Friday, February 3, 2017

A Fish in a Tree?

“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” ~Fish in a Tree

Ally is in sixth grade and has moved from school to school. Up until this point she has been smart enough to fool almost everybody she meets. Of course this also involves getting in a lot of trouble, but it's worth it, or so she thinks, to save face. Everything changes when she gets a new substitute teacher Mr. Daniels, who refuses to send Ally to the principal like her other teachers did. He seems to believe in her and makes her want to read and do better in all of her subjects. But she just can't understand the words she sees on the pages of her books and papers! It doesn’t help that there is a group of girls who seem out to get Ally and they make fun of her whenever they can. When Mr. Daniels offers to work with Ally after school, it isn’t long before he thinks he’s discovered why she's been having such a hard time learning to read and write, even though she is very smart and good at figuring out puzzles. Will Ally be able to catch up with the work? What about the girls that are mean to her? Is it possible to ignore their taunts? Read this heartwarming story to find out more.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a book I have wanted to read since I first heard the title and saw the cover. My heart went out to Ally because I know what it's like to be a struggling reader. I liked getting to know some of the kids in her class. Ally was kind to everyone, even the people that weren't nice to her. I kept wishing she would ask for help instead of getting in trouble all the time, so I was glad when a teacher came who wouldn't let her continue that cycle. This book will inspire teachers to help kids who need extra practice and may be seeking out attention as a way to distract from that fact. The title of the book is fitting because all creatures have special things they are good at, as well as areas that are hard or impossible for them (a fish climbing a tree). Ally judges herself for not being able to read like everyone else, but she has reasons that make it hard for her to decipher words. I recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who like realistic stories that make them feel good. 

Has anyone else read Fish in a Tree? Or have you read another book by Lynda Mullaly Hunt? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~L

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Fish Eyed Lens...


Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Lizzy's review will swim into view, so stay tuned. Can you guess the book we'll be spotlighting? See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F



Sea tides through bubble eyes; deep is where my spirit lies. Tipped scales cruise the surf, stuck aground on dry turf. Racing on a river run, trolling shallows in the sun; if your line isn't late, you'll know it when I snap the bait. Below I shall always dwell, for when above I do smell. 

What am I? Answer: Fish!




Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
 

FREE DOWNLOAD: Expires 4/1/17
COUPON CODE: UA94T

Monday, January 30, 2017

Monday's Riddle: Deep Eyes...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It's interesting to think about their perspective in life.  ; ) ~ F

Sea tides through bubble eyes; deep is where my spirit lies. Tipped scales cruise the surf, run aground on dry turf. Racing on a river run, trolling shallows in the sun; if your line isn't late, you'll know it when I snap the bait. Below I shall always dwell, for when above I do smell. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!





Monday, January 23, 2017

Writing In A Break...




We're taking a break to write in the final pieces of the puzzle. Tune in next week for more fun riddles and great book reviews! Happy reading. ; ) ~ DMS



Friday, January 20, 2017

No Soup?

Despereaux came into the world with eyes open, looking at the light. This seemed very wrong to the rest of the mouse family. From that day on he only continued to be more different from the other mice. With his oversized ears and tiny body, Despereaux didn't want to eat pages, he wanted to read them. He didn't want to scurry around, he wanted to enjoy the light and the sounds. Once he put his eyes on Princess Pea, he was in love. Despereaux would do anything for her. When he admits to talking to Princess Pea, a human, he is sentenced to the dungeon for breaking the main mouse code. Despereaux’s story overlaps and intertwines with that of a rat, Roscuro, and a peasant girl, Miggery Sow. The reader gets to hear the story from each of their points of view as the tale progresses. The rat, who also loved the light, came to distaste it after falling in to the queen’s soup and killing her. He decided it was time for him to go along with the rest of the rats and their evil ways. Sadly, soup is outlawed, as it was the queen's favorite meal when she was alive and the king thinks it will be too sad to have it now. No spoons. No soup. No comfort food. No easy to make meals for those who don't have a lot of money. When Miggery Sow comes to live at the castle, she wants to become a princess. What will happen when the plot thickens and the princess may lose her crown? Will Despereaux be able to survive the dungeon? Will the rat stay with his evil ways? Will there be a happily ever after? Is soup ever going to be eaten again in the kingdom? Read this unique fairytale to find out!

I have read quite a few books by Kate DiCamillo. The Tale of Despereaux is by far my favorite. I love fairytales, and this one has something for everyone. There's action and adventure, with plenty of twists and turns. If you like stories with love and heartache, then you'll be able to relate. If the reader pays attention, there's lots of good advice sprinkled in. I love the development of the different characters and it was wonderful to see Despereaux evolve. I applauded him for being who he was and not changing his ways just to be accepted. I'd recommend this book to those in third grade and up who like a book where story lines connect, and of course, anyone who enjoys a good comforting bowl of soup! I would be upset if I could never eat soup again, and I use spoons pretty regularly too! 


Has anyone else read The Tale of Despereaux? Or have you read another book by Kate DiCamillo? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Soup's the Dish!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Tune in Friday for Lizzy's review to find out the ingredients for this week's story! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Feeling icky? Under the day? Pick up your bones! It's a spoonful away! Flavors for all to suit the need. Heat them up- the soul must feed! Think tomato, and you'll see red. How about noodles? Good for the head. Vegetable always hits the spot, vichyssoise's brilliant when it's much too hot. Clams will sink into your gut. Check the squash, it looks like a nut. Thick or thin, good and smelly, so many ways to feed your belly! 

What am I referring to? Answer: Soup!


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
 

Monday, January 16, 2017

Monday's Riddle: The Taste Du Jour!

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? It's like a warm hug, especially when my dad stirs some up on a chilly afternoon. ; ) ~ F

Feeling icky? Under the day? Pick up your bones! It's a spoonful away! Flavors for all to suit the need. Heat them up- the soul must feed! Think tomato, and you'll see red. How about noodles? Good for the head. Vegetable always hits the spot, vichyssoise's brilliant when it's much too hot. Clams will sink into your gut. Check the squash, it looks like a nut. Thick or thin, good and smelly, so many ways to feed your belly! 

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!

I gave you a clue!