A Dog Called Homeless by: Sarah Lean

Author Sarah Lean has written a very sweet story in her book A Dog Called Homeless.  Cally Fisher's mother passed away one year ago and when Cally tells her family that she can see her mother they don't believe her.  She sees her mother in a variety of places and whenever she does a dog is nearby.  The dog comes to Cally whenever he sees her, the dog is chased away from her school and by her father.  Cally likes the dog and wonders why he shows up when she happens to see her mother.  Once, Cally sees the dog near a homeless man so Cally names the dog Homeless.

Her father, brother and herself are forced to move to a new apartment building where Cally makes friends with a blind boy named Sam.  Cally and Sam spend many afternoons together creating a strong bond of friendship.  Sam believes that Cally has seen her mom and helps her to try to find Homeless the dog.  Through these two children the wounds of losing a mother and wife begin to heal and Homeless finds a home in which he can stay, the home where he should have been all along.

I enjoyed this story it had me near tears a few times and also made me smile.  It is a great story of family and friendship.  Most of all it is a story of being kind at all times.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

I Don't Want to be a Frog by: Dev Petty

Dev Petty has written a very funny story and you won't want to miss out on the giggles.  Listen to my review and read I Don't Want to be a Frog as soon as you can.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Most Magnificent Thing by: Ashley spires

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is a  magnificent read aloud story.

A young girl and her best friend, her pet dog, work together to create the most magnificent thing.  It is the thing that they young girl believes will be the most magnificent thing that she has ever made.   She has made many things in her young life but this time it is different this is the most magnificent thing that she has ever dreamed of making.

She creates many things trying her best to have it be just like what she has imagined.  No matter how hard she works it just isn't the most magnificent thing.  She makes more and more things and soon she is frustrated and quits.  When she looks at all the items she has made she decides that there are some good and bad with each item made, so she combines things, shares things, and soon she is using the most magnificent thing.  Finding joy in its use for her and her dog.

This story shows how we must never give up on our dreams.  If we think it we can make it as long as we work hard.  I liked how others found her items useful when she didn't think they were of any use to her.  This is a great book to share with your children to encourage them to keep on working, to never give up on their dreams.

After reading this book go and make something, be creative!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by: Julie Andrews Edwards

In the world of social media there is a phrase that many use and that is "Throwback Thursday".  So, this Thursday I am sharing with you an older book which was published in 1974.    It may be one that you have already read.  Author Julie Andrews Edwards wrote this fantasy story The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.

I enjoyed this book so very much.  Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are visiting a local zoo where they meet Professor Savant.  Lindy really enjoyed talking with Professor Savant but she is sure she won't see him again.  However, on Halloween night when Lindy is dared to knock on the door of the scariest looking house on the street they once again meet Professor Savant since it is his house.  The children and the Professor become friends and the professor tells them about Whangdoodleland and the strange creatures that live there.  The professor wants to find the land and see the last Whangdoodle.  The only way to get to this magical land is by using imagination and as an older person the professor needs help from the young Potter children to enter the land.  They are successful in getting to the land and encounter many strange creatures.  Some are helpful and others do all they can to keep them away from the Whangdoodle.  The land has many beautiful features and many dangers.  Will they be able to finally meet the Whangdoodle?

I am confident that readers of all ages will enjoy this book.  Readers that enjoy fantasy stories will love this book.

After reading this book go and enjoy the great outdoors in your area.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Right Word Roget and his Thesaurus by: Jen Bryant

Peter Mark Roget spent most of his life creating lists, lists of all kinds and from his lists we now have easy access to many words.  Words that create stories, words to teach and inspire, words that we speak.  The Right Word Roget and his Thesaurus is the story of Peter and the creation of the very first Thesaurus which was printed in 1852.  Author Jen Bryant does a great job at sharing with young readers the life of Peter Mark Roget.

I really enjoyed this book and the style of making lists to describe things in the story.  I learned many things about Peter Mark Roget and his many accomplishments.  I marvel that the first Thesaurus was arranged by the meaning of the words instead of the words in ABC order.  I imagine I would have a hard time looking for the just right word in the first edition.  I'm thankful for his hard work and his sharing his lifetime passion of making lists.  Because he has shared his lists made into a book it is easy for all of us to find just the right word in all we say and write.

This book is a Caldecott Honor book and a Robert F. Sibert Medal winner.  It is one I'm sure you and your family will enjoy.

After reading this book go outside, just like he did, and create a list of your own.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Gone Crazy In Alabama by: Rita Williams-Garcia

Rita Williams-Garcia is a wonderful author of Historical Fiction.  The family in this book and in her books PS Be Eleven and One Crazy Summer will become like family to you.  I love them all and I'm grateful for these books.  

Happy Daily Reading

Deanna

The Detective's Assistant by: Kate Hannigan

This was a great, funny, wonderful, mysterious, history learning, fantastic story!  I love this book!!  Kate Hannigan will have you at the edge of your seat reading.  Click on the link (the author's name) and you can find out more of the history that is contained in this story.  I cannot wait to hear what you think.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Jack the true story of Jack and the Beanstalk by: Liesl Shurtliff

I really enjoy the books written by Liesl Shurtliff.  Her interpretation and retelling of fairy tales is amazing, I cannot put her books down!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Island of Dr. Libris by: Chris Grabenstein

Chris Grabenstein has written another story that will have you reading more books after finishing his.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna