Title: The Velveteen Rabbit
Author: Margery Williams
Publisher: Derrydale Books
Copyright: Margery Williams, 1880-1944
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
On Christmas morning a young boy received a Velveteen rabbit as a gift. He loved the little rabbit for a short while and then got distracted by the rest of the festivities. The Velveteen Rabbit lived for a long time in the nursery and was ignored by the other more expensive toys. Everyone put on appearances and his only friend was the Skin Horse.
The Skin Horse was wise and had been in the nursery the longest. So, the Velveteen Rabbit asked “what is real?” The Skin Horse replies that being real happens when a child loves you for a long time. The Skin Horse explains that once you’re real, you can’t go back.
There was a person called Nana who tidied the nursery and one night when the Boy couldn’t find his china dog that he slept with, she gave him the Velveteen Rabbit. For many nights, the Rabbit slept with the boy. The boy kept the Rabbit and played with him and loved him and the Rabbit grew to like it. As the boy loved the Rabbit, the played throughout the Spring and one night when the Rabbit was left outside, Nana had to come find him because the boy couldn’t sleep. That night the Boy declared that his bunny was Real. And the Rabbit believed. They had a wonderful Summer. One evening the Rabbit met some other rabbits. The rabbits make fun of him and tell him he is not real. The rabbits run away and the boy returns for him.
Life continues and the Rabbit gets shabbier and shabbier but the Boy loved him. Then the Boy becomes ill. A long time passes with the Boy being ill. The adults decide to take him to the sea side. But the Rabbit doesn’t understand that all the toys are to be burned. They throw the Rabbit out and get him a new bunny. But he is too excited to pay attention.
That night, out with the bunny appears a fairy. She makes the Velveteen Rabbit truly real. When she kissed the Rabbit he didn’t realize that he completely changed. He realizes then that he’s changed . The fairy disappears and the Rabbit uses his new body.
During the Summer, the Rabbit see’s his boy and his boy seems to recognize him too but never knows that he helped him to be real.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this book to everyone.
Potential Problems:
I do not see any problems with this book. It’s very clean and a sweet book.
My reaction:
I really enjoyed this book, it’s fanciful and has a happy ending. The Rabbit becomes real and is able to keep watch over the Boy who helped him become real.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Just Ella
Title: Just Ella
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Copyright: 1999 by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Pages: 240
Ages: Young Adults
Genre: Fantasy
Summary:
Where Cinderella left off, Ella is living her happily ever after in Prince Charming’s castle. Right? Not really. Life is not quite the Happily Ever After that Ella believed it might be. Ella is being smothered by new information and ridiculous rules. Her days are filled with lessons and learning things that are completely pointless. Every other night she is allotted one hour with the Prince in a chaperoned room where they don’t really speak. Then she and he both go back about their business. One day during her lesson, her teacher falls ill. She saves his life and is then reprimanded for it because that is not how a princess acts! Her instructor is soon replaced by her original instructor’s son. He is somewhat shy and awkward and unsure of how to act around her. They soon become friends, and with this, Ella’s meetings with the Prince become more and more strange. She keeps telling herself that she loves the Prince, but she is unsure. Ella’s days begin to set into a happier rhythm in which she spends time with Jed (her new instructor). She begins to hear rumors about a fairy godmother and that she won the Prince over with magic. To counter what the servants and ladies are saying she decides to tell Jed the real story.
While cleaning one day, someone arrived at the door. I was a messenger of the King. He announces that every young lady is invited to the ball in four weeks. Her step-mother informs her that she will not be allowed to attend. But Ella had a plan. She dug out her mother’s wedding dress to wear to the ball. But was faced with a dilemma of shoes. One day while passing the glass blowers shop, she challenged him to make a pair of glass slippers that she could walk in without breaking. He made them, and after six steps, the bet was won and she ran home with the slippers (after and argument with the glass blower). Her step-mother orders her to scrub the cellar the night of the ball but Ella ignores this, and gets dressed for the ball. She walks most of the way there and then has a man drive her to the front. Upon entering she gives the name Cindersella so that her Step-family will know she is there. The Prince dances with her every dance and she runs off at midnight.
After Ella finishes her story, Jed begins to act more distant. Later, while at dinner, the King announces a tournament. Ella is beyond excited. She’ll finally get to go outside and spend the day in the sun. The day of the tournament arrives and Ella is made to wear a ridiculous corset. Once at the tournament, the ladies are led into a tent and then closed in so that they cannot participate. Ella is furious. She tries to leave the tent and when she is threatened with not being able to marry the Prince, she faints. (Mainly because the corset is too tight). That night, Ella realizes something monumentally important. She does not love Prince Charming.
