The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

When I left my last job a few years ago I threw the galley of this book into a box and brought it home.   It has been sitting on my shelf ever since.   Periodically I would read an article about it or hear a discussion and think to myself I should read it but I never got around to it.  Well a few weeks ago I was packing for my yearly sojourn down the Jersey Shore when I impulsively picked it up and packed it with my beach stuff.   The first day on the beach I opened it not expecting to be drawn in as quickly as I was.   I couldn't believe that I had put reading this wonderful book off for so long.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart with illustrations by Carson Ellis is one of the most original books I have read in a long time.   I know I am coming late to the table on this but as they say "better late than never"....this book gave me a feeling of childhood.  It has such a retro feel to it but at the same time is very timely.   I also loved the characters.....Reynie is the kind of kid we can't imagine exists but probably and sadly does somewhere.   Kate, Sticky and even Constance are so intriguing and unique that I wished I could meet them.  It was so great that even while some parts were predictable (which isn't always a bad thing) some parts were totally unexpected.   For all the characters quirkiness they had very real reactions to very strange circumstances.   I also love the illustrations because they have an "Edward Gorey" feel to them which fits the book perfectly.

This is a great book for the reluctant or voracious reader.   It makes a good read along book too....

I can't wait to read the sequels: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey  & the newest one The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.  

I love when I discover a treasure of a book....especially when it was right before my eyes all along.  

Flashback Tuesday: Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt illus by Dave Gottlieb

Foodimentary has done it again!   He has informed me that today is National Watermelon Day.   Which of course reminded me of one of my favorite Kathi Appelt books.




Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt and illustrated by Dave Gottlieb is an early book by this Newbery Honor author.   She is very prolific but never loses sight of her audience.   This is the perfect book for a summers day.   It teaches children patience and also about nature.   This is a great book to read at a story time and then have some watermelon afterwards....kids love watermelon.   Oh and I love the illustrations too....there is that retro feel I love so well.  So go out and buy some watermelon and enjoy this wonderful day!

Reference Sunday: Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin

I was trying to decide what to write about today when I came across the fact that today is Herman Melville's birthday.   I didn't think I could write about Moby Dick because even though it is a classic, it is a bit old for my audience.   His birthday did get me thinking about 'whales'....and I remembered that a whale had recently crashed into a boat.   The images were awesome...especially because no one got hurt.   I thought then I would recommend a book about whales.

Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin seems like the perfect book to talk about on Herman Melville's birthday.   The cover image for the paperback edition coming out in a few weeks is so reminiscent of the whale incident and the boat a few weeks ago that I couldn't pass it up.    I don't usually recommend a book that is not out yet but as this is out in hardcover I thought I could make an exception.  This is a truly wonderful book that really illustrates the beauty that is a whale.   The photographs are incredible.   National Geographic books always have spectacular photographs but this book takes it up a notch. This is a great book for the explorer in your life....the images are wonderful.  

Flashback Tuesday: Meanwhile Back at the Ranch by Trinka Hakes Noble illus by Tony Ross

Today's book is not the book I originally wanted to write about.   I was going to do a Steven Kellogg title but that will have to wait because I realized that I had forgotten about one of my all time favorite books.

Meanwhile Back At the Ranch by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Tony Ross has to be one of the funniest books ever written. I used to love to read this during story times ---which always tended to be difficult because I would be laughing so hard I could barely get through.  I love the expressions on the faces of the farmer and his wife as things go on around them.   It was also great to read aloud with because it is quite the audience participation kind of a book.   I loved having the kids scream: "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch....."  when it was appropriate.   I am sorry to say that I never realized that I had met the author a few years ago.   She did a historical picture for Sleeping Bear Press as did my sister Ann.... I met my her and my  sister after they both had dinner with their publisher and we rode the train together afterwards.   She was really sweet and very genuine....I only wished I had realized how many books of hers I loved.   

Anyway this is the perfect read aloud for a group of kids....I wouldn't recommend for a bedtime story because the laughter might just wind a child up more....and I mean that in a good way.   A perfect classic that should be on every child's shelf.  

Three Ladies Beside the Sea by Rhoda Levine illus by Edward Gorey

I am not sure if it comes across in all my blog posts or if I have mentioned it before but I love quirky children's books.   Most of the time I think the quirkier the book the more it is not meant for children.  Today's book I think is an exception. It really is for everyone!

Three Ladies Beside the Sea by Rhoda Levine and illustrated by the wonderful Edward Gorey is at first glance an adult book.   It will definitely appeal to all the Edward Gorey fans in the world.   At second glance the poems are wonderful....so perfect to read with little children and even a few older ones.   I love the word play and the way Ms Levine matched her poems to Mr Gorey's art.   This is the kind of book that is for all ages.   It would make a perfect family gift~especially for any off beat family you might know.   This is the kind of book that makes me laugh when no one is around......

Reference Sunday: Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy

When I saw today's book I was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title.   When I flipped through it I was even more impressed.

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy and published by Workman Publishers is a great book for anyone to use when confronted with the task of entertaining children on a summer's day.

While it is geared towards spending time with Grandma I think anyone can benefit from using this book. The projects are fun and not too difficult---and coming from me that is an accomplishment.   Mostly it has outdoor activities but there is also rainy day suggestions and indoor fun as well.   Like I said it might be geared for Grandmas (or Grandpa's) but anyone can enjoy it.    Here is to making fun summer memories with family and friends!

Flashback Tuesday: Many Luscious Lollipops by Ruth Heller

Today is apparently National Lollipop Day.   I have always liked lollipops~ I especially like orange flavored lollipops.

Many Luscious Lollipops by Ruth Heller is also one of my favorite Ruth Heller books.  I think it is because I love the cover and I love using adjectives.    Her use of words and images are really great in helping kids learn about language.   I always felt that her 'World of Language' series is a great way to teach even outside the classroom.   Don't you just love the cover....this book begs to be opened and read!