We can't get enough of Junie B. Jones....

Here is my latest review for KV Style... Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday Written by Barbara Park Illustrated by Denise Brukus Random House $5.99 Recommended for ages 6 – 9 You know it’s a good sign when our four children are sitting around the dinner table listening raptly as I bring our old friend Junie B. to life with her unique vocabulary and foolish antics. Even Jamie was laughing out loud and claimed listening to the story was his “apple of the day”. Junie B. Jones is feeling left out when “that Jim” invites all of Room Nine to his birthday party except her. In true Junie B. fashion, she tries all different angles to get herself invited. She decides she will move away from her neighbourhood in an effort to avoid the planning for the festivities. When her mother insists that she go to school she preys on the weak and snatches Shy William’s invitation and claims it as her own. That decision lands her in the Principal’s office, a place she knows well. Grampa Frank Miller comes to the rescue with a request for Junie B.’s help in fixing his toilet. Coincidentally, he will be fixing it at the very time that the party is taking place. Fixing the toilet is one of Junie’s favourite things to do with Grampa so she is thrilled to oblige until she realizes she will be missing the party!Things turn around for Junie when Principal intercepts and insists that Jim give her the invitation that was meant for her. Hmmmm – this is good news. Or is it? As Junie finds out, going to a party means a bath and washing her hair and giving up time with Grampa Miller. Oh, the pressure! Junie B. learns a valuable lesson here: Be careful what you wish for! This is only one of many Junie B. stories and as long as your listeners know that Junie B. may be a little saucy and her actions may not always be the right, there are a lot of laughs to be had in reading them.

The Big Rothesay Read 2011 - Jerk California

Well, the highly anticipated title of The Big Rothesay Read 2011 has been announced and the response so far has been remarkable.

Jerk California is the story of Sam Carrier, a young man who has dealt with many challenges in his short eighteen-year life. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Old Bill, Sam endures abuse and endless lies about his biological father. Saddled with Tourette’s syndrome, Sam runs long distance to help deal with his tics. It is on one of his runs that he encounters Naomi. Although the two are not in the same social circle, there is an odd chemistry between them.

Upon graduating from high school, Sam feels it is time to move out his childhood home. It is then through a series of events that he meets George, the town “coot”. George teaches Sam more about life than he could ever imagine. He also encourages Sam to travel across the country to gain insight into his deceased father. Throughout the journey, he meets many of his father’s friends who provide him with truths about the man he never knew. Naomi, a fellow high school student, on whom he has a huge crush, joins Sam on the cross-country trek. Their friendship blossoms over the two-week trip and he discovers that Naomi is hiding a life-changing secret. Based on his own life experiences, Sam attempts to help her make the right decision.

Although this book is certainly not an autobiography, Sam’s struggle with Tourette’s is based on the author’s personal life. Readers will finish this book and undoubtedly have empathy and compassion for those with afflictions over which they have no control. This is a perfect story for young adults and adults alike especially if they are looking for quality conversations around the dinner table.

I can't tell you what I'm reading but.....

These days I am rereading a great book but I can't tell you what the title is. Why, you ask? Well, if you wait until Wednesday, March 16, the title of The Big Rothesay Read 2011 will be announced and this great community-literacy event will once again be the talk of the town.

So because I can't tell you what I am reading, I will instead tell you what two of my children are reading, in their own words.

Eliza is excited to be reading a "chapter book" called Summer with Elisa by Johanna Hurwitz.

"Elisa is in grade one and has just finished school. Her brother is 11 and is going to camp. Her mother says she is going to write him letters while he is at camp. Elisa wants her mother to write her letters but she is at home so her mom says when she is older she can go to camp and receive letters BUT she doesn't want to go away from home." Stay tuned for further updates on this book.

Mac is reading Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Pierce. He read the first Big Nate and loved it.

"Nate is in grade six. His guidance counsellor puts baby pictures of her students up on the bulletin board. Nate thinks that one of the baby pictures of a girl is the girl that he really likes. In fact, he says she is the "best looking baby by far". He makes a mistake and it turns out that it is his arch-nemesis, Gina. She thinks she is the greatest girl in the world. She gets straight As every year. Nate thinks Gina is annoying and irritating. A lot of the book is comics and I like that."

We are off to read The Dump Man's Treasure by Lynn Plourde.

Happy Reading.

An Oldie but a Goodie...

When it comes right down to it, there is no better feeling in the world than cuddling up and reading to your children, no matter their age. Earlier this evening, I settled onto Eliza's bed and happily read one of our favourites by Julia Donaldson, Monkey Puzzle. "Hush little monkey, don't you cry. I'll help you find her said Butterfly."

Our baby, Nora (who by the way is not a "real baby - just my baby" as she sternly reminds me everyday) is really beginning to enjoy "reading" her picture books these days. She has an uncanny ability to memorize words which in turn makes her feel very grown up. Monkey Puzzle is a new favourite of hers but an old favourite for the rest of us. Mac, who was in his room next door reading Double Fudge, couldn't resist joining us to read this sweet story of the monkey who lost his Mum.