During her next meeting with the Prince, she decides to give him one more chance. She asks why he loves her and he’s only able to tell her she’s beautiful. When she asks Mary (the serving girl) about why she beauty is so important, she realizes the Prince doesn’t love her either.
During her next meeting with the Prince, she tells him she can’t marry him. He doesn’t take it well. They fight and the Prince throws a tantrum like a two year old. They continue their fight and the Prince actually ties her up. The Prince goes for help and everyone explains to Ella that she cannot call off the wedding. They drug her and throw her in the dungeon and threaten to leave her there until the wedding. That way she’ll be thin and pale and beautiful. Mary comes to visit and they plan Ella’s escape. Mary brings her a shovel and Ella begins to dig her way out the crap hole. (Ew!)
The next day Ella is introduced to her jailer, Quog. Quog is a rapist and in charge of guarding and drooling over Ella. They begin to starve her and Mary has to bring her food so the Ella can have the energy to continue digging. The Prince comes to see her and offers to take her away. She refuses, pretending that she isn’t worthy. The Prince kills Quog and Ella is left alone again. That night, Ella finishes her hole and escapes. She travels to her Step-mother’s house and takes some clothing, food and a few books of her fathers. Her step-mother catches her and Ella runs.
Ella travels by night and sleeps by day. She teaches herself about nursing so that she can join Jed at the camps. After several days, she hears the soldiers. The soldiers begin ordering the peasants to bring them food. And in return they share the story of the Prince’s wedding. Ella is of course shocked. Wondering who could have been his bride. The soldiers leave and Ella is once again on her way. She is given directions and eventually arrives at the camp. She meets Jed and tells her story. Then, he proposes! She asks for six months to make a decision and then gives her a job.
Ella begins her new life, splinting arms by day and spending her evenings with Jed. Ella is finally happy. Until the day when a letter arrives from the King saying that Jed’s father had died and they needed Jed to come back. Jed leaves and Ella adjusts. They write one another and Ella learns that her step-sister became the Prince’s wife. Ella learns that she truly loves Jed, and she decides to wait for him.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who likes the Cinderella stories and likes a little bit of a twist. Young girls (or women) who like to do things differently rather than fit in with the crowd.
Potential Problems:
There are some rude things throughout the book. And Quog is rather disgusting.
My reaction:
I didn’t like this book, It seemed to have a lot of filler, and I didn’t particularly like the characters. Honestly, I got bored throughout the novel. It didn’t exactly have the happily ever after feel that I enjoy in a book.
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Copyright: 1999 by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Pages: 240
Ages: Young Adults
Genre: Fantasy
Summary:
Where Cinderella left off, Ella is living her happily ever after in Prince Charming’s castle. Right? Not really. Life is not quite the Happily Ever After that Ella believed it might be. Ella is being smothered by new information and ridiculous rules. Her days are filled with lessons and learning things that are completely pointless. Every other night she is allotted one hour with the Prince in a chaperoned room where they don’t really speak. Then she and he both go back about their business. One day during her lesson, her teacher falls ill. She saves his life and is then reprimanded for it because that is not how a princess acts! Her instructor is soon replaced by her original instructor’s son. He is somewhat shy and awkward and unsure of how to act around her. They soon become friends, and with this, Ella’s meetings with the Prince become more and more strange. She keeps telling herself that she loves the Prince, but she is unsure. Ella’s days begin to set into a happier rhythm in which she spends time with Jed (her new instructor). She begins to hear rumors about a fairy godmother and that she won the Prince over with magic. To counter what the servants and ladies are saying she decides to tell Jed the real story.
While cleaning one day, someone arrived at the door. I was a messenger of the King. He announces that every young lady is invited to the ball in four weeks. Her step-mother informs her that she will not be allowed to attend. But Ella had a plan. She dug out her mother’s wedding dress to wear to the ball. But was faced with a dilemma of shoes. One day while passing the glass blowers shop, she challenged him to make a pair of glass slippers that she could walk in without breaking. He made them, and after six steps, the bet was won and she ran home with the slippers (after and argument with the glass blower). Her step-mother orders her to scrub the cellar the night of the ball but Ella ignores this, and gets dressed for the ball. She walks most of the way there and then has a man drive her to the front. Upon entering she gives the name Cindersella so that her Step-family will know she is there. The Prince dances with her every dance and she runs off at midnight.
