Friday, March 28, 2008
Julie Andrews and daughter join publishing program

The Julie Andrews Collection Launches at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in Fall 2009 with Deluxe Anthology of Poems, Songs and Lullabies Personally Annotated by the Celebrated Mother-Daughter Team

"Children's literature and the arts both represent strong passions for me, and I've spent much of my life dedicated to both of them," commented Ms. Andrews. "I'm enormously pleased that they will be beautifully woven together in this new collection of books. Emma and I bring a lifelong love of music, drama and literature into each of the books we write, and we're thrilled to share that love through these new stories which I hope young readers will treasure as much as I do."

I think this is very exciting. I know a lot of parents who would buy books from this program just for the mere fact that Julie Andrews supports and is participating in it. She is an outstanding role model and always has been, so you can have faith your kids will get the best. Ya know?

SOURCE

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    Friday, March 21, 2008
    The Supernaturalists

    Okay, it's a grade 6 book, but I have to say I very much loved every bit of this story. This is a science-fiction story which starts out with a boy named Cosmo Hill who lived in an orphanage called Clarissa Frayne or more specifically,the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys.

    As you might be able to guess, Cosmo escapes the orphanage and nearly dies in the process. A group of kids who call themselves The Supernaturalists end up saving his life. They find they all share a special gift which gives them a sixth sense; an ability to see blue creatures they have named "parasites."

    They all live in Satellite City where everything is all based on business, profit, smog and other horribleness. Stefan, Mona and Ditto are the friends who saved Cosmo's life and they hide out fighting the bad guys while trying to stay alive on their own.

    The author, Eoin Colfer (author of the 'Artemis Fowl' series) does a fantastic job with the story development. The twists and turns are pretty consistent and I found myself thinking about it throughout the day; wondering what might happen next.

    It's a really great book. I don't know if a sixth grader would feel the same as I do, but I'm a fan and totally recommend it.

    The Supernaturalist (Golden Duck Awards. Eleanor Cameron Award for Middle Grades (Awards))

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    Friday, February 15, 2008
    The Magician's Nephew

    Just read a C.S. Lewis book because I started reading it to Braeden and it got my attention. "The Magician's Nephew" it's a really interesting story. Very quick and easy read, might have something to do with it being a children's story. =o) Written with vivid descriptors I was able to imagine each bit of the scenes which I love in a book.

    The main characters are Polly and Digory, neighbors. They both have their own family issues and so they find themselves adventuring together and becoming good friends one summer. One adventure leads them to another world, or rather the place between worlds.

    This is the first of C.S. Lewis's books to introduce Narnia. And as usual with Lewis, the theme revolves around good and evil.

    ~~~~

    I want to get "The Appeal" by John Grisham.

    Has anyone read this yet?

    I enjoy John Grisham novels, but sometimes have a hard time telling them apart. I am hoping this one is a little bit different.

    I'm also next in line for borrowing "Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Chris and Danielle read it and now Carrie is holding it captive. It looks so good and I have heard nothing but wonderfulness about it.

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    Friday, July 6, 2007
    SCORE! Knows reading is important

    When I was younger and had time to spare I used to tutor children in reading, so I know just how difficult it can be on that end. Now as a parent, my son is very interested in reading but all of his gadgets and toys do the reading for him. I'm wondering if this will help or hinder children of today.

    I think it is beneficial there are people like the SCORE! reading tutors available if you need some extra help when it comes to reading. You can't do much of anything if you are unable to read signs, directions, manuals, recipes, etc.

    Their statement is this, "We'll work with your child to get her up to grade level, or to read at a level beyond her wildest expectations. Through a customized learning experience and the guidance of our Academic Directors, your child will build the skills and confidence needed to turn the page."

    That says it loud and clear to me. Their goal is to help the child have the skills AND confidence to want to read. If a child is struggling with reading they learn to resent it and SCORE! realizes this, so they work on both sides of the issue. It's an excellent program, definitely look into it if you find your child need a little extra push towards the reading rainbow. =o)

    Disclosure:
    This post has been sponsored.

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