Friday, January 28, 2011

Family Literacy Day

My day derailed almost before it began when I was reminded that it was Family Literacy Day.  As you can well imagine, it doesn't take much to have me switch my focus to literacy!  All other thoughts, plans, to-do lists for the day flew out the window.  The day was instantly reframed.  The new to-do list looked something like this:

1. visit the library - I bet they have something going on and we could borrow some more books!  The  only dilemma I faced was when could I go?  If I waited until everyone got home from school, there wouldn't be enough time before my eldest daughter had to be at her dance class.  After class, well, the library would be practically closed and, just by the way, my kids all have school tomorrow!  Ok.  No problem, I would decide the when a little later.

2.  put on a play after/during dinner - would have to look for a play.  I think we have a stage version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or maybe one from one of our other script collections.  I was confidant I would find just the right thing.

3.  have dessert at supper.  The kids could spell "dessert" and figure out how to cut the cake/pie up evenly between us.

Ok.  Are you ready for reality?  This is how the day panned out.

1.  library.  Did not happen:(  Too many competing factors; too little time.  BUT we did watch the live broadcast of Robert Munsch telling stories at a school in Whitby Ontario!  That was fun!  I enjoyed it with my two bookends (oldest and youngest) kids.  I had to get my priorities in line at one point .  As I was walking out the door to pick up my eldest daughter from school, my son called out "he's doing We Share Everything".  My favourite!  I was driving home with my daughter, having thoroughly embarrassed her in  front of her friends (the rest of the carpool) - I guess teenage girls think that Family Literavy Day should stay in the family :) - my son called to tell me I was missing "Look At Me!"  Torture!  So, I mostly enjoyed Robert Munsch.  I really loved seeing the kids up on the stage with him.  The best was at the beginning when he had a boy (for Ronald), a girl (Elizabeth) and an adult (the dragon) to help him show and tell A Paperbag Princess.  The boy acting Ronald was superb, even my 15 year old son thought he was great!

2.  I found and printed off two reader's theatre pieces for our dinner theatre event.  I found them at http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm and http://www.storiestogrowby.com/script.html.  The first one we tried was pretty good.  The second one was great!  I think I might try it again at a faster pace, i.e., everyone with their own script instead of us passing the script back and forth across the table.  I would like to video it as it had a nice feel and rhythm to it.  Anyway, we al lhad fun and we read together!

3.  dessert.  I made Luscious Lemon Squares.  In order to receive your piece, you had to complete the alliteration.  We had "luscious lemon literacy lozenges", "lots of lovely luscious lemon loads", "luscious lemon logs", "lushon hara" - from my six year old, pure cuteness :), and another absolutely amazing alliteration that I have forgotten :(  The word game was exponentially more fun than the dessert was delicious, ah well.

All in all, a successful Family Literacy Day in our home.  Hope it was in yours as well.  Let us know what you did in the comments below.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Is Silence Always Golden?

Every Time We Say GoodbyeEvery Time We Say Goodbye by Jamie Zeppa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Every Time We Say Goodbye arrived on my doorstep from goodsreads.com firstreads only a short week ago. I was so excited and started reading almost immediately. Well, I had to tend to the baby; take my son skating and guide him through his homeschooling day; and as the day wore on, drive carpools for the older kids; I had to make dinner, help with homework and get them all safely tucked into their beds - but then, I IMMEDIATELY started reading this book!

I was hooked almost from the get-go. For my initial reactions, please visit my blog at kidlit2011.blogspot.com and read the "A FREE Book!" entry. In every book, each reader tends to gravitate to and relate to a specific character. Every Time We Say Goodbye is inhabited by several well developed and interesting characters. My heart attached itself to Grace from the first moments. I was torn to pieces as I grew up alongside her. While I met many others along the journey, I was constantly wondering about Grace. Where was she? When would I see her again? It drove me to distraction. This is not to say that I didn't learn from my dealings with the other characters. On the contrary. I felt for Vera, even though I rarely saw eye-to-eye with her. I struggled along in frustration and annoyance with Dean.

Zeppa takes on an incredible journey of love and loss and rediscovery. Of family. As most of my family and friends already know, I am extraordinarily sensitive to my reading material; I get a little too attached. So, while I may have preferred to have heard the story from another, more cheery, perspective, I fully understand, respect, and support Zeppa's decision to tell from the viewpoint she did.