Then a couple of hours later, it was my turn to read with the boys. We are currently reading The People of Sparks, which is the sequel to The City of Ember. Despite the boys being 8 and 10, they still love to be read to each night. It is like the great equalizer at the end of the day - no matter who argued with who, we are all in our happy place as we read together to end the day. It is my hope that they will let me read to them for many more years!

Here is my recent review for this great post-apocalyptic tale...

The People of Sparks: The Second Book of Ember

Written by Jeanne DuPrau

Recommended for ages 9-12.

$7.99

It had been years since I read the first book in this series, The City of Ember, and I was intrigued with the whole idea of a civilization living below the Earth’s surface. The story has always stayed with me so I was thrilled when Mac came home from school and said that his teacher was reading this really neat book to the class. “It’s all about this world where the people are running our of light and the mayor is greedy and keeps all kinds of food and lightbulbs to himself and there are two kids who are trying to escape because they know there is world beyond theirs…” I knew it had to be Ember that he was referring to. He was shocked to hear that I too, had read the book and loved it. We then made a promise that together we would read the second book in the series.

So now each night, the boys and I live side by side with Lina and Doon as they discover that the residents of Sparks are not what they first believed them to be. Initially, they were welcomed with open arms and provided food and shelter but as the food becomes scarce, the visitors are resented and mysterious things start to happen throughout the village. Just as the two teenagers led their entire community out of Ember, Lina and Doon are now faced with the gargantuan task of keeping peace between the Emberites and the people of Sparks.

Although this book is more than seven years old, it is one that should not be forgotten for those who love science fiction and imagining what would happen to the world if ever there was a natural disaster that ended civilization.

Scaredy Squirrel has a birthday party

Here is my latest review for KVStyle:

Scaredy Squirrel has a birthday party
Written and Illustrated by Melanie Watt
Recommended for ages 4-8.
$16.95

It’s birthday time for the famous, fearful rodent. As he has for all of his birthdays, Scaredy busily plans his party for one. He really prefers to celebrate by himself since there are so many unknowns that could arise if other creatures are invited. A few that are especially frightening for Scaredy are Big Foot, ants, clownfish, ponies and porcupines.

As he ventures off to mail his invitation to himself, he discovers a birthday card from his friend, Buddy. For a brief moment in time, Scaredy thinks it would be a good idea to invite Buddy to his party. So he quickly addresses the invitation to Buddy and hopes for the best. “But inviting a guest is one risky move!” Now the man of honour must start to organize his party for two. He selects the conversation topics for small talk, determines the dos and don’ts of partying (with the only ‘do’ being to sit quietly) and finally prepares the timeline for the one-hour party.

As is often the case, when planning a party – the best-laid plans do not always work out! At precisely 1pm, Scaredy is literally scared out of his tree. Buddy has brought all kinds of friends to join in the celebration. Will Scaredy Squirrel survive the commotion? Perhaps he may enjoy it (even if he won’t admit it)!

This is Melanie Watt’s fifth book in the Scaredy Squirrel series

Winter Wonderland

The snow drifts are high and the sun is shining - a perfect day for skiing. Although our family won't be hitting the slopes for a month or so, Jim and his friends will heading to Sugarloaf this weekend. Let's hope the skiing conditions remain perfect for them...

In the meantime, I look forward to starting my new book club book tonight Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. Last night I finished Jumpstart the World by CatherinA very strange young adult that addresses a number of issues, the most prominent of which is transgenders.

Elle is a fifteen year old girl who is living on her own in an apartment because her Mom's new boyfriend doesn't care for her. Elle meets Frank (formerly Frannie) and immediately develops a crush on him. The story spans a few months in which a lot happens. Whenever I read a book, I am always thinking of which of our customers would enjoy it. This book has stumped me. I cannot pinpoint exactly who would like this - perhaps a very mature high school student who likes off beat stories.

We are off to Eliza's first-ever basketball game and then to Daniel's hockey game. I guess supper will be pb & j on pita in the van on the way to the rink. As my friend's mother once told her, every meal does not have to be an occasion!!

Happy Reading!

Mary Ann

Hockey Hockey Hockey

It's official, hockey season has started again for the Gallagher family. Mac and Daniel are both playing and love it especially when Dad is on the ice for practices.

To get in the mood, we started a new "chapter book" by Nancy Wilcox Richards called How to Outplay a Bully. It's a cute little story about a boy, Tony, who starts hockey late in the season. His third-grade teammates have been playing for a couple of years and seem to be well-versed in the sport. Besides having to overcome the hurdles of never having played on a team, Tony has to deal with Berk, the bully. We are half-way through the book and are thoroughly enjoying the discussions that arise after each chapter.

On the adult book front, I was really touched by We Are All the Same by Jim Wooten. I will never think of AIDS and South Africa without thinking of this book.

I am now working my way through Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. So far it is a good teenage read dealing with family issues.

The election results (and my knitting) are calling my name....