LittleElfMan's Random Thoughts

Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:17:00 +0000

What is it?

Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper

Who wrote it?

Charles Perrault

Where can it be found?

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales
Edited by Maria Tatar

Adaptation?

Only in that Perrault wrote down his version of story that he had heard.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

Almost painfully lovely, Cinderella repudiates her soot and metaphorical shackles.

Beegu by Alexis Deacon

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Beegu is a cute little picture book about being lost and finding your place in the world, making friends and acceptance that a friend of mine introduced me to years ago.

"Beegu was not supposed to be here. She was lost."

An adorable alien looks for her parents and a place to call home, while adults disregard her at every turn. Children are the only people who accept her, and are the ones that leave a lasting impression when she is finally reunited with her parents. Read into that what you will, I just love this book!

Here's a little video of the story, turned into clay sculptures. It's not complete, and actually misses some the pages that I think are most important to the story, but it'll give you an idea anyway.

4 Gold Stars

JudgeABook Revisited: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Earlier this year, I talked about the cover of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver in one of my JudgeABook posts. Basically, I really like the cover and the whole production of these books. (the blue text inside is also a nice touch). But, despite having owned it for a year or two, I had never read it. Well, I used my last trip to Canberra (long road trip for work) as an opportunity to listen to the audio book.So now, I come back and see if the book lived up to it's cover...

I need to be honest from the outset. I know I would have like this book A LOT more if I had just read it for myself. It was the most annoying audio book I've ever listened to. Talking about just the audio part of it for a minute, I think I preferred the one where the narrator didn't pause for breath in the right spots and it kept changing sound quality over this one.

Firstly, it was almost painfully American. I'm talking about the accents. So clearly American listeners wouldn't have the same reaction as I did, but I'm entitled to it. Secondly, the chapters alternate between the main girl character and the main boy character, each being narrated by someone of that gender. In theory, this was a good idea. In reality, getting used to different voiced for the same characters (as each character speaks in both types of narrated chapters) was annoying. Particularly because the male reader doing female voices sounded exactly like a man in drag from a show I watch. Thirdly, both narrators kept putting the most bizarre inflections into the words that seemed like they were very confused or a little slow. All in all, it was the most grating audio book I've ever listened to.

But that aside, what did I think of the book beneath the speakers? It was ok. If you like paranormal romance, then chances are you'll like this one too. I've seen blogs where people list these books as their "all time favourites". I didn't dislike it, and even though I know I would have liked it a lot more if I'd read it myself, I'm not entirely convinced I would have afforded it the time of sitting and reading. Reading time is precious, and I have too much gold sitting round my house un-read to worry too much about everything that comes around. I was drawn to these by their jackets (and their market penetration), but while they're perfect for their market, they're not at all what gets me excited. I'm not paranormal romance's biggest fan.

Where does this leave this revisited post? I congratulate the design team for a brilliant job on books that I know many will love, but I didn't, but didn't had. I'm just right down the middle with them.

2.5 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

8/40

Bloggers, who are we supporting?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

I just wanted to post a quick post about something that I've noticed on some blogs recently.

Someone will review a book, and then, in the interest of disclosure say that they received a free review copy from a publisher (I'm talking Australian publisher here - and Australian bloggers).

This is all well and good. But what grates me the wrong way is that then some bloggers finish with "support my blog by buying this book from...." and they usually list Amazon, The Book Depository and occasionally an Australian online retailer.

Who's supporting who? You're happy to accept free reading copies from Australian publishers, but then you're willing to sell out their profits to their American or UK branches for a measly 2.5% cut on each sale? I mean, at the very least, for reviews on books that you've accepted a free copy from a publisher I think you should limit your "support me" to an Australian company and there's a higher chance that the sales will come back to the publisher that let you read it for free anyway. (although this isn't even guaranteed). Or look into a local bookshop that has a decent online store and add them as an option (if they offer this sort of remittance.)

Now I know that blogs are read by international readers, and they're not likely to buy something from Australia when they've got Amazon and the Book Depository in their own country... But I can't help but feel put off when I see them listed just underneath "review copy courtesy of *enter Australian publisher here*.

You're probably thinking that this rant isn't very well thought through, but I don't think that some people arguments of the globalisation of the book industry are very well thought through. But that's for another post.

And if people want disclosure from me, here it is: The opinions in this Blog are my own. I get books from all kinds of sources, (publishers, booksellers, friends, bookshops - when I buy them myself - and even the occasional op-shop) but I only write about the ones that move me one way or the other and I only write my opinion of them. Then, I don't ask for support through sales because I can't get my head around it and all the implications that go with it. I expect that if someone read my reviews and were convinced to buy, they'll buy through their usual methods.

Well, this was supposed to be a short post, so I'll end it there. Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear differing opinions, even if they won't change mine.

Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:08:00 +0000

So this is how it went for me and Margo Lanagan: I had a long-standing love affair from a-far with Tender Morsels which you can read about HERE, which sadly remains unresolved, as I haven't got around to reading it yet.

Then, last semester, her collection of short stories 'White Time' was a set text for my masters subject. I liked what I read there, I liked that I had to fit myself into each story like someone doing advanced yoga of the mind. But alas, Tender Morsels still waved, sadly-unread, from my shelf.

Then there was the release of Sea Hearts AND the possibility of meeting Margo at an event at Better Read Than Dead, a beautiful bookshop in Newtown where a friend of mine works as the Children's specialist. What was I to do? I'll tell you what: I got my hands on a copy, forced myself to take a break from work reading (it was well timed really) then Sea Hearts jumped the queue. I had accepted the invitation to the event, so I knew I had to have it read.

The plan was to read Tender Morsels as well, so I could seem switched on and genuine in my apparent fandom. Because, lets face it, despite having only read some of her short stories last year, I have thought of Margo Lanagan as an author that I love for years. (it might have something to do with the jacket of Tender Morsels - See the other post) But I know I loved the idea of her.

This has turned into a rather long pre-amble for my review of this book, I know. But partly the time it took me to read it is needed to explain how I felt about it. I read each night when I climb into bed. It's the one time of the day I can guarantee myself the time to read. Unfortunately, I picked a time to read Sea Hearts when I was particularly exhausted from work and life in general. One thing I discovered when I picked up this book is it's the kind of writing that you sort-of need to pay attention to (not quite as hard as the aforementioned mind-yoga, but still) and this is difficult to do when your eyes are struggling to stay open as it is. Therefore, it took me much longer to get through this book than I had hoped. (then along comes reading for work again, and unless I can read three books in the next 2 days, there no chance of be even attempting to start Tender Morsels before the event on Wednesday.)

Enough already! I hear you sighing, tell us about the book! Ok, here it goes:

It's a moving re-work/fleshing-out of the Selkie legends from the regions of the far-North Atlantic Ocean. Now I had only a passing/second hand knowledge of these legends, so for me, it read like a well thought out fantasy. I can see how others who know the tales better would enjoy it even more than I did. Margo Lanagan's writing is superb. She doesn't fluff around, but fills her prose with the magic of time and place. Her conviction to the story she is telling is striking. This is a book for anyone who loves a tale of love, loss and a spot of magic.

I feel like I have to say, though, that as a male reader, I felt appalled at the state of men in this book. Every single female character was wronged at the hands of a male, and absolutely none of the men had any redeeming characteristics, save for one pre-pubescent boy who devised a way to help his mother. I understand that in the context of the story that the sea-wives were enchanting, but I would have loved to see at least one man resist. As you do with books, I put myself in their shoes and asked: What of a gay man? would he be equally beguiled? (Although I must admit that the Seal King magiked into a man was rather steamy...) Or are all men destined to hurt the women in their lives and rely on their young sons to make amends on their behalf?

That said, I loved reading this. There was a sequence in it that was one of the most exciting-cannot-put-down-what's-going-to-happen things I've read in at least 6 months (and I've read a lot in that time). It's a beautiful novel that reveals the devastating effects of taking things from where they naturally belong for your own personal gain.

I really need to stop writing now, so I can go and read and hopefully - finally - find the time to read Tender Morsels.

4.5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

TopographicalFeature: Sea Hearts - Margo Lanagan

Something You'd See In The Sky:

Creepy Crawly:

Type Of House:

Something You'd Carry In Your Pocket, Purse, or Backpack:

Something You'd Find On A Calendar:

A Fairy Tale About A Boy Who Left Home To Learn About Fear by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

What is it?

A Fairy Tale About A Boy Who Left Home To Learn About Fear

Who wrote it?

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Where can it be found?

in The Annotated Brothers Grimm
Edited by Maria Tatar

Adaptation?

Recorded by the Grimms

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

No fear, no sense, and an overworked sense of compassion.

Flotsam by David Wiesner

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:16:00 +0000

I've written about David Wiesner before, but Flotsam is rather different to the quirky and fun Three Pigs. It is a sweeping and majestic wordless picture book that deals with connectivity and the mystery of fantasy. Looking closer is strongly encouraged as we learn what the ocean holds.

A boy exploring the beach and it's creatures, finds a underwater camera washed up by a wave. When it isn't claimed, he discovers it has film in it and takes it to be developed. When the photos are ready, he is amazed to discover more about his world than he thought existed.

All sorts of magical things are hidden by the waves. But when he finds the final photo, he is confused. It is of a girl, holding a photo of a boy. At closer inspection, that boy is holding a photo of a boy who is holding a photo of a girl and so on, getting smaller and smaller, the original boy first uses his magnifying glass, then his microscope to zoom in so far that there is a boy standing on a beach in a black and white photo. He then joins the ranks of children, connected throughout time and across the world by taking a photo of himself, holding this last photo.

Then, returning the camera to the ocean, we get to follow the journey of it, helped by creatures of all kinds, till it washes up in front of a girl on some distant shore.

I love the journey this book takes you on. I love the idea of a camera like this. And the fantasy element is so perfectly achieved! David Wiesner is a genius!

5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

JudgeABook: Silvermay by James Moloney

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

This cover has been jumping out at me since it was released last June. Partly because it's by James Moloney and I really enjoyed The Book of Lies, but not entirely. Because for some reason, this cover doesn't make me think of that series at all, so for a long time, I was forcing myself to remember that they were by the same people.If you read my JudgeABook post on Shiver, you're probably starting to think that I must really like the whole silhouette-fading-into-the-background type thing. And I guess I do. In all honesty, this cover isn't making me feel like I-must-read-it-at-first-possible-opportunity. But I like how it looks and know that James Moloney is good, so it is on my to read list, but when I have time.

Part three of this post (where I make up a story based entirely on the cover) might be hard cause all we've got is girl, boy on horse and grass/trees/plants. and a single bird. But, I'll see what I can do.

She ran, was all he could think.

He was left sitting on his horse, holding the herb he knew she was looking for, thinking: she ran.

It was true they had never met, but that hardly mattered. Did it? She was ill, and she needed the wilting green thing in his hand, but she had found the strength to run.

He would have to think this through. Gently, he urged the horse forward.

Let me know what you think of these posts. :)

3.5 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

The Blogger Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:04:00 +0000

I recently read a blog post that was about blogging and about what this particular person was looking for in blogs and which types of things she followed/read regularly. One thing she said was blogs that did nothing but review books tended to get tired. This got me thinking about my own humble blog...

At the beginning of 2012 (well late 2011 to be precise) I decided that this year I would make a more concerted effort with my blogging. I set up a spreadsheet to schedule and plan ahead, I allocated certain things to certain days I was all pumped and ready. Return readers might be aware that I vaguely follow this pattern:

Monday:

A review of a fiction title - pretty much either YA or junior fiction as that's about all I read.

Tuesday:

Miscellaneous... I left this open to whatever took my fancy, but it turned into another fiction review.

Wednesday:

JudgeABook. I really like these posts. They are different from a straight forward review and also let me stretch my creative writing muscle in an achievable way.

Thursday:

A picture book review.

Friday:

Fairy Tale Friday. I set up a second blog last year dedicated to fairy tales. Unfortunately I found it too difficult to read for work, read for uni, read for pleasure, write for 2 blogs, write for uni, write creatively (aspiring author here), and then, you know, live as well. (Sometimes my partner thinks he's a Blog-widow). Something had to go. So I brought my other blog over to this one as a weekly post. That way it's not ignored, yet not overwhelming.

By all means, my hit count has increased dramatically this year, but something about 5 posts a week will do that... It's more that I don't know how many people are repeat readers, my subscribers count is embarrassing and I seem to get more hits from people google-ing the book I've reviewed than anything else.

So, after I read that readers want something other than reviews if they are going to subscribe, I've spent nearly two weeks racking my brain for something exciting to replace my Tuesday Posts to spice things up a bit here.

I had thought, that working in the book industry, I would have countless things to write about that would entertain and inform. If I do have these things rattling around in my brain, they aren't presenting themselves.

So, have I come to any conclusions?

Other than blogging about my floundering efforts as a blogger, I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps I'll have to start taking notes during my days selling books and then write quick anecdotes. Perhaps I'll rant on like I have now and hope people are interested. I see other people do that in their blogs all the time!

Do you, Reader, have any suggestions for me? What do you look for in a book blog? What would excite you? What would make you pause as you scroll listlessly through your blog feed? Is changing my Tuesday posts enough?

These are the things currently going through my mind.

Jaguar Warrior by Sandy Fussell

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

What would you do if you were imprisoned in a box, waiting to be sacrificed to the Sun God? You’d want to run. You’d want to get as far away from there as possible. Unless, of course, you believe the gods will listen to your sacrifice and spare your people. When Atl [Ay-tell] is released amidst an attack by the Spanish Pale Lord, and told to run to a neighbouring city for help, he sees it as an opportunity to run for freedom. But something more sinister and unforgiving is chasing him, and if he is caught, slavery is no longer an option. Death will quickly follow.

Sandy Fussell has created a rich, fast-paced novel that drags you in so you don’t realise that she is also giving you a light history lesson. Ancient cultures are fascinating; the Maya / Inca civilisations of South America in particular.

Atl finds that (although he doesn’t want it - to begin with) he needs help on his journey from both humans and gods. Even if the gods delight in spilling human blood, which angers Atl. But his journey gives him time to contemplate the nature of sacrifice, slavery, friendship, courage, and pride. What I loved about this book is that Atl’s contemplations provide a great opening for the reader to think about these things too. What kind of gods would demand the slaughter of their subjects?

I really like the cover too.

4 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

The Lion And The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

What is it?

The Lion & The Mouse

Who wrote it?

Jerry Pinkney (kind of… read on)

Where can it be found?

On its own (Picture Book).

Adaptation?

Fairly straight forward telling (or should I say showing) of the Aesop fable.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

Pinkney’s version has everything it needs: words were not included.

The Foggy Foggy Forest by Nick Sharratt

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

"What can this be in the foggy, foggy forest?" - only a book that is brilliantly fantastic in it's simple concept and perfectly executed innovation.

I should clarify, the innovation of which I speak is the use of vellum pages, that, by their own properties, create a foggy effect where the printed parts of the page form shadows and genuinely establish the feeling of seeing into a fog where the further things are the lighter they are.

Therefore, I also need to point out that this vellum is only in the hardback edition of this book, as printing and binding made it implausible for the paperback edition. So while they printed solid pages to mimic the effect of the hardback, it doesn't quite have the same amazement.

That said, this book is worth it in either format. Nick Sharratt at his best. Each page offers us a silhouette against the gray fog, and asks the refrain: "What can this be in the foggy, foggy forest?" and you and your child are left to work it out. Then turn the page and find out what it is! (Always something linked to fairy tales, or fantasy etc.) for example: "A little elf all by himself." (Look, I'm in a book!)

Love it?

Indeed!

5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

JudgeABook: Midwinderblood by Marcus Sedgwick

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:07:00 +0000

So, for a JudgeABook post, you're supposed to pick a cover of a book you haven't read but that has caught your eye and discuss it. I was in a bookshop yesterday and this caught my eye. Specifically, the green 'heart on his sleeve' is what I was drawn to. I mean, the knife practically points at it, it's effectively the only thing that isn't re or black on the cover, and it's not exactly clear what it is, why it's there, or how it will affect the story. I like these puzzling aspects.

