A word can change a mind, a sentence can change a life and a book can change the world.
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Author: Susan Uhlig
The Storm Keeper’s Island
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
I loved The Storm Keeper’s Island (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2018) by Catherine Doyle!
Although Fionn Boyle comes from a long line of seafarers, he fears the ocean will gulp him down. When he and his sister, Tara, go to Arranmore Island to visit their grandfather for the summer, it’s like the island itself welcomes him. Fionn hates Malachy Boyle’s house on sight and just wants to be back in their Dublin apartment with his mother. But surprisingly he likes his grandfather. Then he finds out about the magic of the Island. It will be choosing a new Storm Keeper to replace his aging grandfather. Could it be Fionn?
This is the author’s debut novel. Wow! There’s a sequel coming in July–The Lost Tide Warriors. Woo hoo!
Catherine’s own grandparents grew up on Arranmoore Island. Read more about the author here. And interestingly enough, just this week I came across this article about the Island.
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Over the Moon
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Over the Moon (Scholastic Press, 2019) by Natalie Lloyd is a delightful fantasy. That doesn’t mean there isn’t trouble.
Twelve-year-old Mallie Ramble’s family depends on her wages, since her father can no longer go Down Under and work in the mine. But she’s sick of leaving Coal Top and going down to the valley to work as a servant for the rich. When an opportunity comes up for adventure and riches–even if it is for boys only, especially orphans–Mallie applies. However, her new job is more risky than she could imagine.
Meet Starbirds (flying horses), villains, monsters, and more in this world of dust where once people wove starlight.
I’ve recommended Natalie Lloyd’s first book here. See her other books here. And read about her here.
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Groundhug Day
Perfect Picture Book Friday
Groundhug Day (Disney Hyperion, 2017) by Anne Marie Pace and illustrated by Christopher Denise is so funny. I love the twists on winter holidays (Valentine’s Day and Groundhog Day).
It’s February 1st and Moose wants to have a grand party for Valentine’s Day. But Bunny points out a problem–if Groundhog sees his shadow tomorrow, he won’t be awake for the party. They and two other friends, Squirrel and Porcupine, argue about ideas to stop Groundhog from seeing his shadow. When it’s too late, they decide to show Groundhog why shadows aren’t scary. The five friends have a great day. However…
You’ll have to read the book to see the surprise ending. Read about Anne Marie’s other books here.
Illustrator Christopher Denise illustrated two of the Redwall picture books. See more here.
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Badger’s Perfect Garden
Perfect Picture Book Friday
Badger’s Perfect Garden (Sleeping Bear Press, 2019) by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki makes me smile.
Badger wants to plant the perfect garden. His friends Red Squirrel, Dormouse, and Weasel help plant perfect rows. But when a storm washes his beautiful seeds away, Badger despairs.
Readers will enjoy the language of the text and the surprise ending. Learn more about the author and her other books here.
I adore the illustrations. See more of Ramona’s work here.
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