The Bremen Town Musicians text set

 The Brothers Grimm recorded this fairy tale. It takes place during the medieval era. 

1. The Bremen Town Musicians retold by Louise Simonson illustrated by Lisa Weber

A donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster are no longer useful to their owners. Fearing that their owners will put them to death, they leave their homes, meet each other along the way, and form a band. On their way to Bremen Town, they encounter a group of bandits rejoicing over their recent thievery success. They scare the robbers out of the house & secure a home for themselves.

Warnings: People believe the house is haunted. The thieves think ghosts,monsters, a witch, and a werewolf chase them out of the house.

2. The Musicians of Bremen retold & illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat

The illustrations in the retelling are beautiful. 

Warning: The one robber reports that a witch scratched him, a troll stabbe him in the leg, & a demon hit him with a club.

-Borrowed both from the library.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning illustrated by Kate Greenaway*

 While preparing for my son's history course, I read about how this poem is based on some historical truth. This addition defines archaic words. My son will be reading this poem & researching the different theories on this event.

I love the old-fashion illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Dante's Inferno A graphic novel adaptation by Paul & Gaetan Brizzi*

 Twin Brizzi brothers allow a wider audience to appreciate Dante's great work. I have not read The Divine Comedy and find even the idea of reading it intimidating. My son, who will be a junior this coming school year, will be reading Dante's Inferno. He's not intimidated! When I found this adaptation, I was thrilled. It helps build schema and gives confidence to read the original work. I am undecided if I will have him read this adaptation because of the warning below.

I read online that the brothers are working on adpatations for the rest of The Divine Comedy!

*Highly recommend for high school through adult (To be expected: the setting is hell, the people are evil & act evil!)--but read warning below before handing to a high school boy.

Warning: All the people are naked. Some illustrations depict women's full breasts. The women are grotesque so they are not alluring. But would seeing them lead a boy to seek to look at more appealing images? 

-Borrowed from the library.

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

 I don't know how I feel about this book.

I was looking for suspenseful, engaging classics. After searching online, this one caught my attention. I had never heard of it.

 Ms. Lindsay certainly kept me engaged until the last word. I also appreciated her style of writing. I am not sure if I liked the ending . . . none of the questions are answered. It makes me wonder what was the point of of some the details and the paths to inferences. 

On February 14, 1900 a group of girls from an Australian boarding school head off to Hanging Rock for a picnic. The girls are anticipating a day without restrictions. Four girls decide to hike into the bush. A teacher follows them. One girl who was with them returns- running and screaming but unable to utter what she witnessed. Days later one of the missing girls is found unconscious. After she recovers, she does not remember what occurred on that fateful day. The other two girls and the teacher never return or are ever found. What happened to them? More deaths ensue.

Very intriguing and suspenseful.

The author had written a last chapter revealing what happened to the girls. Her publisher, however, told her to remove it. The "missing" last chapter is available to purchase.

Considerations/Discuss: anger, deaths, suicide, murder

 

PBS-Masterpiece-The Count of Monte Cristo*

 Directed by Bille August

6.5 hours- 2026-PBS Distribution

My sixteen-year-old recently read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas for English class. I was thrilled when this mini-series was produced and made available right after he finished reading the novel. 

According to my son, the mini-series follows the book's storyline pretty well. Our whole family enjoyed it, especially my husband. The acting, the scenery, the music, the filming-everything was superb. The story lends itself to great discussions. 

*Highly recommend for high school & older.

Warnings/discuss: revenge, murder, jealousy, two young ladies seem to be in a romantic relationship (one scene they are caught kissing by another character)-my son said this relationship was hinted at in the book but not so explicit.

-Borrowed from the library.

His Fairytale Life by Jane Yolen illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes*

 A whimsical, beautiful book about Hans Christian Andersen

Ms. Yolen writes about his life in one long sentence! Although the words are minimal, the reader learns a lot about this unique and lonely writer.

Lovely illustrations

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Screwtape Letters Study Guide for Teens by Alan Vermilye

 I bought this guide to assist discussions with my tenth grader as he read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It is a great resource. The author includes scripture to study with each chapter.

-I own this book.

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

 Lavishly illustrated, this version of The Snow Queen will capture the reader's imagination and attention. Kai & Gerda are next door neighbors and best friends. When a piece of an evil troll's powerful mirror enters Kai's eye and heart, he transforms into a selfish, mean boy. Out sledding with the other children, he ventures further and attaches himself to the Snow Queen's sled. She keeps him captive. Everyone in the village concludes he has drowned in the river. Meanwhile, Gerda misses her friend and refuses to believe he has died. Bravely she searches the world until she finds him and restores him to former self.