What struck me with this story is the sense of sadness that seemed to exist almost solely due to several serious miscommunications, or rather, chosen silences. What are we doing when we silence those around us, and within us? When we fail to listen, even to our own hearts? Every Time We Say Goodbye begins in the 1930s, maybe even a little earlier. It was in many ways a simpler time, in many ways more complicated. We have since removed many inhibitions and created new rules by which to live and raise our children. We like to think that we are there for them, we respect them and listen to them. But are we? Do we? We live in an age of constant and instant communication: we can text, facebook, call, email, almost anyone, almost anytime. Yet, we often fail to really communicate, fail to really listen. We are so enlightened, and yet so in the dark. Are we really listening, are we hearing? As I read this book, I was reminded of some of the many ways in which we can silence those around us.

This is a beautifully written and thought-provoking work whose characters come alive on the pages of our minds.

Thank you firstreads for this journey.  Book 6 of my 50 in 2011 Book Challenge!

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Monday, January 24, 2011

A Universal Tale with Universal Appeal

Letters to JulietLetters to Juliet by Lise Friedman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book of the 2011 Book Challenge.  As you have probably already ascertained, I rarely read non-fiction, but I loved the movie and my father-in-law lent me the book.  I HAD to know the story behind the story!

Letters to Juliet is a beautifuly packaged book. You want to read it; it looks great; it sounds romantic. It is also non-fiction. In truth, it is a fascinating book.

The book begins with a literary journey through history. Even before Shakespeare's famous star-crossed lovers, there is much evidence of several versions and variations of this universal story. It is possible to speculate (with a certain degree of certainty) from which works Shakespeare may have borrowed. As a student of literature, I found this section quite interesting.  The story of the star-crossed lovers explores a universal theme that has moved and touched readers throughout the generations.

Even more enthralling, though, is the story behind the legend that has grown up around the various "historical" sites in Verona. Juliet's tomb, her house and Romeo's house are all signposted. People flock to the Juliet sites, leaving notes and letters. One of the first modern caretakers of Juliet's tomb, Ettore Solimani, created a "ritial of love". This ritual gave couples an opportunity to make a wish at the crypt. Soon, the letters began to arrive. Solimani, acting as "the Secretary of Juliet" responded to each letter. Over the years, thousands of letters have arrived for Juliet from all across the globe. Each one has been answered by one of the many secretaries of Juliet.

The book, itself, is peppered with reprints of a sampling of the letters. In the late 1940s, pastry chef Enzo Perlini created the Baci di Giulietta (Juliet's kisses), followed later by the Cuori di Giulietta e Romeo (the hearts of Juliet and Romeo) and the Sorrisi di Romeo (Romeo's smiles). Verona now celebrates Juliet's birthday with a festival and there is an award, the Cara Giulietta prize, for the best letter.

Oh, the power of a good story!

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

A FREE Book!

Yesterday, I received a very exciting package in the mail!  It was a FREE copy of Jamie Zeppa's Every Time We Say Goodbye.  I entered a draw on firstreads at goodreads.com and I was chosen.  I didn't really believe it until the book arrived yesterday.  SOO exciting!!!

It came at the perfect time as I had just finished book 5 of my 50 in 2011 challenge.  "What?" you say, "how did that happen?"  Well, the reviews for books 4 and 5 are coming in the next few days, stay tuned:)

In any case, I was ready for a new book.  And, voila!, it landed on my doorstep.  Talk about Divine Providence!  I am four chapters in and already my heart is wrenched.  I feel like my insides are being ripped from my body.  I know I am overly sensitive and emotional, but I just want to cry and cry.

This book is so beautifully written.  I love, love, love Grace and just want things to be better for her.  I have just finished a whole chapter about her baby's first few months and I am in agony. 

Grace is without a husband and living on the charity of her brother and his wife.  Unfortunately, there is a very high price for Grace to pay for this kindness.  She has to let Vera, her sister-in-law, make the decisions about how to raise the baby.  Grace just wants to hold him and play with him, talk to him and pick him up when he cries.  Vera is having nothing of it.  She believes that Grace is spoiling the baby.  Vera thinks Grace holds him too much, feeds him too often.  She is terrified of what will become of him if they do not follow the rules and schedules outlined in the official "pamphlets". 

