My first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tMy first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tales so I was happy to pick up this carefully crafted biography that hit the historical facts, but in such a way to help the reader imagine the person and their life in brief.
For those who have only read the Little House books or watched the show, parts of Laura's bio will be startling because yes, she did leave out moments in her childhood or changed things for various reasons. This is adheres to the facts and brings up the sad as well as happy times with the focus reading group being decidedly young.
I enjoyed this one and appreciated the sharing of the bibliography so I can look for even more source material on a favorite author. Definitely recommended to Middle Grade and even among the more advanced chapter readers or the young at heart....more
Even as an adult, I delight in reading Scooby Doo mystery adventures. What fun to come across the You Choose Stories: Scooby Doo series! There are tweEven as an adult, I delight in reading Scooby Doo mystery adventures. What fun to come across the You Choose Stories: Scooby Doo series! There are twelve variations of the story for Scooby and the Gang.
The Ghost of the Bermuda Triangle takes place on a mystery cruise to... where else? The Bermuda Triangle, gulp. There are a few quick intro pages to the setting and fun with the gang and then the ghost appears and they are split up. At this point, the reader begins choosing the path of their adventure.
Yes, I went back and followed each one for a good time. Throughout the book, there are color illustrations to enjoy.
All told this was a great time and I recommend to beginning chapter readers and young at heart alike....more
Picking up a few years after the ending of The First Four Years, On the Way Home is told from Rose Wilder Lane and Laura Ingall's Wilder's memories anPicking up a few years after the ending of The First Four Years, On the Way Home is told from Rose Wilder Lane and Laura Ingall's Wilder's memories and diary entries of their 650 mile journey from De Smet, South Dakota to Mansfield Missouri.
Rose recalls memories from her eight year old self saying good-bye to her Grandpa and Grandma Ingalls, Aunts Mary, Carrie, and Grace, and joining her parents in a full wagon of goods and another emigrating family, the Cooleys for the long camping adventure south.
Much of this novella are Laura's brief daily diary entries of what she saw and where they stopped. As a farmer's wife and daughter she noted the farming conditions, crops, weather, and price of farm-grown products along the way. She noted the many other emigrant families coming and going looking for a new chance and she noted the immigrant settlers who they met along the way- Germans, Russians, and more. Camp living was often noted and her opinions of the lands she saw.
On the Way Home is interesting to read after a recent re-read of the Little House books. Those feel so warm and hopeful on every line. A different voice almost compared to a more stark reality that hit Laura, Almanzo and Rose as they were forced to start over. Rose remembers her as sharp tongued and serious for the trip and only sees her mother whistle and sing as they found what they were looking for in the end after one dreadful situation. Folks have always mentioned that one really does need to read beyond the Little House books for a fuller picture of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and I could see that in this one and plan to do so.
Recommend for a view at the emigrant experience in the American heartlands....more
After the happily ever after for Laura and Almanzo was one big 'hang in there!' They had love and heart and courage and they needed it to face the calAfter the happily ever after for Laura and Almanzo was one big 'hang in there!' They had love and heart and courage and they needed it to face the calamities that beset their first four years of marriage.
Laura and Almanzo made an agreement when they first got married. She didn't want to be a farmer's wife because she knew how hard the life was and they always seemed to just barely be getting by. Almanzo asked her to give it four years and she agree.
Poor Manny, he wanted things to be so wonderful for Laura. He built her a beautiful little house with a quaint pantry, good cold cellar, a separate bedroom, and all on the pretty tree homestead where he kept a driving team, a new saddle horse for Laura, his work horses, and their buggy, sleigh and wagon. He had in lots of wheat acres and had a new plow to make it easier to get in more acres. But between bouts of bad weather right when the good crop was coming in, their dreadful illnesses and the complicated birth of children, their debts were growing concerning. Laura gave it her all as did Almanzo.
Though there were some really hard struggles through this shorter and last book in the Little House series, Laura told it all with hope, some amusement, and lots of tenderness.
Cherry Jones remained a fab narrator for this final book and adapted to the change in tone and writing style quite well.
All in all, I was glad I revisited this one because, while I remembered the earlier books in the series rather well, this was the one I had not many memories from and so much more struck me as an adult reader that flew by my head as a child....more
Coming of Age and Courtship Days for Laura and Almanzo. I haven't grown up. I'm still swooning over buggy rides, singing school, sleigh parties and anComing of Age and Courtship Days for Laura and Almanzo. I haven't grown up. I'm still swooning over buggy rides, singing school, sleigh parties and an earnest young farmer winning the girl.
