A Christmas Carol

In honor of the holiday, we are reading
A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

We will be going to the the play later this month. 
It's story most of us know from TV. 

This one is our family favorite.  Alastair Sim is an excellent Scrooge.

and let's not forget

This version was on tv last night.

For those who are interested in seeing both the musical (1970 Albert Finney version) and the classic with Alastair Sim,

both will be on, back to back,

on December 19th on TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES channel.

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S

Reading Now

Just want to keep everyone up to date with what I'm reading now.  I have an amazing English teacher who picks out the best stuff for us.   

Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagaina, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the family's home in India. Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kipling's timeless masterpiece has been lovingly passed from one generation of readers to the next. Triumphantly brought to life in stunning watercolors from Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this is a tale that will win the hearts of young and old alike

It's a book I wouldn't have picked up to read, but I am really enjoying it.  The main character is a mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.   We've just started reading, but I like the story.  

My teacher has some great literature planned for us this year.  I'll keep everyone updated!

Nick and Tesla

Nick and Tesla are bright 11-year-old siblings with a knack for science, electronics, and getting into trouble. When their parents mysteriously vanish, they’re sent to live with their Uncle Newt, a brilliant inventor who engineers top-secret gadgets for a classified government agency. It’s not long before Nick and Tesla are embarking on adventures of their own—engineering all kinds of outrageous MacGyverish contraptions to save their skin: 9-volt burglar alarms, electromagnets, mobile tracking devices, and more. Readers are invited to join in the fun as each story contains instructions and blueprints for five different projects.

our thoughts

Fun Fun Fun.  Love Nick and Tesla.  They are 11 year old twins who use science to solve all their problems.  They get into some scraps!  They are sent to live with their eccentric uncle (a retired NASA scientist) while their parents are (supposedly) in Uzbekistan to help with soybean (not sure about that- we think they are on a secret mission for the government).    They link up with a couple of new friends and solve strange crimes.   In this book, a young girl is seen in the window of an old abandoned house,  why is she there?  Is she in trouble?  Who are the two mean guys keeping her locked up in the house?

5 stars for this series.

Ylvis - The Fox [Official music video HD]

received for review courtesy of QUIRK books and Above the Treeline (Eidelweiss egalley)

On Sale Date: February 4, 2014 9781594746499, 1594746494 $12.95 US / $13.95 Can. Hardback Juvenile Fiction / Science & Technology Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

In this second novel of the Nick and Tesla series, the precocious brother-and-sister duo find themselves solving another baffling mystery. As the story opens, their Uncle Newt takes a consulting gig at a cut-rate amusement park, engineering animatronic figures for a cheap Hall of Presidentsknockoff. One perk of the job is that Nick and Tesla have unlimited access to the amusement park all summer long-but the kids quickly discover that one of the park employees has a sinister plan. They'll have to build a few robots of their own to foil him! Readers are invited to join in the fun as each story contains instructions and blueprints for five different projects. Learning about science has never been so dangerous-or so much fun!

It's so much fun reading a book that makes the reader smile. One of the reasons I love reviewing children's and middle graders books so much (especially QUIRK books) is because they make me smile and laugh!

Nick and Tesla are twin 11 year old kids. They are living with their very eccentric uncle Newt. The two kids are surrounded by brilliance, from their uncle to their parents, and it has rubbed off. They are budding genius' themselves. 

This book is just fun to read. Kids will love the science experiments listed and the many robots and other devices in the stories. The heart of the story is an adventure. A mystery. Robberies are happening all over their sleepy town. Nick and Tesla, along with their friends DeMarco and Silas must solve the crimes.

The vocabulary used in the book is challenging but not too difficult for kids. The step by step science experiments are a fantastic plus. My 12 year old wants to do every experiment. The age group targeted is the group usually interested in robotics and science. 

Amazing series your middle grader will love. Both boys and girls are represented with Nick and Tesla. 

"Science Bob" Pflugfelder is an elementary school teacher based in Newton, Massachussetts. He has made many television appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live with Kelly and Michael, The Dr. Oz Show, and other media outlets. These are his first books.

Steve Hockensmith is the author of a New York Times best seller (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls) and an Edgar Award nominee (Holmes on the Range). He lives in Alameda, California.

The Hunger Games

by

Suzanne Collins

This is the book I chose to read for my summer book report.  To begin, I loved the book much more than the movie.

about the book:

Katniss, 16, takes her sister's place in the televised annual Hunger Games, competing against Peeta, the boy who gave them bread to survive after their father died. The cruel Capitol forces each of 12 districts to submit a boy and girl 12-18, to fight to the death. Only one can survive and be rewarded. President Snow manipulates behind the scenes.

Crazy world.  Reminded me of Old Rome when the gladiators went into the ring and the bloodthirsty Romans choses sides.   
Katniss and Peeta are great people.  I think Katniss is a true leader.  Perfect to lead a rebellion against the corrupt government.  A Spartacus for the future.

I think most people have read this book by now, I've also read the second and third books in this series.  I give the book an A+

Spirit Animals Wild Born

#1 New York Times bestseller Brandon Mull launches Scholastic's brand-new multiplatform phenomenon.

Four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual, watched by cloaked strangers. Four flashes of light erupt, and from them emerge the unmistakable shapes of incredible beasts - a wolf, a leopard, a panda, a falcon. Suddenly the paths of these children - and the world - have been changed forever.

Enter the world of Erdas, where every child who comes of age must discover if they have a spirit animal, a rare bond between human and beast that bestows great powers to both. A dark force has risen from distant and long-forgotten lands, and has begun an onslaught that will ravage the world. Now the fate of Erdas has fallen on the shoulders of four young strangers . . . and on you.

Part engrossing book series, part action role-playing game - discover your spirit animal and join the adventure in Fall 2013.

my thoughts

Another fabulous series started by Brandon Mull.

The characters are spectacular.  I like the way the 'outsiders' were the chosen ones in this series.   

Wonderful writing style.  

Friendship and working together for a goal are common themes in Mull's stories.  This is a multiplatform series, meaning it will be written by several authors.   

The 39 Clues is unstoppable! The bestselling series returns with an adventure spanning four explosive books and a website that places readers right in the action.

Confidential until October 2013!

The Cahill family has a secret. For five hundred years, they have guarded the 39 Clues – thirty-nine ingredients in a serum that transforms whomever takes it into the most powerful person on earth. If the serum got into the wrong hands, the disaster would rock the world. So certain Cahills have always made it their mission to keep the serum safe, buried, locked away. Until now.

 

Thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his older sister, Amy, are the latest guardians of the Clues. They think they’ve done everything right, but a tiny mistake leads to catastrophe. The serum is missing and Dan and Amy have to get it back and stop who stole it . . . before it’s game over. For everyone.

my thoughts

Unstoppable is a continuation of 39 Clues stories.   Someone has created the serum and is using it to take over the world! 

This is a wonderful addition to the series.  Adventures of Amy and Dan Cahill continue.  They are joined by Nellie, Pony, Ian, Jake, Atticus and Jonah.   This is a wild ride of ups and downs.  If you like the series, this will be a welcome addition.

We give this book 5 ice cream cones.

The final adventure in bestselling author Patrick Carman's delightfully wacky Floors trilogy!

Taking mystery and adventure to the next level.

It's not every day that a hotel loses its top floor. Then again, the Whippet Hotel is no stranger to wackiness. So when the entire floor is hoisted into the night sky by a nearly invisible airship, Leo and Remi know they're in for the ride of their lives.

But little do the boys know just how amazing their voyage will become. They are headed to the field of wacky inventions, where they will have to compete against a number of foes for an incredible prize.

It will take all of Leo and Remi's bravery, skill, and burping power to decode the outrageous puzzles hidden among the floors of Merganzer D. Whippet's newest and most peculiar construction. But they must -- because if they don't, they'll lose their beloved Whippet Hotel forever.

my thoughts

FANTASTIC!  Love Leo and Remi's adventures with Merganzer Whippet.   

This is a fabulous finish to the series.  A book that any middle grade student, boy or girl, would love to read.  The vocabulary is appropriate for the age group without being intimidating.  The plot and story 

will keep the readers attention.  

The addition of Lucy and her pet TRex Phil add a new dimension to the story.  A girl handy person added to the Leo-Remi duo.   Her addition only helps the duo.   

