Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis is a great new book for middle grade readers that is sure to keep them laughing.  I was immediately drawn to the book when I saw it on the bookstore shelf.  At first glance the title suggests a character who is not sure of himself but it is just the opposite.  Timmy is full of so much confidence and self assurance that I laughed out loud thinking I know kids like him. He  is an endearing character too because he wants to become rich not just for himself but to help his Mom  pay the bills.  This is the perfect book for kids who like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which is probably what the author intended.  I like when an author grabs onto a genre but doesn't copy it verbatim.  I also like how it is a sweet funny book that doesn't talk down to the reader.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.....

Flashback Tuesday: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

I don’t often write about Young Reader Books but during a Labor Day barbecue, a friend’s daughter mentioned she still had to complete her summer reading project. My little friend is one heck of a soccer goalie and like many kids, would rather play sports than read. I teased her because she only had a few days left - but  I also began thinking about the Newbery Award winning book my little friend had just read.

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson is a book about sibling rivalry. The narrator of the story, Sara Louise, is jealous of her twin sister, Caroline. If Sara Louise is ever to grow up and become her own person, she must must break free and let go of her resentment towards Caroline.  

I know a few siblings in a similar situation.  The older sibling has always been the favored one while the younger sibling struggled to make her way in the world. Although the parents loved each child equally, the older one was more talented, more accomplished. 

 My little friend doesn’t understand sibling rivalry.  She has a great sense of self and seems to get along with her siblings. I too never felt that way. I have always loved my siblings and have been proud of their accomplishments. I knew my parents loved us all equally.  In fact my Mother always said we were all her favorites....  

In the book  Jacob Have I Loved, Sara Louise learns to find her way without burning bridges or becoming selfish.   She breaks free of her sister's shadow and becomes a better person in the end.  

My young friend is still in the process of growing up and perhaps, the final revelations may be lost on her.   Jacob Have I Loved is the kind of children's book that isn't just for children. Young Reader books such as this one are sometimes best understood when shared with a caring adult!

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson

I am always looking for books that I know kids will love and understand.  I have many friends who are animal lovers....dogs especially so I love when I find something for them to appreciate.  Eva Ibbotson has always been on my radar as a very prolific writer who always has something for everyone.  I was so happy to see her new book but it wasn't until I finished it that I read the back flap where it says this was her last book before she died.  It is sad to think she will no longer be able to delight the world with her words, but at least she went out on a high note.

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson is a sweet and fun book about a sad and lonely little boy who always wanted a dog of his own.   This book has everything; friendship, adventure and heart.   It is very Dahlesque with a little bit of Jean Ferris thrown in....although for a younger audience.   This is a perfect summer reading book for young children ages 8-12.....not too hard but not too easy either.

Thank you Eva Ibbotson---you will be missed.....

Special Flashback Wed: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

I have been a little lax in posting lately.   Basically because I am in vacation mode.   The sun has been beautiful here on Long Beach Island and it is hard to use the computer on the beach.  As this is a family vacation I have also been spending my nights eating and playing games.   Last night we played "Clue" with the kids.   I needed to relearn the rules myself as I hadn't played in ages.   The game board is much fancier than I remembered.   While we were going over the instructions my nephew JoJo wanted to know if it was like The Westing Game.....a book he said he liked a lot.   I liked how he knew to compare the two.  





The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is the perfect book for the curious young reader.   It is a great mystery book.   It is the kind of book I read when I was an adult but knew my younger self would have loved it.   Since it is summer it makes a great summer reading title.  Since it won the Newbery award it should be on most school reading lists.  



If your child has already read this then they should try some books by Blue Balliett: Chasing Vemeer, The Wright 3, The Calder Game, and The Danger Box.  These are great mysteries too!

As to our game of Clue last night, while JoJo tried really hard and was very enthusiastic my nephew Alex came out the winner in both of the games we played.   I sense a rematch in the near future!

Flashback Tuesday: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

I haven't been posting lately because I have been busy with my other endeavor ~ The Savory Garden~ the veggie burger business I have with my sister-in-law.  Our farmer's market season had started again and we were busy preparing and cooking all last week.  


Today's book wasn't what I originally planned but as they say "plans change"....I was so excited to read that Beau Bridges in working on making The Giver into a film.  I think that is wonderful.   While we are all familiar with this Newbery Award winning title and it's iconic cover.....I think Mr Bridges will be perfect for the role.  


Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry is what some consider part of "The Giver" trilogy.   I always felt there was a connection but it is a subtle connection.   I loved this story just as much...if not more....because I could identify more with the characters.   It is also a futuristic society only this time it is more primitive but no less different or challenging than the world we live in.   Like I said I don't feel it is sequel to " The Giver" it is a perfect companion piece----these books are stories of two completely opposite ways of living....but both are destructive.  Since most children read "The Giver" in school I think Gathering Blue would make a perfect summer reading title....beautifully written and lovely to read....maybe some day Beau Bridges will want to make a film of this also....

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett is a refreshing new character for the tween and early teen  girl in your life.  I say refreshing because there is no mystery or vampire around in this story of a girl who becomes a fashion designer.  I know many a little girl who loves clothes and who say they want to design them when they grow up.  The characters are well written and likable.   I found myself wishing I had some sort of fashion sense just like Emma Rose or as she is more well know "Allegra Biscotti"....a perfect book for the little fashionista in your life.  

There is a second book too:  Who What Wear: The Allegra Biscotti Collection which just came out....two great books perfect for summer reading....