After Ella finishes her story, Jed begins to act more distant. Later, while at dinner, the King announces a tournament. Ella is beyond excited. She’ll finally get to go outside and spend the day in the sun. The day of the tournament arrives and Ella is made to wear a ridiculous corset. Once at the tournament, the ladies are led into a tent and then closed in so that they cannot participate. Ella is furious. She tries to leave the tent and when she is threatened with not being able to marry the Prince, she faints. (Mainly because the corset is too tight). That night, Ella realizes something monumentally important. She does not love Prince Charming.
During her next meeting with the Prince, she decides to give him one more chance. She asks why he loves her and he’s only able to tell her she’s beautiful. When she asks Mary (the serving girl) about why she beauty is so important, she realizes the Prince doesn’t love her either.
During her next meeting with the Prince, she tells him she can’t marry him. He doesn’t take it well. They fight and the Prince throws a tantrum like a two year old. They continue their fight and the Prince actually ties her up. The Prince goes for help and everyone explains to Ella that she cannot call off the wedding. They drug her and throw her in the dungeon and threaten to leave her there until the wedding. That way she’ll be thin and pale and beautiful. Mary comes to visit and they plan Ella’s escape. Mary brings her a shovel and Ella begins to dig her way out the crap hole. (Ew!)
The next day Ella is introduced to her jailer, Quog. Quog is a rapist and in charge of guarding and drooling over Ella. They begin to starve her and Mary has to bring her food so the Ella can have the energy to continue digging. The Prince comes to see her and offers to take her away. She refuses, pretending that she isn’t worthy. The Prince kills Quog and Ella is left alone again. That night, Ella finishes her hole and escapes. She travels to her Step-mother’s house and takes some clothing, food and a few books of her fathers. Her step-mother catches her and Ella runs.
Ella travels by night and sleeps by day. She teaches herself about nursing so that she can join Jed at the camps. After several days, she hears the soldiers. The soldiers begin ordering the peasants to bring them food. And in return they share the story of the Prince’s wedding. Ella is of course shocked. Wondering who could have been his bride. The soldiers leave and Ella is once again on her way. She is given directions and eventually arrives at the camp. She meets Jed and tells her story. Then, he proposes! She asks for six months to make a decision and then gives her a job.
Ella begins her new life, splinting arms by day and spending her evenings with Jed. Ella is finally happy. Until the day when a letter arrives from the King saying that Jed’s father had died and they needed Jed to come back. Jed leaves and Ella adjusts. They write one another and Ella learns that her step-sister became the Prince’s wife. Ella learns that she truly loves Jed, and she decides to wait for him.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who likes the Cinderella stories and likes a little bit of a twist. Young girls (or women) who like to do things differently rather than fit in with the crowd.
Potential Problems:
There are some rude things throughout the book. And Quog is rather disgusting.
My reaction:
I didn’t like this book, It seemed to have a lot of filler, and I didn’t particularly like the characters. Honestly, I got bored throughout the novel. It didn’t exactly have the happily ever after feel that I enjoy in a book.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Living with the Senecas
Title: Living with the Senecas
Author: Susan Bivin Aller
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Copyright: 2007 by Susan Bivin Aller
Pages: 64
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Mary Jemison lived with her family in Pennsylvania in the 1700’s. Until she was kidnapped by the Shawnees. Her family is murdered and she is taken captive with another boy. Mary is given to two Seneca women who recently lost their brother. They treat her well, but of course Mary misses her family. The Seneca women adopt her. They teach her their language which she learns quickly, and they teach her how to plant and harvest and be a Seneca woman. One day she is almost rescued but her Seneca sisters hide her and the rescue is foiled. Mary becomes depressed again, but comes out of it quickly. The next year her sisters choose a husband for her and they are married. She grows to love her husband very much and they have a daughter who lives only two days and then a son whom she names Thomas Jemison after her father. Unfortuately, when Mary leaves to go to her sister’s to show them the baby, her husband leaves for a journey, never to return. Mary moves in with her sisters. While there, the chief wanted to sell her back to the whites. Her sister’s hid her in a cave and she is soon remarried to a much older, but nice man. They have several children together. Their town is destroyed by white men and she and her family are forced to leave. She resolves to take care of her family on her own and finds a large corn field and two black men who escaped from slavery. They allow her to stay and protect her. The American Revolution ended in 1783 and the USA won it’s independence from Britain. Mary was offered an opportunity to return to white citizenship and after thinking about she decides to stay with her Seneca family. Mary gains some farm land and lives on it for most of the rest of her life. Mary loses three of her sons to drink, one of her sons murders his two others in a drunken rage. She is cheated out of her land many times and eventually she is interviewed and her story is written.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to children who enjoys American History.