*Higly recommend. I love the detailed, rich illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

Henry Climbs a Mountain by D.B. Johnson

 Mr. Johnson extracts a portion of Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience and displays it via a main character, a bear who is jailed because he won't pay his taxes to a state that allows slavery (just like Thoreau). While Henry the Bear is in jail, he draws with crayons on the wall and becomes part of the scene. I found it weird and am not sure how much kids will like it. I have not read Civil Disobedience , so maybe there are more connections to the bear's drawing on the walls than I realize. 

At least two other picture books feature Henry the Bear, depicting parts of Thoreau's life.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pride & Prejudice -DVD

 Over the Christmas break I was in the mood to watch a movie based on Jane Austen novel. We own a Pride & Prejudice dvd starring Keira Knightley (Before we had kids, we would buy a DVD at Walmart for date night at home--this DVD is one of those purchases.). During covid I borrowed the 1995 TV series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. When we watched the Knightley DVD, we were disappointed. It moved too quickly and did not develop the characters compared to the 1995 TV series. Its catchy quotes are not based on the book! 

-I own the Knightley DVD.

E. Nesbit picture books*

 After reading and loving The Railway Children, I wanted to read more by E. Nesbit. These two delightful picture books will captivate the reader with the story, the writing, and the word choice. I highly recommend both books. Both books were borrowed from the library.

1. Jack and the Beanstalk-the illustrations by Matt Tavares are immersive. Younger children may be a bit frightened by the giant illustrations! This is now one of my favorite Jack & the Beanstalk rendition. If I see it in a bookstore, I will buy it.

2. Melisande illustrated by P.J. Lynch (another favorite illustrator!)-Melisande's parents hope to avoid forgetting to invite a fairy to her christening party, so they don't invite any of the fairies. Instead of circumventing the situation, the parents offend all of the fairies!!  Her curse? She will be bald.  The king remembers how a fairy gave him a wish for a wedding present. He asks the fairy to give it to her daughter when she is old enough to wish "wisely". Years of tribulation ensue. Will Melisande ever be free of a curse?

A wonderfully enthralling tale! I am buying this book.

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit**

 I loved every moment I was reading this book. It is delightful and enchanting! I am bummed that I did not read this book aloud to my sons when they were younger. 

Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis experience an idealistic life in Edgecombe Villa, where Mother creates delightful stories and humorous poems to share with them over tea after school. Then one day men come for Father and take him away. The children have no idea where he has gone. Mother moves them to the country, near a railway. Although they are poor, and Mother has to write stories so they can eat, the children adjust to the life in the country along the rails.  Adventures and friendships await them. 

I loved how the children would spend most of their days outside without adult supervision, problem-solving and risk-taking. Readers will relate to each of the children even though they lived in 1905.

 A timeless novel

Discuss: British slang/words, British customs, a father being taken away

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (I would like to buy this one.)

Persuasion by Jane Austen*

 Disclaimer: I started reading this book over a month ago while staying in the hospital with a loved one who had a complex surgery. Hospitals are not the best place to focus! 

Almost a decade ago, Anne was persuaded by a mentor to break off an engagement. In the meantime, Captain Frederick Wentworth, her former finace,  has become quite successful. Now at age twenty-seven, she is resigned to a life without a husband or family. The years have dulled her countenance. Although she is often overlooked within her own family, when any of them has an issue, they turn to Anne for a resolution or for support. When her prideful, foolish father realizes he cannot afford their estate, Kellynch, he rents it out to Admiral Croft and his wife Sophia Croft. Sophia is Frederick Wentworth's sister. Will Anne encounter her former finace on a routine basis now? Will he still care for her?

  It took me awhile to organize and remember all of the characters and also how they were connected. I should have a created a character map! At first I thought this novel was inferior to Pride and Prejudice. I love the witty dialogue, the humor, and the fast pace in Pride and Prejudice. Persuasion is more contemplative and serious. The reader is privy to Anne's thoughts. After talking about it with a friend who loves this novel, I concluded that I will remember this novel better than Pride and Prejudice. I admire Anne as a character whereas Elizabeth was fun but not as memorable. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night retold by Georghia Ellinas illustrated by Jane Ray

 My favorite aspects of this retelling of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare are the bold illustrations and the oversized book. The retelling is a bit stilted. Also, the pronoun switch (from she/her to he/him) for Viola, who is disgused as a man, Cesario,may be a bit confusing. BUT the original story is confusing, so it is a challenge for anyone to retell it well for a younger audience!

I am glad I have it in my collection. (I own this book.)

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 In her book Glad and Golden Hours Lanier Ivester mentions books by Kate Douglas Wiggin several times. I then realized that I had never read this classic by her (nor any books by her)!

This book is a delight. Spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane Sawyer, agree to host one of their sister's children. They are hoping for Hannah. Rebecca, however, arrives at their doorstep with an imagination and a zest for life. Soon the town embraces her. Aunt Miranda continues to be harsh and strict. Despite this treatment, Rebecca flourishes and becomes a source of pride. 

This book was published before Anne of Green Gables but does not receive as much recognition. I still like Anne better but this book is at the top of my "favorite classic list". Anne contains more drama, a meatier plot, and more flowery writing. I feel like by the end of these novels, readers know Anne better than they know Rebecca (plus there are more books about Anne than Rebecca). 

I especially like this edition with illustrations by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators). If I ever see this edition in a bookstore, I will most likely want to buy it!

*Highly recommend. I think every preteen and teen girl would benefit from reading this novel! 😉

-Borrowed from the library.

Miguel's Brave Knight Poems by Margarita Engle illustrated by Raul Colon**

Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote 

Through narrative poems, Ms. Engle animates Miguel de Cervantes's life, focusing on his tumultuous childhood (his father would consistently gamble away his barber's earnings and be thrown in debtor's prison), his imagination, and his resiliency.  The historical, biographical, and cultural notes were extremely interesting. The oversized, tall book reminds me of windmills! Each poem is accompanied by a full-page or more illustration. 

**Highly, highly recommend. I would have teens read this before reading Don Quixote for great background knowledge.

-Borrowed from the library. It's only $10.48 for a new hardcover on Amazon . . .maybe I will buy it!

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley

 When I started reading The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton to my teen sons, I noted that he dedicated the book to E.C. Bentley. Their friendship began in their childhood and continued into adulthood. A few years ago I introduced my boys to E.C. Bentley and his clerihew poetry. He also wrote novels...like this one which he dedicated to Chesterton! He felt like he owed Chesterton a dedication and novel. 

 Trent, a clever journalist, is called upon to help Scotland Yard to solve a murder case of a ruthless American financier. As Trent unravels the dynamics between Sigsbee Manderson and his beautiful young wife, the solution seems simple. Yet when he closes the case, he realizes that he was wrong. Bentley keeps the reader guessing and in suspense until the last page (like Agatha Christie!). This novel was published before Agatha Christie wrote her novels.

*Highly recommend for those who like classic detective mystery novels.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

 I read this classic aloud to my teen sons. We thoroughly enjoyed it (the writing, the excitement) but not sure if we totally "get it"!! 

Syme, a Scotland Yard detective, infiltrates an anarchist group. As he interacts with the mysterious members, he discovers who they truly are. The group tranverses England and France in a mad, erratic dash. 

-I own this book.

Reading this book led me to my next review---

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 Sam (Samantha) has experienced homelessness, abuse, and betrayal. As an orphan, she seeks solace in the classics and hiding behind the characters (especially Jane Austen's characters). When an anonymous benefactor offers to pay her tuition to attend Northwestern Univerisity's Medill School of Journalism, she seizes the opportunity. The benefactor requires her to write letters to him with updates on her progress. He will not reply. 

Through these letters, readers learn about Sam's past, the walls she has built, and how she slowly removes her sturdy wall, brick by brick. 

Minor characters who influence her seem to have a relationship with God. During the novel Sam does not accept Christ as her Savior, but the reader knows she is beginning her search for Him. 

Within the last year I had read Daddy-Long- Legs by Jean Webster (which inspried Ms. Reay's plot for this book). I could predict the plot from page one.  Although the plot was very predictable, I enjoyed immersing myself in Sam's life and almost read this book in one sitting. It is easy reading (like a "beach read"). I loved the references to the classics.

I liked this book better than Ms. Reay's The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

Before sharing with a teen: Sam was abused by her parents and a foster family, her dad was going pimp her out but she runs away (a man feels her up and other men check her out), her boyfriend Josh pressures her to be intimate with him (the word "sex" is never mentioned but inferred)-she doesn't give into the pressure, her younger friend is abused by his foster parents

-Borrowed via ILL.

Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry**

A Story About Young Emily Dickinson

A graphic novel 

RAR recently added this title to one of their lists. 

I loved this book. Ms. Corry integrates facts, Emily Dickinson's poems, and a narrative seamlessly. Before the book begins, she explains what artistic liberties she took. At the end, she shares additional information about Emily and her dog Carlo. This book focuses on Emily's love for botany and flowers.

**Highly, highly recommend. It is a title I may buy.

-Borrowed from the library.