When it comes down to it, all we've got to go on is (quite literally) 'cloak and dagger', and then a blood moon as well. These elements simply combined with the presence of the words 'blood' and 'sacrifice' suggest all sorts of dark goings on.

The third part on this post will be interesting for me to attempt because of that. (For those who haven't read one of my JudgeABook posts before, this is where I try and write a paragraph from the book, or a synopsis simply from the cover image alone in 150 words or less.)

It was the full, ripe, harvest moon of the seventh cycle of seventy seven years. It was time. Head bent, he emerged from the fields of wheat that had hidden him as he approached the village. Careful to conceal the moonstone dagger, he drew near the third house from the left. Glancing through silent tears across at the house opposite that might have once been his, he had to trust what he was doing was right. Life was hard in this part of the world, he thought as he eased the door open, it might be said that his target wouldn’t make it through the approaching winter anyhow.

He knew what part of himself he would be killing tonight also.

3.5 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Teenage years can be troublesome for most of us, regardless of how well we've got it. Dealing with expectations of parents, teachers, friends and any/all of the other people that seem to want something from you, or want you to do something. Trying to feel comfortable in your own skin can be is one of the most difficult things to achieve when you can't even fathom your place in the world.

These are just some of the things that came to mind as I read this novel by debut author Emma Cameron. Then, on top of all of those expectations, awkwardness, friendships, etc. some people have a troubled home life thrust on them as well. I find it hard to imagine everything that some teens have to go through as well as just being a teenager. This book helped me see some of those things.

A stunning verse novel that really brought these characters alive, Cinnamon Rain follows three teens approaching the end of year 10, Luke, Bongo, and Casey (the girl they both love). I loved the format of this book. first, we get Luke's story, which introduces us to the other two as well as others in his life. Some aspects of his friends' lives remain a mystery to him though. Then, we get a similar time line over again from Bongo's point of view, taking us a little further along in time. Finally, we revisit the events from Casey's perspective, filling in the gaps that were left and taking us to a place where the characters have a chance at a sense of belonging.

Occasionally, I hear people scoff, or turn up their nose at a verse novel. I don't understand this. I genuinely feel that it is a great and under-used format. On the most basic level, they are simply easier on the eyes to read. You breeze through it, absorbing it all with ease. Then, poetry is ripe with poignancy, each poem with its 'punch-line' bringing the message home on each page. I love it, and Cinnamon Rain was no exception.

All in all, this is a great teen read by a new Australian author that I now look forward to what she does next.

4 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (Audio Book)

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Last year, A Monster Calls was released. Patrick Ness had developed an idea that originated with Siobhan Dowd. It is absolutely AMAZING and you can read my review of it HERE.

Just recently, I had an almost 5 hour car trip in front of me (round trip in one day) and was looking for an audio book that could fit neatly into that journey: this one, running at 3 hours 52 mins was the perfect candidate. Particularly because I'd been desperate to revisit this book, and as I'd been given the Bolinda audio version of it, my decision was made.

And WOW.

This is the best quality, best read audio I think I've ever listened to. The book itself is amazing, but you can read that in my other review. Here I want to talk about Jason Isaacs.

To be honest, when I saw that he was the narrator, I thought to myself, OK, so Lucius Malfoy is reading it, this will be interesting. I couldn't think of any other movies I'd seen that he'd been in so I couldn't compare styles or know what to expect.

Well, what can I say, he is incredible. And not just incredible, but the PERFECT match for this book. He deftly creates distinct voices for each character, there is never once confusion over who is saying what (as can sometimes happen). And his voice! His narration voice is deep and scratchy, perfectly eloquent, seemingly detached (as the narrator should be) but containing the perfect amount of compassion for the subject matter. For me, it sounded like Jim Kay's illustrations had found a voice. And that was even before the monster began talking. Deeper still, gruff and rumbling. An age old yew tree come to life. Oh I felt it. Not for one moment did any voice, any character, feel forced.

I'm not sure what else I can say. If audio books are at all your thing, I couldn't think of a better way to spend four hours.

5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

8/40

The Frog King, or Iron Heinrich by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

What is it?

