Thursday, August 28, 2014

Lily Quench

Lily Quench and the Dragon of Ashby By: Natalie Jane Prior

Lily is part of a family of dragon slayers.  She is brought to the castle of Ashby to hunt down and kill the dragon that is making a mess.  Lily finds that she would rather be friends with the dragon, and the Dragon Queen takes her on an adventure she will never forget. She gets taken to Monkey Island and is given clues to the missing prince. But the whole time she is gone there is another fight in Ashby, one that could change it forever.

This was a cute book that any third through fifth grade reader would enjoy.  Lily is a lovable character, and so is the dragon she is taken to quench.  The story reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl's writing style and characters.  Strange with a twist.  I loved her adventures.

I borrowed this from the school library
ISBN: 0-140240020-3

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Wilfred

Wilfred By: Ryan Higgins

     Once there was a lonely giant named Wilfred, who only wanted a friend. He came to a town that had a whole bunch of little people in it, and none of them had hair. When he tried to introduce himself the people all ran away, except one boy. The boy and Wilfred became friends and had a ton of fun, until the other people in the town told Wilfred that hairy monsters were not allowed to be in the town.  If he wanted to come back he had to give them all his hair. So they took all of Wilfred's hair, and he was cold and lonely. The little boy tried to help him, but he got lost in the snowstorm.  Wilfred found him and protected him, and then the people of the town knew that they had done wrong.

     I loved this book. It was touching and had a great story.  I thought that it showed that people can be very selfish, and that sometimes the things that are different are the object of our torture.  I loved how Wilfred protected his only friend in this story.  My boys loved listening to it, and I cannot wait to share it with my class.

   I borrowed this from the public library
   ISBN: 978-0-8037-3732-7

Nightsong

Nightsong By: Ari Berk and Loren Long

     This is the story of Chiro, a young bat, and how he learns to use his echolocation for the first time. His mother tells him to go out into the wold and find his dinner.  He says it is dark and he doesn't know how to fly in the dark. She tells him to use his song, he flies out and is able to find his song and see the world as only bats can do.
   
     This is a beautiful story.  It was well written and had really great illustrations. When I read this book to my class, every kid was attentive and waiting for what happened.  We talked all about the pictures and the fact that bats are amazing because they can use a skill that we do not have as people.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7886-2


Sunday, August 3, 2014

No More Kisses For Bernard!

No More Kisses For Bernard! By: Niki Daly

Bernard loves his aunts, but he hates that they always kiss him.  He makes a rule that there is to be NO MORE!  Bernard even wears a knight helmet to stop his aunts. What a cute story about a boy who hates kisses. Having boys myself I totally understand what it is like. My boys hate them!  This would be a fun read aloud for young children

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-84780-105-0

City of Ashes

City of Ashes: Mortal Instruments Book 2 By: Cassandra Clare

Clary 's life is anything but normal, and she really wishes she could get back to normal.  Unfortunately that is never going to happen.  In this part of the story, Clary is still dealing with her feelings for the men in her life.  Simon, her best friend, wants to spend more time together, and Clary would love to.  Jace, the boy she loves, but found out he is actually her brother, is back, and she cannot sort her feelings.  After a visit to the Faerie Queen,  things get even more confusing. Clary only knows that she has to track down Valentine, a rogue Shadowhunter, that is also her father.

Great teen read.  I enjoyed this book because of it's many different twists and turns. I think that Clary is a strong character who has been dealt a lot on her plate.  I feel for Jace, who loves Clary, but now knows that it is not possible.  I can't wait to see how the story continues.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7224-2