Potential problems:
It can be pretty graphic and violent.
My reaction:
I enjoyed this book. I read an adult book on Mary Jemison and really enjoyed it, but this was much better for children and still gave plenty of information.
Author: Susan Bivin Aller
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Copyright: 2007 by Susan Bivin Aller
Pages: 64
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Mary Jemison lived with her family in Pennsylvania in the 1700’s. Until she was kidnapped by the Shawnees. Her family is murdered and she is taken captive with another boy. Mary is given to two Seneca women who recently lost their brother. They treat her well, but of course Mary misses her family. The Seneca women adopt her. They teach her their language which she learns quickly, and they teach her how to plant and harvest and be a Seneca woman. One day she is almost rescued but her Seneca sisters hide her and the rescue is foiled. Mary becomes depressed again, but comes out of it quickly. The next year her sisters choose a husband for her and they are married. She grows to love her husband very much and they have a daughter who lives only two days and then a son whom she names Thomas Jemison after her father. Unfortuately, when Mary leaves to go to her sister’s to show them the baby, her husband leaves for a journey, never to return. Mary moves in with her sisters. While there, the chief wanted to sell her back to the whites. Her sister’s hid her in a cave and she is soon remarried to a much older, but nice man. They have several children together. Their town is destroyed by white men and she and her family are forced to leave. She resolves to take care of her family on her own and finds a large corn field and two black men who escaped from slavery. They allow her to stay and protect her. The American Revolution ended in 1783 and the USA won it’s independence from Britain. Mary was offered an opportunity to return to white citizenship and after thinking about she decides to stay with her Seneca family. Mary gains some farm land and lives on it for most of the rest of her life. Mary loses three of her sons to drink, one of her sons murders his two others in a drunken rage. She is cheated out of her land many times and eventually she is interviewed and her story is written.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to children who enjoys American History.
Potential problems:
It can be pretty graphic and violent.
My reaction:
I enjoyed this book. I read an adult book on Mary Jemison and really enjoyed it, but this was much better for children and still gave plenty of information.
You Are Special
Title: You are Special
Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Crossway Books
Copyright: 1997 Max Lucado
Pages: 32 pages
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
The Wemmicks are small wooden people created by Eli the woodworker who lives on top of the hill. Every Wemmick was different, and everyday they would give each other stars and dots. Stars if the other Wemmicks thought you were important, or pretty or could do impressive things. And dots if you were different, unattractive or couldn’t do exciting things. Punchinello was covered in dots. He couldn’t jump high, he would fall. And he was clumsy so the other Wemmicks would give him more and more dots. So eventually he stayed inside. Some days he would spend time with the other Wemmicks with dots. This made him feel a little better. One day he met Lucia. She had no stars or dots. The Wemmicks would try to give them to her but they’d simply fall off. Punchinello asked her how she did it. She said that she visited Eli everyday. He was nervous that Eli would not want to see him because he was covered in dots. But he decided that stars and dots were not fair and decided to go see Eli. Punchinello is frightened but then Eli calls out to him. Eli explains that he loves Punchinello and it doesn’t matter what the other Wemmicks think of him. It only matters what Eli thinks. He explains that the stickers only stick if they matter to the person receiving them. He tells Punchinello to come see him everyday. He reminds Punchinello that he loves him and as Punchinello walks out the door, a dot drops to the floor.
Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone!
Potential problems:
I don’t see any problems with this book.
My reaction:
I love love love this book! It has such a beautiful message. It’s also rather metaphorical of our Savior’s love for us. It has wonderful illustrations and in a word it’s beautiful.
Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Crossway Books
Copyright: 1997 Max Lucado
Pages: 32 pages
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
The Wemmicks are small wooden people created by Eli the woodworker who lives on top of the hill. Every Wemmick was different, and everyday they would give each other stars and dots. Stars if the other Wemmicks thought you were important, or pretty or could do impressive things. And dots if you were different, unattractive or couldn’t do exciting things. Punchinello was covered in dots. He couldn’t jump high, he would fall. And he was clumsy so the other Wemmicks would give him more and more dots. So eventually he stayed inside. Some days he would spend time with the other Wemmicks with dots. This made him feel a little better. One day he met Lucia. She had no stars or dots. The Wemmicks would try to give them to her but they’d simply fall off. Punchinello asked her how she did it. She said that she visited Eli everyday. He was nervous that Eli would not want to see him because he was covered in dots. But he decided that stars and dots were not fair and decided to go see Eli. Punchinello is frightened but then Eli calls out to him. Eli explains that he loves Punchinello and it doesn’t matter what the other Wemmicks think of him. It only matters what Eli thinks. He explains that the stickers only stick if they matter to the person receiving them. He tells Punchinello to come see him everyday. He reminds Punchinello that he loves him and as Punchinello walks out the door, a dot drops to the floor.
Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone!
Potential problems:
I don’t see any problems with this book.
My reaction:
I love love love this book! It has such a beautiful message. It’s also rather metaphorical of our Savior’s love for us. It has wonderful illustrations and in a word it’s beautiful.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
Title: The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
Author: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 1985 by Berenstains, Inc.
Pages: 32 pages
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
Brother and Sister Bear are very much alike, but they’re still different. Brother Bear is cautious but Sister Bear is overly friendly to everyone. Even strangers. Papa Bear shows the newspaper to Sister Bear and it shows a missing cub was found, and a stranger was being questioned. Papa Bear asks Brother Bear if he’s listening but Brother Bear is more interested in his airplane. That night Papa Bear tells the cubs about Silly Goose and Wily Fox. Wily Fox had tricked Silly into his cave and ate her for supper. Sister Bear had a hard time sleeping that night and the next day she didn’t want to play but went with Brother anyway. She avoided strangers and when she got home told her mother how many there were. Mother Bear explained that not all strangers are bad, but that you have to be careful anyway. Some people may look different, but be perfectly fine. While others may look normal and not be a nice person. Brother and Sister Bear go to the meadow to fly Brother’s airplane. While there, a man with a nice airplane comes to the park and offers to take Brother Bear with him. Sister Bear makes him stay and runs home to tell their parents. Mother and Father Bear explain again the importance of obeying the rules. They also explain the Sister wasn’t tattling, she was trying to protect Brother Bear. It ends with them eating Mother Bears homemade applesauce.
Who would I recommend this to?
Absolutely anyone with children. Introduce this book when children are young ad keep at it until they’re old enough to understand.
What are the potential problems:
It’s possible that it could cause too much fear. But I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.
My reaction:
I love the Berenstain Bears books. They teach great lessons in a way that children can comprehend and relate to. The lessons the teach are important, while still being enjoyable to listen to.
Author: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 1985 by Berenstains, Inc.
Pages: 32 pages
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
Brother and Sister Bear are very much alike, but they’re still different. Brother Bear is cautious but Sister Bear is overly friendly to everyone. Even strangers. Papa Bear shows the newspaper to Sister Bear and it shows a missing cub was found, and a stranger was being questioned. Papa Bear asks Brother Bear if he’s listening but Brother Bear is more interested in his airplane. That night Papa Bear tells the cubs about Silly Goose and Wily Fox. Wily Fox had tricked Silly into his cave and ate her for supper. Sister Bear had a hard time sleeping that night and the next day she didn’t want to play but went with Brother anyway. She avoided strangers and when she got home told her mother how many there were. Mother Bear explained that not all strangers are bad, but that you have to be careful anyway. Some people may look different, but be perfectly fine. While others may look normal and not be a nice person. Brother and Sister Bear go to the meadow to fly Brother’s airplane. While there, a man with a nice airplane comes to the park and offers to take Brother Bear with him. Sister Bear makes him stay and runs home to tell their parents. Mother and Father Bear explain again the importance of obeying the rules. They also explain the Sister wasn’t tattling, she was trying to protect Brother Bear. It ends with them eating Mother Bears homemade applesauce.
Who would I recommend this to?
Absolutely anyone with children. Introduce this book when children are young ad keep at it until they’re old enough to understand.
What are the potential problems:
It’s possible that it could cause too much fear. But I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.
My reaction:
I love the Berenstain Bears books. They teach great lessons in a way that children can comprehend and relate to. The lessons the teach are important, while still being enjoyable to listen to.
