Thursday, March 30, 2017

Pax by: Sara Pennypacker

This book has been talked about and reviewed by many.  It sat on my "to be read" pile for awhile.  I just wasn't convinced that everyone loved it.  I was afraid I would be the one who just wouldn't get into a book about a boy and his pet.  Especially a pet fox?  Who has a pet fox??

Well, I finished this book last week and I enjoyed it.  Author Sara Pennypacker's PAX is a book you won't forget and you will want to share it with your friends.

Pax is found as a fox pup by a young boy named Peter.  They are together all the time.  After the death of Peter's mother his dad decides to sign up to go to war.  Peter is to live with his grandfather and Pax will be set free into the wild.  Peter is very upset when his dad makes him trick Pax just outside a forest on their way to Peter's grandfather's home.

Pax was never a fox who lived in the wild.  He anxiously waits for Peter to return but when Peter doesn't return Pax tries to find his way in the wild.  He needs to learn how to hunt, eat, etc...  He befriends other foxes that have a hard time trusting him since he likes humans.  Wild foxes do not trust humans.  Through Pax's eyes we learn what he is learning on how to be on his own as a fox.  When the war comes close to the foxes will they survive?

Peter runs away from his grandfather's home to try to find Pax.  When he injures his foot he finds a farm in the middle of nowhere with a quirky farm woman (Vola) living there.  Vola befriends Peter making him stay with her until his foot heals.  Peter is also learning how to live on his own.  He finds new interests and skills living with Vola.  As we watch Peter grow we also see changes in Vola and how she adapts to her new housemate.  When Peter finally leaves the farm and looks for Pax he is sad to see the war so close to the forest where Pax now lives.  Will they find each other?

Each chapter is told from either Peter's or Pax's viewpoint.  I found this such a great way to get to know both of these characters as well as Vola.  I feel as though I've made three new friends and as they each go their own way I know they are forever changed because they know each other.  This is how we all go through life.  Influencing and helping those we meet along the way.

After reading this book go and try something you've never tried before.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by: Michelle Edwards


Michelle Edwards has written a great story about kindness in her book A Hat for Mrs. Goldman.

Sophia has been friends with her neighbor Mrs. Goldman since birth.  As a baby Sophia wore a hat knitted by Mrs Goldman so her head could stay warm.  Mrs. Goldman makes hats for everyone.  Sophia helps by making poms for the hats.  When they go for a walk one cold day Sophia realizes that Mrs. Goldman needs a hat too.  She tries to knit her a hat but knitting is hard for Sophia.  Sophia gets creative to create a one-of-a-kind hat for her special friend, Mrs. Goldman.  Sophia teaches us all to do our best and to think of ways to make the world better by being kind.

After reading this book write a letter to thanks to someone who has done something kind for you.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Life On Mars by: Jon Agee

Once again, Jon Agee has written a great picture book that adults and children will enjoy.  Life on Mars will be a treasured book for many years to come.

A small astronaut decides he will explore Mars looking for life on the planet.  He sees most of the planet and even has a gift to give to anyone he might meet.  When he finds that he cannot find his rocket he begins to panic.  He gets help, that he doesn't realize, and when he returns to Earth he still wonders if there is life on Mars.

Surprise ending that your children and you will love.  Be ready to read this story many times.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Monday, March 20, 2017

The Unwanteds Quests DRAGON CAPTIVES by: Lisa McMann

Lisa McMann continues the adventures of the land of Artime in her new series The Unwanteds Quests Dragon Captives.  Thisbe and Fifer, twin younger sisters of Alex, are now 12 and are looking for adventures of their own.  They have grown up in Artime hearing about their brother's adventures that have shaped the world in which they now live.  Alex has tried to keep them from learning too much magic because he sees such natural magical abilities in his sisters he is worried they have more power than they know what to do with.

When one young dragon returns to Artime stating that the other dragons are being held prisoners and used as slaves the girls want to help.  Alex, who has had life changing injuries, isn't sure that help is available.  Alex decides that the dragons need new bigger wings and he is able to make some but how to get to Dragon Island is the problem.  The twins, along with their friend Seth, set out one night to help the captured dragons.  They are able to fly to Dragon Island by riding on the back of the dragon and once they arrive at the island they are also captured.  They believe they have found friends but that isn't the case.  Now that they are captured can they ever help the dragons or even return back home.  Of course, Alex has discovered that the twins are gone and a rescue party is sent.  However, when the rescue party is also captured the situation really becomes serious.  Will anyone make it back to Artime?

I loved this story and I'm excited for the next book.  These characters feel like family to me and I look forward to more exciting adventures as the girls continue to grow and learn how to control and use their magic appropriately.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna