Adapted from a poem by Karl-Erik Forsslund
A hungry fox, named Reynard, visits a farm hoping to capture a hen. The Tomten, who has watches the farm, approaches the fox and dissuades him from his pursuit with a bowl of oatmeal. The author talks to Reynard directly throughout the story.
I just learned earlier this summer that tales about Reynard the fox were written during the medieval era. I wonder if the original poem is referencing the medieval fox tales?
-Borrowed via ILL.
Clever, engaging poems about trains
Perfect way to introduce a train-loving child to poetry.
-Borrowed from the library.
This "The World of" is longer and more hefty than other ones I have read by Ms. Foster (nine parts/sections, 188 pp).
Readers will not only learn about William Penn's entire life but about other men who impacted the world during his life. The format is narrative and very engaging. Her transitions from man to the next man are clever.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
When Ah-Fu's grandfather asks him to bring the ox home, Ah-Fu's confidence dwindles as various creatures instruct what he should not do as he bring the ox home. The ox is a gentle creature and assists Ah-Fu to gain confidence.
A feast for the eyes-the reader will linger on each page. The artwork is beautiful and offers unique perspectives.
A book that celebrates imagination
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The sequel to The Story Girl
Readers can join Sara Stanley and her cousins and friends for another year of fun, mysteries, and misunderstandings. Together they create a magazine, Our Magazine,where they report interesting tidbits and news from their lives and town. I love escaping into this world!
*Highly recommend. BUT consider-The Awkward Man creates a room for his fantasy woman, which was a bit weird--he escapes into his mind of his fantasy of being married to her. Good opportunity to discuss living in a fantasy world & its dangers.
-I own this book.
Elaine of Ascolat, known as The Lady of Shallot, has grown up with Arthur and his fighting men. She sews their clothes and mends their wounds. The only other woman in the camp is Morgan, who teaches her how to gather plants, flowers, herbs to create healing salves. Two events disturb Elaine's normal rhythms-Arthur becomes lead warrior and decides to attack the Saxons (they have only defended their home, were not ever on the offense) and another woman, Gwynivere, joins the group. Will her father and brothers die in this attack? Although Gwynivere is pledged to marry Arthur, she and Lancelot seem to be pursuing each other. Elaine is heart-broken---she loves Lancelot.
Labeled as "YA"
A novel in verse, which I read in one afternoon
An exciting tale & perspective during the time of Arthur and his loyal men I love Elaine's tom-boy nature & her relationship with her father & brothers.
Considerations: girl-power perspective (but the author does NOT degrade men or minimize their gifts), men check out Elaine's figure (not graphic-she can tell they are looking at her developing/changing figure), she & another young man become a romantic couple at the end-very sweet-they share a kiss-they had been friends for years (I like the author's emphasis on the importance of developing a friendship first before romance.), violence -Saxons kidnap the girls & are cruel/violent
-Borrowed from the library
The Big One has been spotted. The villagers are packing their gear to catch The Big One. Nana, the oldest elder, and Mina, the smallest villager, form a team to catch it. Do they have the grit and gumption to be successful?
I loved this book-the word choice, the figurative language, the detailed illustrations (many different perspectives). The end pages are creative/clever. I learned something too-- I had never heard of sea-wolves!
*Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