I am not very good at figuring out what era we are in, but it seems to be the era I was raised in when formula was the preferred food for babies.  I firmly believe that everyone should parent in the style that works best for them and their baby.  It can't be good for anyone, especially baby, if there is conflict, internal or external, with the chosen parenting style.  I, myself, subscribe to attachment parenting.  When my baby cries, I answer him.  He gets picked up, fed or played with as he needs.  My children sleep in my bed until they decide not to.  I have had kids there until 7 or 8 years old and some who never needed it at all.  I nurse my babies as often and for as long as they need.  My rationale is that they are people just like the rest of us, except for the very important fact that they are completely dependent upon us for everything!  I guess you can see why I am having difficulty with Grace's situation.

I should warn you that I do not always finish books that affect me this way, but I am so attached to Grace already that I NEED to know what happens.

Check back for the full review - better give me a week or so - I may need to take mental health breaks:)

In the meantime, happy reading!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Book 2 of The Wednesday Tales; Book 3 of my 50 in 2011

The Tiger's Egg (The Wednesday Tales Series #2)The Tiger's Egg by Jon Berkeley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally a sequel I can enjoy! I often find that the second book in a series is quite a bit darker than its predecessor. Think Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or Beyond the Valley of Thorns, even Icefire but not Dragon's Breath. The Tiger's Egg holds onto the magic of The Palace of Laughter: The Wednesday Tales No. 1, moves the plot forward and generally remains happy and light in spirit.

That being said, Miles has some pretty intense encounters and gets involved with some seriously nasty characters. He is on a quest to find out what he can about his parents; how does he know who to believe when everyone is saying different things? Who can he trust? And does he really want to know the truth?

Along the way, Miles discovers some special magic all his own. There is a symbolism here of drawing on your inner strength and resources. I don't want to spoil it for you by saying too much because it is really cool the way that Jon Berkeley brings it all together in the book.

Tiger's Egg is at a magical and mysterious adventure that keeps the pages turning.  AND, it is book 3 of my 50 in 2011 book challenge!



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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A Guest Reviewer - Erza B!

Although not officially taking part in the challenge, my almost 1 year old had something he wanted to say!Shampoodle

Shampoodle by Joan Holub

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you want to read a really funny book - check this one out! It had me rolling! My Ima read it to me over lunch yesterday, complete with sound effects! I don't want to spoil it for you but the part when the cats came in was hilarious! I laughed and laughed! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Love, Ezra

Fablehaven: It is not as scary as you might think!

Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1)Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I looked and looked at this book. I repeatedly borrowed it from the library, only to return it unread. Half of me was drawn to it, curious; the other half, terrified! My husband would be appalled and marketing executives chuckling with glee, but I must admit that it was the cover of the book that had this most powerful effect on me. As Kendra and Seth discover in "Fablehaven", our imaginations create enough monsters and visions, we do not need to add to them!

So what made me finally open the book? Well, I put on a blindfold, and kept it on until I was certain I was past the cover artwork. I am just kidding! I was strengthened by Dragon Seer, and full of adrenaline from the excitement of the 50 Book Challenge. Crazy, eh? I know, you are scared - so was I!

Kendra and Seth are dumped at their paternal grandparents while their parents go on a 2 1/2 week cruise. These grandparents are rather aloof and don't really participate in family gatherings so Kendra and Seth have only seen them a couple of times. They really don't want to stay with their grandparents for so long. The drive alone seems never-ending. They wind through the wilderness, driving hours to reach their grandparents home, and when finally there, endure a further seemingly endless journey up the unkempt driveway. Their misgivings are further confirmed when they are greeted by their grandfather - what's up with their grandmother anyway? Grandfather had some lame excuse for her absence the last time they saw him, and now again... Throughout the course of their visit, they get to know their grandparents and begin to unravel much of the mystery that has always, and still does, surrounded them.

This book is another journey of self-discovery, especially for Kendra. She learns as much about herself as she does about her grandparents. She faces some of her fears head on and comes out stronger and braver than she ever thought she could be. Kendra's adventures appear to be so much bigger than those we face in our mundane everyday existence, but such is the nature of fiction. Sometimes things need to be exaggerated to catch our attention. What are we avoiding for fear that we will not succeed? We are stronger than we think. This week, I have to face some things I would rather not. Will I be as brave and noble as Kendra? If the challenge is there in front of me, it must be that I can rise to it, right? Let me know how you face your challenges, and I will let you know how I face mine.