My Side of the Mountain
Title: My Side of the Mountain
Author: Jean George
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright: 1959 by Jean George
Pages: 178
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Sam Gribley has a very large family, so one day he tells his father that he’s going to go live on the old Gribley farm up in the mountains. His father laughs, but Sam goes anyway. He learns everything he needs to know from books at the library. He buys some flint, and learns how to use it. And takes a few dollars and he’s on his way. He hitchhikes his way to the mountain and asks for directions to the Gribley farm. His first day, he tries to catch fish but soon encounters frost so that he can’t get worms for bait. He finds a grub and catches a fish, but has no fire to cook it. So he goes to bed cold and hungry. The next day he hitchhikes again and goes to the library where he meets Miss Turner. She helps him find the farm on some old maps and gives him directions. He manages to find it and catches a big catfish and huddles around his fire. While wondering where he is going to live, he searches what is left of the farm. He comes upon a large tree and decides to hollow it and live inside it. He burns the inside and hollows it.
He learns to make and set traps for animals. One day he runs into an old woman picking strawberries (I thought she was irritating) and he walks her home. While in town he goes to the library to read books on falcons and talk to Miss Turner. She gives him a haircut and he heads home. He watches a mother falcon and decides to get one for himself. He climbs a cliff and retrieves a falcon. The mother attacks him, but he gets his falcon. He names her frightful. Soon after there is a forester that comes through looking for Sam. Sam avoids him. He finds out that his fire had been spotted so he vows to be more careful. The Warden leaves and Sam learns to season his food with a salt like substance. He makes himself a bed and learns to dig pits for deer and even makes friends with a weasel. Someone is poaching and he hides the deer and begins to clean it and prepare it. Sam begins training Frightful and she catches her first prey. Several days later, Sam hears sirens. When he investigates, he finds a man he believes to be a criminal on the run. Sam feeds him, and takes care of him for awhile. They become friends and instead of sharing names, they make them up for one another. Sam calls the man Bando and Bando calls Sam, Thoreau. Sam has assumed that Bando was a criminal but it turns out he is a school teacher and got lost during the break. He decides to stay with Sam until he needs to go back to school. Bando teaches Sam some things, like how to use clay and make fire hotter. But soon Bando has to leave but promises to come back for Christmas. Sam becomes lonely. Sam begins storing food for winter, and making a winter suit. He makes a stove to warm his tree house. Around Halloween Sam throws a party for the animals, but it is cut short when his tree is overrun. After Halloween the hunting season starts. Sam discovers how he’ll make his winter suit. There are many deer that the hunters shoot, but then never find. He takes them and begins his suit. Once made, he heads back into town. He runs into a young man with lots of questions (understandable considering he’s wearing nothing but deerskin.) Sam invites him to the farm if the boy can find it.
Once home again, he starts on a wood pile. He continues to prepare for winter and before he knows it. It’s Christmas. Bando arrives and Sam learns that there are stories in the newspaper about a boy living in the mountains. He also gets a surprise visit. His father arrives! After a wonderful Christmas Sam’s father and Bando leave and Sam is once again left to his own devices. Winter became serious very fast. He plays the flute and makes snow shoes. He goes sledding in a turtle shell sled. Sam also learns to pay attention to the animals so he’ll know when a storm is coming. This works really well and he’s able to get to his house before any really bad storms occur.
One day he gets frozen into his tree. He has to light a fire in his stove and kick the door open. As everything freezes, the trees themselves begin to split and break and almost explode because of the heavy ice. Sam began to worry about his tree house. As winter progresses he becomes very tired and sluggish. He begins to crave liver. And realizes his body is lacking nutrients. He gets the nutrients he needs and winter starts to come to an end. But soon a reporter appears and blackmails Sam. Telling him that he’d tell on Sam if he didn’t let him stay with him for awhile. Sam of course has to agree.
By April Sam was no longer living on his food stores. He begins nothing in the spring again and sings several songs. He teaches some of his songs to a man named Aaron who was passing through. They spend the day together and share songs.
The day comes when Sam meets with Math the young reporter who blackmails him. Sam blindfolds him and leads him to his home. They talk and Matt asks a lot of questions and ends up staying about a week. Sam teaches him the way that he lives and Matt learns a lot. Sam begins getting quite a few visitors. Bando comes again and the make a guest tree. Sam is visited by Mr. Jacket (Tom) and he visits about every weekend. Sam realizes that it won’t be long before more people come poking around.
In June, reporters come and ask lots of questions, Sam answers just hoping they’ll go away. Four days later, Sam’s entire family comes. His mother read the reports about Sam a decided she would not have people thinking she was a bad mother. So she brought the family to the mountain and they began building a home. Sam is most displeased but respects his mother’s wishes. That is, until he turns 18.
Who I would recommend this to:
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the mountains or has ever dreamed of living on their own in the mountains or wilderness. I’d recommend it to about 8-12 year olds, boys and girls. I actually recommended this to my best friend who wants to do something similar.
