Sparky- a book review

I saw a sloth play soccer

with a tortoise and a snail.

They were all enthusiastic

and determined to prevail.

They were positively passionate

and truly in the groove,

and by watching very closely

I could almost see them move.

--Kenn Nesbitt

Today's featured book:

Title:  Sparky!

Author:  Jenny Offill

Illustrator: Chris Appelhans

Let's take a peek inside shall we?

About the book:

This incredible little book begins by the statement, "I want a pet."  The girl's mother's response?  "You can have any pet you want as long as it doesn't need to be walked or bathed or fed."  Wow! That is a serious request!  Where does one go to research such a demand?  The school librarian is just the person to get it done.  She goes through her library shelves and stops at the letter "S".... for "Sloth."  Together they discover that the sloth hardly moves, is very quiet and poses little trouble with upkeep to its owner.  Just the perfect pet for sure.  The little girl goes off to mail-order her new animal companion. 

When he arrives she names him Sparky.  Yes, Sparky, because hopefully that name will invigorate him and put some pep into his life.  He really doesn't seem to have much energy or seem to even care about getting the thrills and adventures out of the life around him.  Her neighbour Mary Potts fuels the fire by announcing that her cat can dance and her parrot knows twenty words.  Oh my!  What is a sloth owner to do?  She tries to play different games with him .... but he is not enthusiastic about participating and then she has a brilliant idea....she will put on a show, promising "countless tricks" from Sparky.  Na....that was to no avail too.

The illustrations are created with watercolour and pencil.  They are soft, muted and and the colour palette of brown, green and burgandy/red fits the text perfectly.  They capture the emotions flawlessly and feature the the artist's hand lettering which I really liked.  

What the girl discovers is a sloth is ....well....a sloth.  He loves to hang out in trees and be quiet and is very slow and loveable. The valuable lesson learned from her adorable sedentary pet?  He is perfect just the way he is.  He's a keeper for sure.  No returns. And HIS keeper she will be for a long, long time.


About the author:

Jenny Offill is the author of the novel Last Things, which was chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times First Book Award. She teaches in the writing programs at Queens University, Brooklyn College, and Columbia University.


 About the illustrator:

CHRIS APPELHANS has worked on several films. He was an illustrator and production designer for Coraline, an environment designer Fantastic Mr. Fox, and a visual development artist forThe Princess and the Frog. This is his first picture book.

Book Review Rating:  8 (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always....don't be slothful!  :)

Baby Sloths Get Swaddled | Too Cute

Bath Time for Baby Sloths | Too Cute

Community Bulletin Board Day

Quote of the day:

"Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere."
                                                                      -Harry S.Truman


Community sharing time:

1.  

Tumblehome Learning officially launched their Galactic Academy of Science Book and Activity Contest.

The contest runs all fall/winter through December 10th with winners being announced on January 10, 2015.

$1,500.00+ in prizes.  Club contest info on their website.

On the website you will find: 

* contest rules
* entry forms
* FAQ
* Tips on starting a science book and activities club
* A recommended book list to get you started



Join their Facebook group too. l If you are curious, creative and energetic and are up for the challenge of saving the future - get going - here's an opportunity to shine!

2. 

Title:  Iris Brave

Author: Ali B.

From Amazon...

Iris Brave isn’t as courageous as her name suggests. That’s about to change. Iris doesn’t take risks. Heights make her dizzy and she prefers to swim in the shallow end… with nose plugs. On a summer visit to her grandpa’s farm, a mysterious stranger shadows Iris, leaving her cryptic messages. When this outsider turns out be a phantom from her family’s past, Iris sheds her timid ways to uncover the truth and protect the family she loves. Along the way Iris discovers family secrets and enigmatic figures that lead her to question everything she’s ever thought was real.

This book is the first in a series called the "Soul Jumpers" by Ali B. it will be available on Amazon from Wed September 24th on... for the wonderful price of $.99 for Kindle edition.  I will be reviewing her second book soon entitled:  "The Sixteen" ...."What if you find yourself on the verge of death and your soul is to ready to die?"  Sounds fascinating. This series is classified, Middle Grade Fiction.  Get a jump on my review by picking up the first book and be prepared for number two when I post.


About the author:

Ali B. is a teacher, wife, mother and writer. “I can't remember a time when I wasn't reading. I love books! My mother was an incredible librarian and she always had a stack of books by her chair. Now I have my own stack!” She currently lives in San Diego with her husband, two children and three dachshunds. On writing this series, she says, “I love creating characters. I love giving them lives, adventures, challenges and quirks. For me, writing is about developing characters that are worth knowing, throwing obstacles in their path, and then sitting back and watching them grow.”

       It's Saturday....go ahead.....dance the night away!!  See you back here on Monday.  Enjoy!

Read on and read always!

Calm Down Boris - a book review

Quote of the day:

"Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested throughly. "  - Cornelia Funk


Featured book of the day:

Title: Calm Down Boris!

