November Reads
Obviously, a lot of children’s books this month. These are only a sampling of my favs.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean: Kevin Sherry – I completely agree with the glowing review by Pixie Stix Kids Pix. It was the favorite during my story time this morning.
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly: Simms Taback – This was well known by some of the kids but they loved it anyway. I thought they might be distressed by the conclusion but nope. They thought it was funny and teased, “Never eat a horse!”
I Love my Pirate Papa: Laura Leuck – Another good rhyming story. The kids liked the graphics and finding buried treasure. An easy story for them to place themselves in.
I saw an Ant on the Railroad Track: Joshua Prince – A delightful story. The kids love ants (search me) and the tension mounts as the train clickety-clacks toward the ant walking tickety-tack. I often wish I didn’t have to hold the book up so that I would be free to make noises and movements with my hand. I am not yet deft at handling the books.
There Once was a Puffin: Florence Page Jaques – I didn’t get a chance to read this but I like the bold graphics and simple story. I hope to use it next week!
The Bartimaues Trilogy: The Amulet of Smarkand: Johnathan Stroud – Ah, fantasy! My comfort. My companion. My precious. I immediately compared this story to Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell. And it has the same magical sensibilities.
I am Legend: Richard Matheson – I read this short story in anticipation of the Will Smith movie. If I know what’s coming, I figure, I won’t be as scared. I hate being scared. Interesting premise. Now I know where Scott Westerfeld got his take on Peeps.
Yes! I am a Weasley :)
Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.
As Fred and George are my favorite characters, this makes perfect sense.
Cirque du Freak is Coming!
Darren Shan, author of the Cirque du Freak and Demonata series, updates fans on the development of the Cirque du Freak movie (which will incorporate the first three books in the series) in his Shanville Monthly newsletter. I’m particularly happy with the casting thus far: Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia) is set to play the lead role of Darren Shan, vampire apprentice to Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly of Telladega Nights, The Hours, Chicago).
The Tale of Despereaux Coming Dec. 2008
This is exciting. In my quest to learn more about Ciaran Hinds, I have discovered one of my favorite children’s books will soon hit the big screen. The Tale of Despereaux is the charming tale of a small mouse with big aspirations penned by Kate DiCamillo. And the cast is incredible. Check it out at IMDB!
The Word: Fangirl
Professionals register for free! I’m all set with a weekend pass. Anyone else interested in going? I will most likely go on Friday. Can’t wait for all the freebies. I just hope the weather is a little less crisp than last year. And this time, I’m bringing a book bag to carry everything.
Friday Five
From Laurie Halse Anderson’s blog
What’s something that’s hanging from your ceiling?
Anime wallscrolls. Tsubasa and Sailor Moon. They look very cool, if I say so myself.
What’s something that’s hanging on your wall?
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring posters. My favorite, the scene with Gandalf and Frodo. “I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.” “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
What’s something that’s hanging in your closet?
A slinky black and red evening dress I haven’t fit into in a long while, if I ever did.
What’s hanging from your rear-view mirror?
My car has no hangings tho a scented tree might be a good idea.
What have you been hanging onto for too long?
Feelings. When will they make a pill to deal with that?
Movie Review: Dan in Real Life
It’s three days later, and I’m still thinking about this movie. I completely enjoyed it. No, it’s not as funny as the 40 Year Old Virgin (though it definitely has some comedic moments). Steve Corell is not the goofy man he is done up to play in the outragous Office. He is a handsome, warm, widow… who has fallen head over heals for a great gal who happens to be his brother’s girlfriend. This movie is about parenting (the middle daughter was dramatically perfect), overwhelming emotions (did anyone catch the eldest daughter during Dan’s cover of “Let my Love Open the Door?” – my favorite scene), timing (ag! TIMING!), love (and the mad things it makes us do), family (their crazy traditions and unfailing love), and understanding (“Go. Now.”). Ah! A romantic comedy for adults. For people eager to devour a well scripted movie (with a plot that does no more than bring a large family together in a small town in the chilly northeast US) whose characters touch your heads and your hearts.