Potential Problems:
It could encourage children to go off on their own therefore risking their safety. It should be brought to their attention that this shouldn’t be attempted without parental permission.
My Reaction:
I really like this book. I’ve always liked the idea of going into the mountains (or some such place) and living off the land. It’s an exciting prospect and is only more encouraging after reading Sam’s story (even though it is fiction) it’s a nice book and I learned a lot, whether or not the plant information is true. It’s an excellent book and I will read it again and again.
Author: Jean George
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright: 1959 by Jean George
Pages: 178
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Sam Gribley has a very large family, so one day he tells his father that he’s going to go live on the old Gribley farm up in the mountains. His father laughs, but Sam goes anyway. He learns everything he needs to know from books at the library. He buys some flint, and learns how to use it. And takes a few dollars and he’s on his way. He hitchhikes his way to the mountain and asks for directions to the Gribley farm. His first day, he tries to catch fish but soon encounters frost so that he can’t get worms for bait. He finds a grub and catches a fish, but has no fire to cook it. So he goes to bed cold and hungry. The next day he hitchhikes again and goes to the library where he meets Miss Turner. She helps him find the farm on some old maps and gives him directions. He manages to find it and catches a big catfish and huddles around his fire. While wondering where he is going to live, he searches what is left of the farm. He comes upon a large tree and decides to hollow it and live inside it. He burns the inside and hollows it.
He learns to make and set traps for animals. One day he runs into an old woman picking strawberries (I thought she was irritating) and he walks her home. While in town he goes to the library to read books on falcons and talk to Miss Turner. She gives him a haircut and he heads home. He watches a mother falcon and decides to get one for himself. He climbs a cliff and retrieves a falcon. The mother attacks him, but he gets his falcon. He names her frightful. Soon after there is a forester that comes through looking for Sam. Sam avoids him. He finds out that his fire had been spotted so he vows to be more careful. The Warden leaves and Sam learns to season his food with a salt like substance. He makes himself a bed and learns to dig pits for deer and even makes friends with a weasel. Someone is poaching and he hides the deer and begins to clean it and prepare it. Sam begins training Frightful and she catches her first prey. Several days later, Sam hears sirens. When he investigates, he finds a man he believes to be a criminal on the run. Sam feeds him, and takes care of him for awhile. They become friends and instead of sharing names, they make them up for one another. Sam calls the man Bando and Bando calls Sam, Thoreau. Sam has assumed that Bando was a criminal but it turns out he is a school teacher and got lost during the break. He decides to stay with Sam until he needs to go back to school. Bando teaches Sam some things, like how to use clay and make fire hotter. But soon Bando has to leave but promises to come back for Christmas. Sam becomes lonely. Sam begins storing food for winter, and making a winter suit. He makes a stove to warm his tree house. Around Halloween Sam throws a party for the animals, but it is cut short when his tree is overrun. After Halloween the hunting season starts. Sam discovers how he’ll make his winter suit. There are many deer that the hunters shoot, but then never find. He takes them and begins his suit. Once made, he heads back into town. He runs into a young man with lots of questions (understandable considering he’s wearing nothing but deerskin.) Sam invites him to the farm if the boy can find it.
Once home again, he starts on a wood pile. He continues to prepare for winter and before he knows it. It’s Christmas. Bando arrives and Sam learns that there are stories in the newspaper about a boy living in the mountains. He also gets a surprise visit. His father arrives! After a wonderful Christmas Sam’s father and Bando leave and Sam is once again left to his own devices. Winter became serious very fast. He plays the flute and makes snow shoes. He goes sledding in a turtle shell sled. Sam also learns to pay attention to the animals so he’ll know when a storm is coming. This works really well and he’s able to get to his house before any really bad storms occur.
One day he gets frozen into his tree. He has to light a fire in his stove and kick the door open. As everything freezes, the trees themselves begin to split and break and almost explode because of the heavy ice. Sam began to worry about his tree house. As winter progresses he becomes very tired and sluggish. He begins to crave liver. And realizes his body is lacking nutrients. He gets the nutrients he needs and winter starts to come to an end. But soon a reporter appears and blackmails Sam. Telling him that he’d tell on Sam if he didn’t let him stay with him for awhile. Sam of course has to agree.
By April Sam was no longer living on his food stores. He begins nothing in the spring again and sings several songs. He teaches some of his songs to a man named Aaron who was passing through. They spend the day together and share songs.