Author and designer:  Sam Lloyd

Ages:  2-6

Let's take a peek inside:

About the book:

This wonderful, interactive book has all the components of a winner.  Boris, a loveable, furry, orange monster is a puppet. You stick your hand through the back of the book and make him come alive as you narrate the story (and of course manipulate him to give gobs of kisses to everyone in sight).  Boris is a hyper, excitable little creature who wins your heart immediately.  A trip to the local park becomes a team effort as you groom the little guy and and check his fur for bugs.  Boris loves and appreciates your gestures so much he piles loads of kisses on you to which you respond, "Calm down Boris?" "It tickles."

Boris is so ravenous from his park romp that he needs to refuel.  He is starving!  You then help him with his picnic lunch and he is so happy that he nibbles on your fingers, "Sorry", says Boris while smothering you with lots of kisses.  You reply by saying, "Calm down Boris!" Your kisses are too tickly!"

The other little monsters in the park are afraid to play with him because he is so big and loud and yes, "scary" to them.  Then a strange thing happens.  A big old dog jumps the fence sending the minuscule monsters running to hide .... but what does Boris do?   Boris finds a way to calm the situation which calms the fleeing flock which calms everyone's fears. Boris saves the day! "Kissy, kissy well done, Boris! Kisses all 'round.....come here...... :)


About the author:

Sam Lloyd studied at Brighton University where she gained a BA Hons in Illustration. Now Sam is the author and illustrator of many successful picture books for children. Her picture books include Happy Day, Sad Dog which won the Sainsbury’s Baby Book Award in 2003, Mr Pusskins which won the Booktrust Pre-School Award in 2006 and the V & A Illustration Award. Most recently Calm Down Boris published by Templar in 2006 has been chosen by Richard and Judy for their Christmas Picks.

As well as writing and illustrating books, Sam also enjoys yoga, swimming, camping and doing outdoorsy things. She has been all over the world, including travels to India and Australia. Sam also does a lot of voluntary work with children, painting murals.

Book Review Rating:  8 (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always!   Kissy, Kissy!

Calm Down Boris.mov

Hand Puppet Books from 24studio

The Rat - a book review

10 things you'll never hear from your rat cage

1.  Free range time?  Nah... I think I'll just sleep in today.
2.  Not avocado AGAIN?!!
3.  We simply can't ALL fit in this hammock!
4.  Anyone else want this pecan?
5.  Back in a tic... have to go downstairs to use the litter tray.
6.  No more thanks mum, I'm full.
7.  Euuuw!!  That smells like girl rat! [or boy rat, if you have girls]
8.  OK, I'll admit it... it was me who messed up the cage.
9.  Hey!  That's MY lab block! 
10.  WooHooo!  It's cleaning day!  And about time too... it stinks of PEE in here!

Today's featured book:

Title: The Rat

Author/ Illustrator: Elise Gravel

Ages:  6-9

Let's peek inside shall we?

About the book:

I am going to feature another book in the series "about disgusting creatures".  Today's book is entitled, "The Rat."  Just by thumbing through and visually assessing it, you know that it will be a fun read because the pictures are witty, humorous and so kid-friendly.  The expressions and talking bubbles personifies the rat and makes her character very endearing to the reader, even though a rat is a creature despised by many.  

The author blends the witty and clever with actual facts regarding this rodent which makes the book not only entertaining but educational as well, which I like. You will discover the Latin name for rat, her physical characteristics, the many practical uses of her tail, the agility and flexibility that she processes, and the astounding ability of the rat's teeth to grow up to 5 inches (13 centimetres) long if not filed down by chewing everything in sight.  She expounds on the rat's creative and diversified diet plus the carefree way rats dispose of their body waste...anywhere, anytime is all good to them but not to us because their excretions can cause and spread nasty diseases.  Rats are intelligent and are used by scientists to test, observe and compare their behaviours to humans.....who knew?  Many people are so enamoured by rats that they actually keep them as pets.  All in all I highly recommend this book and this entire series.  It is wonderful to be exposed to a gem of a series that will appeal to young readers (and adults too) and teach them as well as entertain them as they read through each of the books.  

About the creator of this book:

Elise Gravel is an award-winning author/illustrator from Quebec. She was the winner of the 2013 Governor General's Award for Children's Illustration in French, and is well-known in Quebec for her original, wacky picture books. She has published a number of books with US publisher Blue Apple and is currently working on a graphic novel for Roaring Brook Press. Having completed her studies in graphic design, Elise found herself quickly swept up into the glamorous world of illustration. Her old design habits drive her to work a little text here and there into her drawings and she loves to handle the design of her assignments from start to finish. She is inspired by social causes and is likes projects that can handle a good dose of eccentricity.

Other books in the series:

1.  The Fly

2. The Rat

3.  The Worm

4.  The Spider

5.  Head Lice

Book Review Rating:  9 (Close to perfection!)

Read on and read always!  (or I'll rat you out!)

FYI:  check out a cute website all about rats:  http://www.dapper.com.au

The Slug - a book review

Slug is a common name for an apparently shell-less terrestrial gastropod mollusc. The word "slug" is also often used as part of the common name of any gastropod mollusc that has no shell, has a very reduced shell, or has only a small internal shell. Wikipedia

Today's featured book:

Title:  The Slug

Author and Illustrator:  Elise Gravel

Ages:  5-8 years

Let's take a peek inside shall we?

About this book:

This is a series of books about disgusting creatures that kids will just love.  "The Slug" is witty, sometimes silly and educational all packaged around the most fun illustrations ever.  Kids (and especially boys) will be delighted with this series.  

"The Slug" highlighted in this book is the land slug.  The author points out interesting features such as: it having no shell like a snail, it's two pair of tentacles, (one with eyes and one for smelling and tasting), how it breathes through a hole in its side, how it moves using contracting muscles on its belly and the purpose of its thick slimy mucus just to name a few. She covers the uniqueness of a girl/boy baby and foods that are appealing and necessary to sustain the slug's life.  

It is sprinkled with great vocabulary words to look up and understand and a very accurate overview of a land slug's life.  I highly recommend this book.  The information is presented in very clever ways so you will remember the hard facts for years to come.  It in enjoyable both through text and illustrations and both kids and adults will appreciate the content and humour.

About the author:

I was born in Montreal in 1977 and started to draw not long after my birth. In kindergarten I was popular because I could draw princesses with long, spiral curls. Then in high school, girls asked me to draw their dream guys in their agendas. I became very talented at drawing muscles and chest hair, which came in handy later on when I illustrated my book Le Grand Antonio. On the other hand, I’m still pretty bad at knowing how to use an agenda properly.

Later on, I studied graphic design at CEGEP*, during which I figured out that I wanted to do illustration. After my first book, Catalogue des Gaspilleurs, I wrote and illustrated more than 30 others. One of my books, La clé à molette, won the Governor General’s Literary Award in the illustration category, and since then I’ve become really bigheaded and brag all the time.  

I live in Montreal with my two daughters, my husband, my cats, and a few spiders. I’m currently working on diverse projects for publication in Quebec, English-speaking Canada, and in the United States. My books have been translated into a dozen languages. I’m hoping to live a long life so that I can make many, many more books, because I still have many, many more ideas.

                                        Find out more about Elise at: www.elisegravel.com

Book Review Rating:  9 (Close to perfection!)

Read on and read always....don't be a slug!  

Mrs. Key's Story Time - "Let's Do Nothing"

Let's Do Nothing! Book Trailer by Tony Fucile

Let's Do Nothing - a book review

Quotes about nothing:

"Let me say to you now that to do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual."  - Oscar Wilde

"Nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I've got nothing to do today but smile."

"Sometimes you have to let go and be free."

"Doing nothing is easy.  That's why so many people do it."


Today's featured book:

Title:  Let's Do Nothing!

Author and Illustrator:  Tony Fucile

Ages: 5-8

Let's peek inside shall we?

About the book:

Frankie and Sal are worn out.  They have painted copious masterpieces, read all their comics, played all their board games and every sport ever invented, baked enough cookies to feed a small country, and on and on and on, to the point of exhaustion.  So now what can they do?  Their brilliant minds come up with this novel idea. They challenge themselves to do absolutely NOTHING for ten seconds.  Can they do it?  Is it a realistic, attainable goal for two bored and hyperactive little guys?

Well not for these two.  They drag out two chairs for the event and try to quiet themselves.  They try, they really do, but Frankie's imagination kicks in and that's when the fun kicks in too.  The boys play statue...."carved out of stone and stuff," but Frankie imagines pigeons landing all over him and as he shoos them away, well,  that sure messes up that plan.  They play stoic, stationary redwood trees, but a dog happens alongs and you know what happens when a dog sidles up close to a tree.....yep....your right....that happens.  As a last ditch effort they imagine to be fixed, rooted sky-scraper buildings.  That should work.  Building can't move. They should be safe with that scenario.  But wait... once again Frankie sees a great big old hairy hand coming up the side of his pretend Empire State Building and who should appear but King Kong himself.  EEkkkkk....time to run.........

Frucile's illustrations are expressive and his back ground in animation takes the pictures to a whole new level of interest and entertainment for the reader.  He adds humour and fun to his pictures by incorporating each boys presence by a set of eyes and of course, Frankie's glasses.  So what is the moral of the story?  It's hard to do nothing....harder than doing something, so what the heck, something it is!!!!

About the author/ illustrator:

Tony Fucile has spent over twenty years designing and animating characters for numerous cartoon feature films, including THE LION KING, FINDING NEMO, and, THE INCREDIBLES, for which he was a supervising animator. LET'S DO NOTHING!is his first book. Tony Fucile lives with his family in the San Francisco Bay area.

Awards for his book include:

* Parent's Choice Picture Book Award List - 2009
* IRS-CBC Children's Choices Booklist -2010
* SLJ Best Books Of The Year - 2009


Other State List Nominations:

* Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award 2011
* Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award - 2010-2011
* North Carolina Children's Book Award - 2011
*Vermont Red Clover Award - 2011
* Wyoming Buckaroo Award - 2010-2011

Book Review Rating:  9   (Near Perfection!)

Read on and read always!  Get out and do SOMETHING today will you? Way to go.  :)