The Frog King, or Iron Heinrich

Who wrote it?

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Where can it be found?

in The Annotated Brothers Grimm
Edited by Maria Tatar

Adaptation?

Original Grimm Brothers form.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

Romantic American versions have shielded me form this violent princess.

Alison Jay: Alphabet and Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

I know these have been around for a while, but they're on my shelf and I'm slowly blogging about what I've got on my shelf as well as "new things" as they come along. I recently learned of a new Alison Jay title that is coming in April this year, and it got me to thinking how much I love her work.

These two in particular are so well put together that they're just so enjoyable to read and share with children.

Alphabet can be used as a straight forward alphabet book (I love alphabet books) where the main thing on each page begins with the corresponding letter. BUT, what makes me get excited about this book, is that if you look closely enough at her beautiful illustrations, you can find a little clue, something that doesn't start with that letter, but begins with the next letter of the alphabet. Therefore, while these are marketed for very young children ("A Child's First ABC") they are still good for the more observant older child who loves looking and finding and is a bit more confident with their letters. I see this as being great for sharing with siblings of different ages too.

Numbers, on the other hand, has a different hook. Each number has a fairy tale/Mother Goose relation. In fact, the main girl ("one little girl sleeping") is escorted by Mother Goose ("two soaring wings") throughout the entire book. And again, like with Alphabet there are tiny clues on each page as to what the next story book reference will be.

Alison Jay's illustrations are just fantastic. I love that they are all cracked, like they are wall frescoes from some brilliant ancient civilization that was steeped in folklore and fairy tales, revering them as the Greeks did the gods.

I got these two in a slip case of large format board books. I love them.

5 Gold Stars

Find them on Goodreads

ABC - 123

JudgeABook: Wonder by R J Palacio

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:20:00 +0000

I'll start this JudgeABook post by disclaiming that I had heard people talk about it long before I saw it. So technically, I had some expectations before I saw the cover. That said, I think the cover is pretty cool anyway. I'll leave what people were saying about it out of this (as it's supposed to be a conversation purely about the jacket) but I'll put all of that into my review of the actual book when I get around to reading it. And read it I will because of what people are saying.

On 'face value' (my wit astounds me) this cover is is bold and intriguing. But I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that.

When I do the third part (where I write a paragraph inspired by the cover alone) I'll try and put aside what I've heard of the actual story line.

How closely do we really look? Do we really pay attention? I’ve got half the organs to see with as most people, but I see a lot more than they do. They’re too busy talking, and thinking about themselves to really notice the things that go on around us.

It’s amazing how many secrets and stories and revelations pass through a crowd unnoticed.

That’s how I discovered her secret, and saved her life.

(Not my best, but with a minimalist cover, there's only so much to work with.)

4.5 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Ophelia Wild, Secret Spy by Elena de Roo and Tracy Duncan

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Little books, such as this one, make me wonder why people think children's books are for children alone. Why must it be left to a seven year old to enjoy a quick, delightful read?

Elena de Roo's rhyming couplets are great fun and add a really nice momentum to this story of Ophelia Wild, who opens a spy agency, scattering her leaflets (business cards written on leaves) to the wind. Soon she meets Albert who is both interested in joining the agency and in hiding from some bullies. Feisty Ophelia is able to use her ingenuity to send the bullies running. She and Albert become good friends and set out to solve mysteries around town and at school.

Heavily illustrated by Tracy Duncan's adorable and bubbly drawings, this book is just as interesting to look through as it is a pleasure to read. Combined they create a character that I wish I had as a friend when I was that age.

Very worth while finding this little treasure.

4 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

The Exquisite Corpse Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is one of those "progressive stories" where one author starts off and writes one chapter, then passes it on to another who has to expand the story in their own way for one chapter, before handing it over to someone else.

Clearly you can see how this could quickly get out of hand. Deliciously out of hand. 20 separate imaginations, all poured into one story, trying to deal with the cliff hangers left to them by previous authors, that playful one-up-man-ship has led to a very funny, extremely entertaining story.