The day comes when Sam meets with Math the young reporter who blackmails him. Sam blindfolds him and leads him to his home. They talk and Matt asks a lot of questions and ends up staying about a week. Sam teaches him the way that he lives and Matt learns a lot. Sam begins getting quite a few visitors. Bando comes again and the make a guest tree. Sam is visited by Mr. Jacket (Tom) and he visits about every weekend. Sam realizes that it won’t be long before more people come poking around.
In June, reporters come and ask lots of questions, Sam answers just hoping they’ll go away. Four days later, Sam’s entire family comes. His mother read the reports about Sam a decided she would not have people thinking she was a bad mother. So she brought the family to the mountain and they began building a home. Sam is most displeased but respects his mother’s wishes. That is, until he turns 18.
Who I would recommend this to:
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the mountains or has ever dreamed of living on their own in the mountains or wilderness. I’d recommend it to about 8-12 year olds, boys and girls. I actually recommended this to my best friend who wants to do something similar.
Potential Problems:
It could encourage children to go off on their own therefore risking their safety. It should be brought to their attention that this shouldn’t be attempted without parental permission.
My Reaction:
I really like this book. I’ve always liked the idea of going into the mountains (or some such place) and living off the land. It’s an exciting prospect and is only more encouraging after reading Sam’s story (even though it is fiction) it’s a nice book and I learned a lot, whether or not the plant information is true. It’s an excellent book and I will read it again and again.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Jacobs Fairy Tales
Title: Jack and the Beanstalk, Tom Thumb, Molly Whuppie, Cap O’ Rushes
Author: Joseph Jacobs
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Copyright: 1959 by Virginia Haviland
Pages:88
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Summary: Cap O’Rushes
A king had three daughters and he wanted to know how much they each loved him. His youngest daughter didn’t give him a satisfactory answer so he threw her out. She wandered until she came upon a swamp, she made a sort of cloak to hide her fine clothes and then went to house to be a maid. Because she couldn’t tell them her name, they called her Cap O’ Rushes. One day there was to be a dance. The servants were allowed to go but she said she was too tired. Then once everyone left she got dressed and attended only to have the Master’s son fall in love with her. There were two more dances she attended but never revealed her identity. A the last dance he gave her a ring, but she went home. The Master’s son soon became sick with love over Cap o’ Rushes and she helped make the soup to make him better. In the soup she places the ring and when he finishes he sees it. He asks the cook who made it and the cook lies. Then Cap O’ Rushes is brought forward and she reveals herself. They are married and Cap o’ Rushes father attends. She has the entire meal made without salt and he father realizes that she did love him most after all. They’re reunited and lived happily ever after.
Recommendations:
I would recommend these fairy tales to someone who likes the traditional style fairy tales, and the Disney versions. Just as a comparison. Anyone who likes the main character to be clever and sometimes mischievous.
Problems?
They do tend to be somewhat violent.
My Reaction:
I liked these fairy tales, they were clever and sometimes witty. They weren’t the traditional damsel in distress. They thought for themselves and were able to overcome their obstacles with wisdom and cleverness.
Author: Joseph Jacobs
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Copyright: 1959 by Virginia Haviland
Pages:88
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Summary: Cap O’Rushes
A king had three daughters and he wanted to know how much they each loved him. His youngest daughter didn’t give him a satisfactory answer so he threw her out. She wandered until she came upon a swamp, she made a sort of cloak to hide her fine clothes and then went to house to be a maid. Because she couldn’t tell them her name, they called her Cap O’ Rushes. One day there was to be a dance. The servants were allowed to go but she said she was too tired. Then once everyone left she got dressed and attended only to have the Master’s son fall in love with her. There were two more dances she attended but never revealed her identity. A the last dance he gave her a ring, but she went home. The Master’s son soon became sick with love over Cap o’ Rushes and she helped make the soup to make him better. In the soup she places the ring and when he finishes he sees it. He asks the cook who made it and the cook lies. Then Cap O’ Rushes is brought forward and she reveals herself. They are married and Cap o’ Rushes father attends. She has the entire meal made without salt and he father realizes that she did love him most after all. They’re reunited and lived happily ever after.
Recommendations:
I would recommend these fairy tales to someone who likes the traditional style fairy tales, and the Disney versions. Just as a comparison. Anyone who likes the main character to be clever and sometimes mischievous.
Problems?
They do tend to be somewhat violent.
My Reaction:
I liked these fairy tales, they were clever and sometimes witty. They weren’t the traditional damsel in distress. They thought for themselves and were able to overcome their obstacles with wisdom and cleverness.
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