After reading about Laura growing up throughout the series, it was bittersweet seeing her leave childhood behind, but fun seeing her figure out her own feelings once she realizes that Almanzo is a serious beau and her feelings behind her shyness are strong enough that the pain of no longer being Pa's Little Half-Pint and moving away from home might be worth it.
Venturing back to yesteryear and pioneer family life on the prairie remains engaging listening as Cherry Jones' does fabulous at narrating the talented Laura Ingalls Wilder stories....more
After a long, hard winter and another year improving their claim, the Ingalls family are settling into life in De Smet rather well. Laura is a young lAfter a long, hard winter and another year improving their claim, the Ingalls family are settling into life in De Smet rather well. Laura is a young lady pinning up her hair, wearing long skirts, beginning to earn wages for sewing and school teaching, learning lessons not just taught in school, and attracting the notice of Almanzo Wilder though his attention confuses her at first.
Last year, I started a re-read of the Little House series on audio narrated by the talented Cherry Jones, but got side-tracked. I was happy to pick up the series once again for a summer reading challenge. As a pre-teen girl, this was my favorite of the Little House books as Laura's world now includes school friends, school rivalry, a struggle with her first big schoolteaching job, and the early days of Almanzo's courtship. I really love the way she told this story mixed with home and pioneer life and lots of heart....more
Following On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake picks up with the Ingalls family just having gone through Scarlet Fever following tFollowing On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake picks up with the Ingalls family just having gone through Scarlet Fever following the destruction of their crops from the grasshoppers and new sister Grace added to the family. Mary is blind, Carrie is weakened, and Pa must take a job working for the railroad building crew as their paymaster and store keeper to make ends meet until he can choose a homestead for them out in Dakota Territory.
Laura is thirteen now and wavers between feeling the wild need to free-spirited childhood and the growing responsibility and mature behavior of adulthood. Ma and Pa need her hardworking hands and can-do spirit more than ever. First, she helps ma close up the Plum Creek house and they and the other girls ride the rails west for the first time. Then she helps with their household in the shanty. There are moments are real danger out on the wild prairie where rough men are working to lay the tracks or moving west. Then there is the fear that pa might not beat the spring rush to lay claims and then the danger of claimjumpers. There are joys and sad moments and happy and tensions that made for a fabulous series installment....more
After being forced to leave the house and land in Kansas, the Ingalls traveled by covered wagon north and ended up settled along Plum Creek in MinnesoAfter being forced to leave the house and land in Kansas, the Ingalls traveled by covered wagon north and ended up settled along Plum Creek in Minnesota not three miles from a town. There are many new experiences for Laura and her family from living in a Dugout home for a while until Pa can build them a house to attending school, a party, and church for the first time. There are the hardships of locusts devouring the crop and Pa forced to go east for work, the harsh blizzards, and Laura's first encounter with a childhood social issue with the snobby Nelly Olson.
It was full of excitement, daily life, and the new experiences of being closer to civilization than Laura has ever been even in Wisconsin. My heart ached for Ma as a few times she had to be terrified her husband wouldn't come home whether it was blizzard or far away walking journeys to find work and then all she had to deal with in his absence from prairie fires to all the farm chores and children to waiting out a blizzard and not knowing if her husband is dead or alive for days. Interesting, as I pointed out in reviewing an earlier book, how my listening focus was on her and pa rather than the narrator, Laura and the children in this adulthood re-listen.
Cherry Jones made me feel and see the story all the more with her magnificent narration work.
A classic children's story is timeless and enjoyed by adults as well....more
Following on the heels of the first book, Little House on the Prairie continues the Ingalls family pioneer story from second daughter, Laura's perspecFollowing on the heels of the first book, Little House on the Prairie continues the Ingalls family pioneer story from second daughter, Laura's perspective as they depart the deep woods of Wisconsin in covered wagon to journey through Minnesota and south west until they arrive in the Indian country that will be Kansas.
Pa is taken with the rich soil and the prairie along the river and he builds them a house and starts to farm. They are near Osage encampments and along a well traveled Indian trail so their encounters with the Native Americans are memorable and add tension and adventure to Laura's narrative. Perspective was naturally very different compared to modern thought on that period in American history of Indigenous peoples and pushing west settlers of European heritage.
Besides the tension of Natives and settlers over the land, Laura also narrates of frontier life on the wild prairie from wild animals, prairie fires, and floods to a special Christmas with Mr. Edwards, cholera (or was it malaria) hitting the family, and explorations around. Pa's putting in crops and giving them a fine sturdy house with glass windows, real floors, and furnishings including the rocker he made for Ma.
As a child, I focused on Laura and Mary's doings and thoughts mostly, but as an adult listening in after many years, I was able to strongly appreciate Caroline and Charles' part in these stories. They went through scares, hardships, and worries that a child caught the hints of and observed, but adult reader could fully appreciate how they tried to keep calm and give their children a happy childhood. The love of this couple for each other and their children came shining through. I had forgotten or never realized just how suspenseful most of the events in this book were- crossing the lake and the Mississippi right before the thaw, crossing flooding rivers, rushing prairie fire, Native American council of war not even a mile off, and more. Pioneer life was definitely brought to vivid life.
Cherry Jones continues to utterly satisfy with her narration work and I adore the way she voices Pa particularly when he's singing.
All in all, it was a wonderful trek back through a childhood classic and favorite. Recommend for children and adults alike....more
After taking up the first Little House book and being caught up in the nostalgia, I was tempted and gave in to keep going with the series. What a deliAfter taking up the first Little House book and being caught up in the nostalgia, I was tempted and gave in to keep going with the series. What a delighted it was to switch from the Ingalls household in the woods of Wisconsin to visiting the Wilders of New York State to see Alonzo's life as the youngest boy in a prosperous farm family and determine that farming and working with horses was what he wanted to do.
The detail of daily life and family was endearing and I could have happily hung around for a few more years of Alonzo's life. Cherry Jones told Farmer Boy with the heart and warmth that made the book even more special. I will most likely keep going through the Little House books now that I've been bitten by the bug for more family and pioneer life once again....more
It has been since I was a child that I read this collection of poems. I loved Winnie-the-Pooh and wanted to read this when the librarian told me that It has been since I was a child that I read this collection of poems. I loved Winnie-the-Pooh and wanted to read this when the librarian told me that a few of the poems were about Christopher Robin and there was a fun one about a teddy bear. I took her advice and even as a young child of eight learned to adore more of A.A. Milne's talent.
As an adult, I think I appreciate these nostalgic and whimsical pieces even more that take one back to the innocence of childhood. When a child has learned to be polite and is, but grows weary in the chore, when a child gives impressions of a visit to the zoo, or is regaled with tales from a favored aunt, or loses his pet mouse in a relations' house, or imagines an adventure of the imagination.
I enjoyed my re-read in audiobook format and appreciated the talented Peter Dennis whimsically tripping through the poetic lines, giving child-like mischief, curiosity, and imagination to the tone of each poem.
I will definitely be returning to these slim volumes of poetry when I need to see a simpler, brighter, dreamier world. Recommend for young and the young at heart alike....more
It has been since I was a child that I read this collection of poems. I loved Winnie-the-Pooh and wanted to read this when the librarian told me that It has been since I was a child that I read this collection of poems. I loved Winnie-the-Pooh and wanted to read this when the librarian told me that a few of the poems were about Christopher Robin and there was a fun one about a teddy bear. I took her advice and even as a young child of eight learned to adore more of A.A. Milne's talent.
As an adult, I think I appreciate these nostalgic and whimsical pieces even more that take one back to the innocence of childhood. When a child has learned to be polite and is, but grows weary in the chore, when a child gives impressions of a visit to the zoo, or is regaled with tales from a favored aunt, or loses his pet mouse in a relations' house, or imagines an adventure of the imagination.
I will definitely be returning to this slim volume of poetry when I need to see a simpler, brighter, dreamier world. Recommend for young and the young at heart alike....more
When a young girl from Kansas and her faithful dog Toto get taken up inside the house in a cyclone, but come down in a magical land, fantastic adventuWhen a young girl from Kansas and her faithful dog Toto get taken up inside the house in a cyclone, but come down in a magical land, fantastic adventure awaits her. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a book I have yet to acquaint myself with though I have seen the movie adaption oh so many times. It was a treat to put my earbuds in and listen to talented Anne Hathaway narrate this beloved children's classic that so happens to dazzle adults, too.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written in 1900 and was only the first in a series, but it works splendidly as a standalone story.
I know movie scripts have to alter originals for various reasons, but yes, there were some fascinating differences in the story including backdrop stories for each of Dorothy's traveling companions- Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion, new encounters along the way to the Emerald City, the quest the wizard sent them on, the story behind the flying monkeys, backdrop story for the wizard, and a whole slew of encounters after the visit to the Emerald City. So much richer a tale as a result.