Those involved are:

M.T. Anderson

Natalie Babbit

Calef Brown

Susan Cooper

Kate Dicamillo

Timothy Basil Ering

Jack Gantos

Shannon Hale

Steven Kellogg

Gregory Maguire

Megan McDonald

Fredrick L. McKissack

Patricia C. McKissack

Katherine Paterson

James Ransome

Jon Scieszka

Lemony Snicket

Chris Van Dusen

The whole thing was organised by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA) through their website read.gov. The concept came from the game that is played by families on long trips, children in classrooms and on camps, and has been floating around for quite some time. I remember playing the illustrated version of it as a child where a pages is quartered and lines drawn to mark where the neck, wrists, waist and knees will be, and an 'exquisite corpse' is drawn where no-one knows what the other parts of the body looks like. HERE is an example (I hope that link works).

Anyway, onto the book itself!

As you may know, I'm a collector of quotes and so I thought the best way to talk about this book is with the help of a few choice quotes.

Jon Scieszka, being the delightfully dry, and lover of the absurd sets the whole story in motion, taking the opportunity to set the scene and finding a way to influence the rest of the story with his very short first chapter. One part in particular:

"If the train makes it over the last treacherous gorge, there is a good chance that you and Nancy and Joe will have to deal with werewolves and mad scientists, real ninjas and fake vampires, one roller-skating baby, a talking pig, creatures from another planet (possibly from another dimension), killer poetry, clues from classic children's books, two easy riddles, several bad knock-knock jokes, plenty of explosions, a monkey disguised as a pirate, two meatballs, a blue plastic Star Wars lunch box (missing its matching thermos), a ticking clock, and not just one bad guy but a whole army of villains, cad, scalawags, sneaks, rats, varmints, and swindlers. Also several desperados, a gang of evildoers, and one just plain bad egg."

I love it! He's effectively set out everything that's going to happen!

Then, as the story progresses, there are some authors that stand out as just being brilliant! Kate DiCamillo, for one, had lots of moments that had me laughing out loud.

Lemony Snicket, like you might expect, had a rather amusing disregard for where the story might have been going up to the point it fell into his lap, and he took it in a completely different direction. He also made a rather funny use of metafiction (to a degree, anyhow):

"Think how far we've traveled since that night on the train, and yet our journey is as confusing as mysterous as it ever was. It's as of our lives are being written not by a single, beneficent author, but by a whole team of authors pushing the story every which way, the way an Exquisite Corpse, is built from whatever scraps are found."

I won't go on for much longer. Hopefully you can see by now that this is just good fun. It's authors having fun, it's illustrators having fun, it's READERS having FUN! I laughed a lot while reading this book.

Just quickly, I'll mention that unlike the authors, the illustrators could see nothing other than the sections of the book that they were illustrating. It led to very different styles and interpretations (as is the point).

James Ransome

Calef Brown

Timothy Basil Ering

Seven Kellog

Chris Van Dusen

All In all, The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a largely entertaining read because of its story, by this I mean both its narrative and how it was put together. I thoroughly enjoy some good old fashioned team work and not taking things quite so seriously.

I should point out that if any teacher read this, there is a fantastic site HERE that is packed with classroom ideas and activities etc for a chapter by chapter break down of the book.

4.5 Silver Stars

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Hansel and Gretel by Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

What is it?

Hansel and Gretel

Who wrote it?

Michael Morpurgo
Illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark

Where can it be found?

Bookshops/Libraries (individual story)

Adaptation?

Yes – To a degree

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

All the misfortune is caused by one single wicked witch.

The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley by Colin Thompson & Amy Lissiat

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Riley is a rat. He only lives a short time, compared with a human. But how much of our human lives are spent unhappy, wanting things?

True, Colin Thompson seems to have stopped illustrating in the style that I love so much and which made me take notice in the first place, but that doesn't mean I love this book any less.

This book that compares humans to rats is one of my favourites. However, it warns that people should never compare their lives to animals because it will just leaving you feeling depressed when you realise that rats have a better life than you.

"They want to go to the seaside-ski-resort-paradise-dream-world-castaway-exclusive-you-must-be-really-rich-if-you-can-afford-to-come-here-plaza-luxury-get-away-from-it-all-anywhere-but-here-theme-park."

