The selection for this month combines math and manners in fable form. Nicely done.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

I have a fun new feature to try. After watching Wordplay, my family is experimenting with creating crosswords. It’s something I’ve wanted to try on the website for a while. My son adjusted a program for it.

My first attempt has a Discworld theme. I plan on using other fiction and historical themes. I might even try some science and math. Looking forward to it myself, though the first was more time consuming than expected.

Discworld Crossword

Browsing Fantasy Folder, I found an interesting Terry Pratchett tidbit. In celebration of Pratchett’s new Discworld novel, Snuff, Neil Gaiman interviewed Terry Pratchett. Two entertaining authors together. Nice.

My intention with the Book of the Month is to highlight the creativity and storytelling of novels. However, I have read a few nonfiction books that I feel are must read books. They are so powerful that I want to share them. This month’s selection is one such book.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

After I picked this selection, I realized it’s the 2nd in a row that is a Caldecott, even the same year. But it has such awesome pictures!

I had set it aside and forgot about it. I can’t believe I forgot.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

This month’s selection is another historical novel. Ancient history, referencing Greece. The female characters are the strongest part of the story. I like that the author imagined much of it and fit it into the existing content. I also like that it has a very different tone.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

There is a huge range of books with Caldecott awards. This month’s selection is one of the best, evoking deep feelings through illustration and text.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

I am continuing my reading of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera. I like it better than his Dresden Files, which my son keeps badgering me to read. I am persevering, but prefer Alera. Finished the 2nd Academ’s Fury, in which Tavi is training at the Imperial Academy to be a secret agent, and the 3rd Cursor’s Fury, in which Tavi is undercover in a special legion force. In each book, Tavi has saved the day, though he appears to be the only one lacking magical powers. He relies instead on knowledge, strategical thinking, and good hard work. And a few good friends/protectors.

I’m a little late this month. With the hurricane disruption, I quite forgot.

I guess  it’s appropriate that the characters in this month’s selection also had to contend with storms, being a sea story. The story is part whaling adventure, part social assimilation, part individual growth. It seems fantastic, but was patterned after a biographical subject.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

This selection is all about the pictures, as I am unfamiliar with the song that it illustrates. The pictures are exceptional. It is a nice historical picture book. Being from the United States, I found it interesting how similar the Canadian history is to our own railroad building.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous