WE CAN'T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES (J Fic) by Patrick Jennings
Meet "Crusher," a snake who is caught and kept by an unsavory human boy named Gunnar. Crusher is the rare cold-blooded reptile with a surprisingly warmish heart. Misidentified as a "he," Crusher is actually a perceptive and s-s-s-s-assy female gopher snake with no intention of remaining in captivity. With the ability to communicate telepathically with Gunnar's other pet reptiles -- "Rex," a sarcastic alligator lizard, and "Speedy," a submissive desert tortoise -- Crusher learns to survive Gunnar's antics and begins to plan her escape. When a botched attempt lowers her status to that of Gunnar's other neglected prisoners, Crusher has time to ponder predators and prey, and to develp a bit of compassion for both -- for her slimy and also-neglected captor, Gunnar, and for her intended meal, "Breakfast," a nervous and ditzy mouse. How Crusher's compassion and perseverance enable her to cleverly return to the great and warm outdoors is a rattling tale of reptile heroics and human amusement. Even for those who despise snakes of any kind.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Book Review
THE LEANIN' DOG (J Fic) by K.A. Nuzum
This is a moving story about 11 yr. old Dessa Dean's struggle to recover from the shock of her mother's recent death, and the friendship she slowly forges with a stray dog. Both Dessa Dean and the dog are injured, needy, and afraid. Dessa Dean hides her fears from her well-meaning father and tries to remain self-reliant each day when he leaves their isolated cabin to find food. When a skittish dog limps through the snow toward the cabin one day, Dessa Dean's heart softens and she yearns to nurture the creature. But it takes perseverance and her father's support to earn the frightened dog's trust. As that trust gradually develops, so does Dessa Dean's confidence and hope for the future. Like Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods, this tender tale unfolds in a simple, rustic setting where humble lives toil, love, and, ultimately, heal. Nuzum's LEANIN' DOG has all of the earmarks of a contemporary classic that is destined to touch the hearts of those who read it.
This is a moving story about 11 yr. old Dessa Dean's struggle to recover from the shock of her mother's recent death, and the friendship she slowly forges with a stray dog. Both Dessa Dean and the dog are injured, needy, and afraid. Dessa Dean hides her fears from her well-meaning father and tries to remain self-reliant each day when he leaves their isolated cabin to find food. When a skittish dog limps through the snow toward the cabin one day, Dessa Dean's heart softens and she yearns to nurture the creature. But it takes perseverance and her father's support to earn the frightened dog's trust. As that trust gradually develops, so does Dessa Dean's confidence and hope for the future. Like Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods, this tender tale unfolds in a simple, rustic setting where humble lives toil, love, and, ultimately, heal. Nuzum's LEANIN' DOG has all of the earmarks of a contemporary classic that is destined to touch the hearts of those who read it.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Book Review
BECCA AT SEA (J Fic) by Deirdre Baker
This delightful book is the perfect diversion for anyone taking a “staycation.” Becca, the 10-yr. old heroine, visits her grandmother on a small island off the northwest coast, while Becca’s parents prepare for the birth of her first sibling. Each chapter takes plucky Becca, and the reader, on simple adventures full of surprises. The seashore provides a rich and rustic setting for Becca’s many discoveries, while quirky neighbors and relatives provide challenges and support, as Becca develops a subtle self-reliance. The plot is episodic but pieced together with a feel of genuine community among the vivid characters who inhabit the story. And Becca proves to be a capable and curious kid who remains undeterred by unexpected events that take place on the island, and by changes that occur within her family. BECCA AT SEA ends with a satisfying sense of place and purpose for Becca, and the reader, which lingers beyond the last page of the book.
This delightful book is the perfect diversion for anyone taking a “staycation.” Becca, the 10-yr. old heroine, visits her grandmother on a small island off the northwest coast, while Becca’s parents prepare for the birth of her first sibling. Each chapter takes plucky Becca, and the reader, on simple adventures full of surprises. The seashore provides a rich and rustic setting for Becca’s many discoveries, while quirky neighbors and relatives provide challenges and support, as Becca develops a subtle self-reliance. The plot is episodic but pieced together with a feel of genuine community among the vivid characters who inhabit the story. And Becca proves to be a capable and curious kid who remains undeterred by unexpected events that take place on the island, and by changes that occur within her family. BECCA AT SEA ends with a satisfying sense of place and purpose for Becca, and the reader, which lingers beyond the last page of the book.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Book Review
CHICKEN FEATHERS (J Fic) by Joy Cowley
Similar to E.B. White’s classic, Charlotte’s Web, Joy Cowley’s latest effort is a rural tale full of old-fashioned fun. The main character in Chicken Feathers is a talking chicken named Semolina, while the main "biggie," or human character is her best friend and caretaker, Josh Miller. Josh is part of a loving family who runs an egg farm in Australia. Things soon get serious in the story when a red fox begins to lurk around the hen houses. Semolina, of course, helps save the day by solving the mystery of missing eggs, but she nearly loses her life in the process. All, alas, is resolved in a heart-warming conclusion. First name only references to the parents in the story may cause a bit of confusion for some readers. David Eliot’s pen and ink illustrations, sprinkled throughout the narrative, add a folksy charm to this satisfying read.
Similar to E.B. White’s classic, Charlotte’s Web, Joy Cowley’s latest effort is a rural tale full of old-fashioned fun. The main character in Chicken Feathers is a talking chicken named Semolina, while the main "biggie," or human character is her best friend and caretaker, Josh Miller. Josh is part of a loving family who runs an egg farm in Australia. Things soon get serious in the story when a red fox begins to lurk around the hen houses. Semolina, of course, helps save the day by solving the mystery of missing eggs, but she nearly loses her life in the process. All, alas, is resolved in a heart-warming conclusion. First name only references to the parents in the story may cause a bit of confusion for some readers. David Eliot’s pen and ink illustrations, sprinkled throughout the narrative, add a folksy charm to this satisfying read.
Book Review
HUSH by Donna Jo Napoli (YA Fic)
This book is so not Disney. Find a quiet place and travel with Melkorka, a medieval Irish princess who, while in disguise and fleeing from possible tyranny in her father’s kingdom, is captured by barbaric seafaring slave traders. Ripped from the privileged life she has only ever known, beautiful Melkorka adapts to her new circumstances by feigning muteness and keeping silent. Her silence, through which she develops an intense and focused inner life, becomes a powerful tool for survival in a world of cruelty and violence.
Over time, Melkorka takes on a new persona, a new name, and new skills, which she uses to help her fellow captives. But she retains the sensitivity, compassion, and strength of her noble birth, which serve her well in the story’s many harsh moments. In the end, the princess doesn’t marry the clichéd prince of her dreams and live happily ever after. But through the challenges she faces, Melkorka finds peace in her heart and hope for the future in a real and totally unexpected way.
Hush is a mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting book --- the best I’ve read in a very long time. Take the journey with Melkorka. It’s well worth the trip!
This book is so not Disney. Find a quiet place and travel with Melkorka, a medieval Irish princess who, while in disguise and fleeing from possible tyranny in her father’s kingdom, is captured by barbaric seafaring slave traders. Ripped from the privileged life she has only ever known, beautiful Melkorka adapts to her new circumstances by feigning muteness and keeping silent. Her silence, through which she develops an intense and focused inner life, becomes a powerful tool for survival in a world of cruelty and violence.
Over time, Melkorka takes on a new persona, a new name, and new skills, which she uses to help her fellow captives. But she retains the sensitivity, compassion, and strength of her noble birth, which serve her well in the story’s many harsh moments. In the end, the princess doesn’t marry the clichéd prince of her dreams and live happily ever after. But through the challenges she faces, Melkorka finds peace in her heart and hope for the future in a real and totally unexpected way.
Hush is a mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting book --- the best I’ve read in a very long time. Take the journey with Melkorka. It’s well worth the trip!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