The story was more novella length, but it swept me into a magical place and back to childhood. I hope I encounter more adventures in the Oz series at some point. And, yes, I hope Anne Hathaway continues to delight with her spirited voice work....more
A young girl takes a tumble down a hole and all sorts of bizarre adventures await from encounters with a late rabbit, a homicidal queen, a kooky HatteA young girl takes a tumble down a hole and all sorts of bizarre adventures await from encounters with a late rabbit, a homicidal queen, a kooky Hatter, and more. A beloved children’s classic- that adults adore, too- is just the thing when the real world gets to be a bit much. “We’re all mad here”, Cheshire Cat from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Chapter 6
I read this when I was a child, but it has been years so I was pleased to take it up with this delightful audiobook version. A Victorian era nonsense tale has young Alice exploring the world down the rabbit hole after following a talking, well-groomed white rabbit where her knowledge up to this point of the world is turned on its ear. Alice is intrepid and doesn’t bat an eye when eating or drinking makes her shrink or grow, when animals talk, reason, and argue, and when a deck of cards and a croquet match can be deadly. Mixed through the tale of her explorations of the world down the rabbit hole are silly poems and songs. And, I had no idea so many well-used quotes came from this short book. Cheshire cat remains my favorite creature that Alice encounters and gave me food for thought with this quote: "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” —Chapter 6, Pig and Pepper
Lynn Norris’ talented narration work simply sparkled. She infused Carroll’s playful text with heart from Alice’s thoughtful ponderings to the mayhem of the duchess’ house and to a song by a sea creature. Sheer delight and the production work was top notch, as well.
All in all, I happily slid down that rabbit hole with Alice and lost myself in the oddities that had her “curiouser and curiouser”. Those who love children’s classics or wish to initiate their own children to a fun fantasy world should definitely consider this version. ...more
This summer I sat outside in our backyard and enjoyed watching a meteor shower and then looking at all the bright shinies in the night sky with reneweThis summer I sat outside in our backyard and enjoyed watching a meteor shower and then looking at all the bright shinies in the night sky with renewed interest. “They got an app for that”, but I wanted more. When did Pluto cease to be a planet? What in blazes is the Kuiper Belt? My last concentrated study of astronomy was a handful of decades ago and, frankly, my focus has been on terra firma in the meantime so I missed all the discoveries up in the stars. I needed a good catch-me up that didn’t involve a door-stopper sized read.
I spotted this astronomy book, Our Solar System, aimed at six-graders and thought it was apropos since it was my sixth grade teacher who introduced me to astronomy and got me excited about space and space travel. I had barely read the introduction when I knew Reichley’s book was going to suit me just fine.
Our Solar System takes mind-blowing and oft times tedious data and unpacks the infinite aspects of space for a finite mind. She brushes over origins and historical discovery enough to get one in the ballpark and then delves into the sun, the inner solar system, and then the outer solar system. Good graphics and charts, succinct and informative explanations make her tour of space in our solar system engaging and fascinating. I soon grasped what an Astronomical Unit, AU, was, reminded how far a light year was, what exploration and telescopes have been in recent use, and the classification, composition and components of our star, the planets and moons, asteroids and other objects that have been noted and studied in our system. I knew Pluto got downgraded from planet status, but my head in sand routine left me amazed that there was a new classification, dwarf planet, that also contained four others- two in the inner system and part of the asteroid belt between Mars and Saturn. I also got gobsmocked over two outer system belts and other fascinating phenomena about old or heretofore undiscovered moons and asteroids. I had no idea a few of those moons out there were spewing moisture or were in composition much like earth among other new-to-me facts. And, the photos included from some of the more recent space explorations were jaw-dropping.
So, whether you want to put a middle-schooler onto astronomy or as an adult reacquaint yourself with what is out there, this factual, but engaging approach to the subject is definitely the way to go. Highly recommend!
My thanks to Callisto Publishing for providing a copy of the book to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Originally published in 1903, this children's classic has been a sunny delight for ages. A colorful, clever, larger than life young girl has an outlooOriginally published in 1903, this children's classic has been a sunny delight for ages. A colorful, clever, larger than life young girl has an outlook on life that faces down tragedy, change, and things like poverty with a rich imagination enchanting nearly everyone who encounters her.
Rebecca is one of seven children from an impoverished family. Her mother is a recent widow and the family farm is eking along. Long ago, her mother married a charismatic man that the aunts didn't approve of and her father turned out to be a dreamer who wasn't good at a livelihood. Now, the aunts have sent for Rebecca's older sister to cultivate ladylike decorum and send her off to school so she can learn something and earn her own way while also sending funds home to help the family. Rebecca's mother doesn't have much need of a child like Rebecca so she sends her instead of the steady, hardworking Hannah.
From the coach driver to her teacher at the little school, Rebecca charms them all. That is everyone, but her oldest stern aunt who only sees her frivolous father in her. Aunt Miranda will have no nonsense and can't under stand the creative and sunny child she has under her roof. She is stern and even cruel in ways while Aunt Jane softens Miranda's dictates where she can seeing Rebecca as a loving, willing child. Rebecca grows up under their influence and, more so, under her own winsome ways. She is generous and kind to those whom others pass over and she is a source of effervescence imaginary adventure to her school chums. Even when away at school and nearly grown up, she catches the attention and makes her own way, but still, there is always the concern about her impoverished family back home and even the liveliest of young lady's are brought to earth by some woes. But, Rebecca shows an inner strength and earthy maturity that surprises, no matter what live throws in her path.
I forgot how sparkling and uplifting this story was and was tickled to rediscover it when I spotted it on audio. Lorna Raver was a new to me narrator, but she captured Rebecca's voice and that of old, young, male and female as well as what sounded like the Yankee accent that might be heard regionally in smalltown Maine.
All in all, this inspiring classic hit the spot. I can recommend it for those looking for Victorian era Americana fiction or a children's story that is a bubbly classic....more
A precocious young girl finds some mischief, bravely confronts a ghost, and sorrows that her very existence is troubling to some people. A novella-lenA precocious young girl finds some mischief, bravely confronts a ghost, and sorrows that her very existence is troubling to some people. A novella-length tale in the Sofia-Elisabete series that can be enjoyed as an ongoing story or standalone to a newcomer.
Sofia-Elisabete is Colonel Fitzwilliam's child from a brief affair in Portugal during his war years. He not only acknowledges her, but brings her into his heart and home. During this present holiday season, father and daughter journey to Kent for a visit with his aunt and cousin, Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh.
Sofia is welcomed by Anne, but held in contempt by Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins. After a late night ghost story revealing the existence of a curse on the household in the form of a mischief-making ghost, Sofia receives the blame for pranks involving the Twelfth Night preparations. She must confront this ghost, she decides and her papa will not let her face it alone.
The story is told from Sofia's point of view as she writes in her journal about an event that took place a few years before the journal writer's present. I felt the author caught an eight year old's impressions well. The story is not exactly light and broaches some deeper subjects like illegitimacy, race, and religion. Sofia is constantly assaulted by snubs, reactions to her differences like her skin, and suspicion that the stigma of her origins affect her morals. It's not utterly heave going though. There is whimsy and humor, father-daughter moments, and delight found with her cousin Anne and Mrs. Collins.
I was taken with the author's attention to historical detail and culture, character backgrounds, faithfulness to a writing style that reflects the Regency time well. I think fans of Austen's works are a good audience, but anyone who enjoys historical fiction and doesn't mind a child protagonist will find this story enjoyable....more
A whimsical children's classic was just the thing on a hot, summer evening at home. It has been years since I read any of the Winnie the Pooh tales soA whimsical children's classic was just the thing on a hot, summer evening at home. It has been years since I read any of the Winnie the Pooh tales so I was delighted to come across this volume with ten of the tales and told by the accomplished narrating voice of Peter Dennis who brought unique voices to each resident of the 100-Acre Wood.
From musings of how Pooh got his name, Pooh stuck in Rabbit's Hole, Hunting for Heffalumps, the Flood, the Expedition to find the North Pole, Finding Eeyore's tail, the arrival of Kanga and Roo, and a party for Pooh, I was delighted to be back with the familiar and fun, oft times hilarious stories told a father to his son.
Adults who grew up on the classic and new young listeners will delight in this one....more
I'm already a fan of the author's adult Dirk Pit adventures so I thought it would be fun to pick up this pint-sized kid adventure. It was a hoot! He wI'm already a fan of the author's adult Dirk Pit adventures so I thought it would be fun to pick up this pint-sized kid adventure. It was a hoot! He wrote it in the spirit of the classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang children's story and that's a good way to see it.
Twins, Casey and Lasey, farmer's kids are given the opportunity to have a cross-country adventure with their magical flying plane, Vin Fiz, from Castroville (it's in California, Lasey would tell you) to NYC. Danger and daring do and new things to see welcome them and their dog.
The audience is for grade school and I thought would make a fun family summer readalong. The sketched illustrations to go with each chapter were fabulous, by the way....more