This book just makes me feel happy. And has a great message: You just have to learn to be happy with less.

5 Gold Stars

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JudgeABook: The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

To pick this week's contestant for my JudgeABook post, I was browsing through an old catalogue only looking at the covers and seeing if any jumped out at me. This one did. I didn't stop to read the blurb next to the image, just chose it to be scrutinized.

I really like the composition of this cover. The title, tied in with the glass stoppered-bottle, works well to suggest times long gone. On top of that birds clearly play a role and it's set in London. I think the buildings at the bottom are the only element I don't like about this cover. It detracts from the feeling of possibility in what the apothecary could be concocting. What? have they extracted essence-of-London-Bridge? I think it would have been slightly better to have those buildings behind the bottle as a skyline across the bottom. But that's just my thoughts.

Now onto section three. (If you've not read one of these posts before, this is me, writing a paragraph/synopsis/blurb for the book based entirely on the cover image.)

He knew that the right combination of ingredients could issue any result under the sun. And he must find the right combination to save her. He’d tired feathers of pigeons, larks, sparrows; and still nothing. Slowly he stirred the solution in front of him: reduced from moss from The Tower and rain caught from The Bridge under a full moon. But what was missing?

Just then, a robin perched on his window sill. This was more than a sign. This was destiny. He knew what to do.

He would save Robyn before the night was over.

Well, let me know what you think. I'd like to know if you think these JudgeABook Posts are working, or if anything should change?

3.5 Silver Stars

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Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahms

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

(New cover April 2012)

Down The Rabbit Hole is the first of of the Echo Falls Mysteries by Peter Abrahams which were first published in 2005. Abrahams writes adult crime thrillers, some of which have been adapted into movies. So he seems to know what he's doing when it comes to piecing a mystery together. So when he put his mind to a 13 year old girl who's into sport, obsessed with acting, a Sherlock fan and has an abundance of pluck, it's a great combination that really has you gripped! (Stephen King is quoted on all of the covers as being a huge fan, just in case that's the type of information that sways you).

One day, Ingrid attempts to walk to soccer practice from the dentist, thinking that her parents will be too late to pick her up, but she gets lost. This leads to a chance encounter that dramatically changes the course of her life. When a murder is discovered, Ingrid knows the police have the wrong suspects, but how to solve the mystery without getting her self into trouble or needing to answer some sticky questions?

I REALLY enjoyed the way this book unfolded. Each character is vivid and distinct; you can see them before you while you read. And Ingrid's apparent kinship with Sherlock, with her use of logical reasoning and attention to detail brings her to life and makes her the perfect person to solve the murder case.

These books (I'm guessing the next two will be the same and can't wait to read them) are really well written crime thrillers, staring a young teenager, which makes them perfect for readers 9 or 10 and up. By which I mean, teenagers and adults will enjoy these just as much as the target age group (even though I kind of feel that I'm target market for these too).

4.5 Gold Stars

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The Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Earp) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

This book was originally lent to me with a slip of paper taped over the blurb on the back cover. I was instructed to read it without reading the blurb on the back, or any other descriptions about the story. I wish I could do the same for everyone, because I LOVED reading it that way, not knowing was so good.

Not knowing? you might ask. Not knowing what? Well, you won't find out on this blog. I'm going to have to try and craft this review without giving the game away. What you do with your own time, and if you want to take that extra element of surprise away from yourself, that's up to you.

This is the book that led me to a love of all things Donna Jo Napoli. Return readers might know my love of fairy tales and their adaptations, and technically, this post should be part of my 'Fairytale Friday' series, but unfortunately the questions I pose myself in those posts would reveal too much.

Instead, what I'll say is this: this is an adaption of a fairy tale that puts an entirely different spin on the events and characters. The first half of the story takes place before the story that we know, and there are hints as to where it's going, but it's not until one point where you sit back and go AAAHHHHH!

So very good! Donna Jo Napoli is a genius of re-working a well known story and adding so many layers to what we think we know, adding depth to characters that turn out to be misunderstood. She gives me shivers. It's one of my goals to read everything she has written, which is A LOT!

I recommend hunting this one down with your eyes closed. Trust me.

4.5 Gold Stars

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