thing to do is. The other crocodiles try to persuade him to not find the owner, but I was happy to see that little croc uses his conscience to guide him in the right direction. He must also face many temptations along the way to the police station. This was a cute story with a happy ending for doing a good deed. It will also make for good discussion on the importance of being honest and not letting others steer you from doing what you feel is right.  The illustrations are whimsical and full of bold color as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Little Croc's Purse
Author: Lizzie Finlay
Genre: picture book
Pub. Date: January 2010, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Fall into Reading -our end of summer tradition

It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny covered the old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family's house, she realized that things were about to change.  Right from the start, Zinny knew that uncovering the trail would be more than just a summer project. It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that, Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. 

 
 
As the days grow shorter in August, signaling the end of summer break is near, I choose a book to read to my kids every week until the first day of school begins.  I'm  amazed that even though my kids are now 15 and 11, they still look forward to our end of summer tradition asking me if I'm going to read to them tonight. We grab our pillows and blankets, along with popcorn and cozy in during the crisp, cool nights. This past week I chose to read Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech. She is such a talented writer and I cannot think of any of her books that we have not enjoyed. I love finding a book that pulls you in and keeps your interest right up to the end. Chasing Redbird definitely hooked us and will be added among our list of summertime favorite reads.  
 
This is a coming of age story about Zinny Taylor who lives in Bybanks, Kentucky. She is trying to process the guilt felt that she is responsible for the death of her cousin who died when they were four from catching whooping cough. Most recently, her beloved Aunt Jessie passes away and the family tries to cope with her loss. Zinny also carries the burden of her death as well. Her Uncle Nate seems to be going crazy and chasing his "Redbird", a name he had for Aunt Jessie, around the family farm and wooded area. When Zinny finds an overgrown abandoned trail that leads from her farm to a town named Chocton several miles away, she is determined to clear it from end-to-end and claiming it as her own.  She camps out for 10 days at a time along the trail while clearing it, alone with her thoughts and trying to find answers to the many questions that linger in her mind.  There are several characters in the story that add humor including Zinny and we had a good laugh at quite a few happenings along the way. She is also confused about a boy named Jake Boone who gives her presents to show his affection towards her. She encounters wilderness animals and further on down the trail finds a mysterious cabin that help give her the the much needed answers to what she has been seeking.  The story is about love, family, death and grief, determination and finding out where you belong in all of these.

We all really liked this book and it did make for a wonderful read-aloud.  It gave us opportunity to talk about many different parts and we found new words/phrases. I also threw out the question  "would you want to do something like this if you found an unknown trail?" My kids came back with the question to me "would you let us do something like this?"  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 and up.

Title: Chasing Redbird
Author: Sharon Creech
Genre: Fiction
Pub. Date: March 1997, HarperCollins
Hardcover, 261 pgs.

Froggy Goes to Hawaii review

Froggy can't wait to get to Hawaii. He's got big plans! Surfing, swimming with the fish, learning to dance the hula - he'll be busy every moment. But somehow, when lovable, trouble-prone Froggy's around, nothing goes as planned.  (goodreads summary

Froggy is off for a fun family vacation to Hawaii with even more energy and excitement than ever. As soon as he wakes up, this cute little frog is jumping on his bed and ready to go. He has trouble waiting in line at the airport, sitting still on the plane and almost falls into a volcano because he is so excited!.  Good book for talking about patience and what happens when you can be a little to overexcited. I bet Froggy's mom is exhausted by the end of her day..... I've always enjoyed reading Froggy's mishaps and troubles to my children when they were young.  They would always give us the best kind of silliness and giggles. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 and up.~

Title: Froggy Goes to Hawaii
Author: Jonathan London
Genre: picture book
Pub. Date: April 2011, Viking Children's Books
Hardcover, 32 pgs.