Some say that reading (especially fantasy) is pure escapism; I think there is a lot we can learn. Like Kendra and Seth who can't wait to visit their grandparents again, I can't wait to read the second instalment in the Fablehaven series. See, I overcame my fear and am much better for it;)



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Sunday, January 16, 2011

To Bribe or Not to Bribe

Some would argue that bribery may work in the short term, but is seriously deficient as a means towards a long term goal.  I would be the first to agree.  There are, however, some exceptions.  I find that a little incentive can make the difference between a job partially done and a completed task; it can also serve as a kickstart.

As Fall threatened to turn quickly into Winter and the many, many leaves from our enormous trees still lay as they had fallen all over our lawn, I was in desperate need of some manpower.  My younger daughter had her eye on a special backpack made to carry her favourite doll.  I offered it to her if she helped me rake and bag the leaves.  She loves raking and set out joyously to earn her doll.  After the first hour, the joy of raking long gone, she started to work for her reward.  When the snow began to fall later that week, the leaves were all gone and my daughter had her backpack.

This past week, I have witnessed the second exception to the no-bribery rule.  We have offered each of our children $75 if they each read 50 books during the course of the 2011 calendar year.  While we are essentially paying them to read, payday is a long way off - December 31, 2011.  We are hoping that the time spent reading (and earning) will firmly establish the reading habit.  So far, so good.  Everyone is busy reading book 3, right on target. 

Furthermore, they have each discovered something exciting and wonderful about reading in the process.  My eldest (15) read the first book entirely for the 50 book challenge. He didn't love it, but he did persevere and finish it.  He read his second book in a matter of a couple of days, sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes reading us bits, sometimes telling us about the story.  He is now into The Princess Bride (saw the movie a couple of weeks ago) and eagerly looking forward to yet another fiction book.  For the kid who doesn't see the point of books that are not "real", he has discovered that he, too, can enjoy a good story.

My eldest daughter (13) has an interesting reading habit.  She gets so excited when she receives a new book!  She starts reading it right away.  Wonderful, fantastic, you are thinking, wish all the kids could be like that.  Yes, but she is usually already reading a book which then gets shelved in favour of the new one.  Bottomline:  she rarely finishes a book.  This challenge is forcing her to complete the books she begins.  So far, she has completed two and is fighting over The Princess Bride with her older brother while at the same time reading a Gilda Joyce mystery.  The Princess Bride, you see, can be read at night while Gilda Joyce, winner of some kind of Edgar Allan Poe award is strictly a daytime book.  Poor girl, she has her mother's crazy sensitivities.  Must say, though, that I can barely read Gida Joyce even in the daylight!  This beautiful daughter's lesson:  she can, indeed, complete an entire book!

My younger daughter who, even as a toddler and preschooler had little time for books - why read when you can run around and play with your dolls?  Remember the special backpack?  Well, she does read a bit more these days.  Her reading selections are usually short and easy books, not too many small words, not too many pages, and please do not leave out the artwork!  Every time, and there have been many such times, I suggest a more difficult book (even with the promise of reading it together), she inevitably turns it down.  She completed the first two books somewhat effortlessly.  As she was deciding what to read next, two things happened.  1) I found her a new book in my stash of Scholastic wonders; and 2) her English teacher assigned a major book report on a book of their choosing.  She was still hesitating over the book I had given her, it was too long, too big, too long...  I told her to start, assuring her that it was a very funny book and a quick read, action-packed and all that good stuff!  Ok, she said.  Well, she is now halfway through it and loving it.  She had originally thought it would take her a month to read!  She has discovered that, lo and behold, she is perfectly capable of reading a "bigger, longer" book!

Not so much news with my youngest reader.  He started back to school this week and had a long and trying week going to school at the crack of dawn, learning and working all day, coming home, having supper, valiantly trying to slog through his mountain of homework and dropping into bed.  That being said, he was assigned a book report which he got up early this morning (7:30!) to do before his soccer practice.  Nothing at all to do with our book challenge but we are very proud of him nonetheless.

Not a bad week of accomplishing shallow short-term goals through bribery:)  I do think that in the long run, the kids will come away with some great habits.  They are already seeing the beauty and benefits of reading.  A little healthy, and friendly, competition only strengthens character.

All told, we have read a combined 12 books so far in 2011.

Happy reading - let's make it fun!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Good Read to Begin the Year

Dragon SeerDragon Seer by Janet McNaughton

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

Janet McNaughton has crafted a beautiful world in Dragon Seer.  As readers, we feel that we are there with Madoca as she navigates the landscape and the challenges she faces.  Dragon Seer has something for everyone: mystery, adventure, magic, dragons, history.  Most remarkable of all, though, is McNaughton's character development.  Her characters are fully formed human beings (or dragons).  They use their strengths to their advantage and, like the rest of us, sometimes their weaknesses get the better of them.

Madoca is given in desperation as a slave by her father after her mother and baby brother die.  Annoc, just two years older than Madoca, becomes her mistress.  The house to which Madoca is enslaved is exceptionally cruel and Madoca endures many hard years in this unfortunate position.  As Dragon Seer opens, the family is at The Gathering.  Here, the next Dragon Seer will be chosen.  Annoc is confidently hopeful that she will be chosen.  Madoca is also hopeful for change.  When the dragon appears, however, it is Madoca who is chosen.  Annoc's family is forced to release her so that she can take her place among the dragon seers.  Thus begins Madoca's journey of self-discovery.

As we travel along with Madoca and delve into this rich landscape, we come to appreciate our own strengths and shortcomings.  When we see the errors made through pride and arrogance, and the gains made through a true listening to ourselves and the world around us, do we not wonder what this means back here is the real world?

As we begin a new calendar year, everyone is busy with their resolutions - to lose weight, to get in shape, to save money.  At this time, we also need to look into our own characters.  Do we treat others kindly and with respect?  How do we settle our differences?  As we learn from Dragon Seer, we don't always get what we think we want.  When we come to accept ourselves and our situation, we can make what we get, what we want.  We can make the best of our situation - and make the best of ourselves.

This is my first book of my 2011 Book Challenge.  I hope you will join me in a year of reading.  And come back often to see what else I have been reading - and, hopefully, what the kids have been reading!

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Monday, January 10, 2011

A Year of Reading for Everyone

As we usher in 2011 - OK, I am a little late out of the gate.  In any case, our family has joined the 50 Book Pledge for 2011.  I will be posting the reviews of the books I have read here, and any interesting comments from the kids.  If I can convince them, every once in a while, they will post their own reviews here too.

When I brought the idea of the 50 book challenge to the dinner table, I got mixed reviews.  The older two kids (15 and 13) were pretty interested and open about it; the younger two (11 and 6) were less receptive.  They basically decided I was not talking to them!  My husband, who loves to read PhD math textbooks, upped the ante by offering $50 to each child who completed the challenge!  I suggested $1 per book completed and $75 for finishing all 50.  You might not believe this, but suddenly, all four kids were accepting the challenge! 

A couple of days later I was on an outing with my six-year old.  We were in Chapters and I was trying to convince him to (let me) buy him a book to get him going on the challenge.  To be perfectly honest, he was wavering.  "But I can't read!" he wailed.  I assured him that we would read with him.  "Okay," he said.  We bought a Geronimo Stilton (in French) called "Champion de Foot".  Over the next few days, my eldest daughter and I took turns reading it with him (he read the coloured words).  He has now coloured in TWO squares on his chart!  He read Robert Munsch's "Just One Goal" all by himself!

As of Saturday night, 3 of us had read 2 books; 1 read 1; and my eldest son is 3/4 of the way through his first book.  Sunday afternoon, people were floudering a bit as to what to read next.  It just so happened that my younger daughter  had a birthday party to attend so I was hunting through my stash to find a suitable present.  I found a gift AND I found a new book for each of the other kids to read!  How exciting!

Now that everyone is reading, what types of books will you be seeing on this blog?  As the name implies, I mostly read children's and YA books.  I generally love fantasy books, but they have to be essentially "happy" for me to read them.  I tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to books.  If I get too scared, I WILL have nightmares and WILL put the book down!  Every once in a while, I will read an adult book;  something like Maeve Binchy or Sophie Kinsella.

The frequency of posts is entirely dependant upon my available reading time and my available posting time.  While there are many factors that influence these two variables, my baby's level of contentment is by far the most influential!  When my baby, who will be 1 next month, nurses a lot, I read a lot.  When my baby is happy and content to play at my side, I can post.

There you have it!  I hope you will enjoy this blog and be inspired to read along with us!

Happy Reading!