I'm sorry to see this series end.  Patrick Carman has done a spectacular job creating a world kids love. 

Lucas' thought:

Love this story.   Lucy and Phil, her pet TRex are awesome additions to the story.   This is the end of the Floors books. :(   Hopefully Mr. Carmen will write another great series for us kids to read.  He really and truly makes reading fun.  I wish I could visit the Floors hotels! 

Set in an imagined past, this dark fantasy-adventure is for fans of Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass. Features  Jemma, a fiery-headed heroine held captive in Agromond Castle, yet destined to save mist-shrouded Anglavia.

Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma's past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.

Wonderful new story by a debut author to watch closely.  A middle grade good vs evil.  Not your average good vs evil...the mist is used to control.   

Jemma is 13 year old girl.  She isn't perfect, a fact which will make her endearing to kids.   Being a child, she (as well as us, the readers) is not always certain who is good and who is evil.

The characters in this book are fantastic.   You'll fall in love with her two rats!

The #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson series-including The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, and The Battle of the Labyrinth-features a twelve-year-old dyslexic boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, the target of mythical Greek monsters and the center of a prophecy that could change the balance of power in the world forever. In Demigods and Monsters, YA authors take on Greek gods, monsters and prophecy, to add insight and even more fun to Riordan's page-turner series. Its fresh, funny essays include: 

• The pros and cons of having a god as a parent • Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have • What it takes to be one of Artemis's Hunters • How to tell a monster when you see one • Why even if we aren't facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myths can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives • Why so many monsters go into retail-and why they're never selling anything a demigod really wants 

The book also includes an introduction by Percy Jackson series author Rick Riordan, that gives further insight into the series and its creation, and a glossary of ancient Greek myth, with plenty of information on the places, monsters, gods and heroes that appear in the series.

my thoughts

Love this book.  Anything by Mr. Riordan is spectacular.  I think this is a wonderful addition to the Percy books.  Does a great job explaining the significance of all the monsters.

I thought it a fantastic idea to have other authors add their two cents.

Mom received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.  ( She says I have to put that in my post)

Neither of us was compensated in any way, nor required to write a positive review.

On a personal note,  I can't wait for Son of Sobek or House of Hades!!!

about the book:

Some of the most interesting and entertaining myths and legends from Ancient Egypt are given a lively re-telling by Joyce Tyldesley. These include stories about the gods, such as The Creation of the World, Hathor and the Red Beer, and the myths about Osiris, Isis and Horus. Fairy stories and incredible adventures are represented by The Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor, The Adventures of Sinuhe and The Prince, the Dog, the Snake and the Crocodile, while good and bad behaviour are to be found in Three Magical Stories and The Story of Truth and Falsehood. King Ramesses II himself tells us about The Battle of Kadesh. The book is illustrated with imaginative and amusing line-drawings by Julian Heath, and each of the stories has a question and answer section for budding young Egyptologists. Stories from Ancient Egypt is aimed at children between the ages of 7-11, but this book is an entertaining and informative introduction to the literature of Ancient Egypt for all ages. It is a new edition of a title previously published by Rutherford Press. (Oxbow Books, 2012)

our review

Fantastic stories!  Many of ancient Egypt's mythological stories written for children.  The stories are written in a manner children will enjoy, illustrations are fabulous.   The explainations from the author add to the richness of the stories.

While this book doesn't contain all of the more famous stories, young children will enjoy this book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary twelve-year old dealing with the aftermath of his father's tragic death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado. To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics, his ability to escape inside his character's (Captain Disaster) head becomes critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father s death. A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin s teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin s whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected. Del Shannon's imaginative story telling and his appreciation for the powers of family and the desire of young boys to both escape reality and prove themselves within it make this a book with wide appeal for readers of all ages.

 

my thoughts
A wonderful and fast paced book. Aimed for a middle grader target audience. This book was a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns. The end (which I will not reveal) was unexpected. I think most 10-14 year old boys will relate to Kevin. I just love his imagination!
I recommend this book for all kids that like sci-fi, humor and wild crazy adventures.
I want to thank Del Shannon for allowing me to read and review this book. Please, let there be more adventures for Kevin!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary twelve-year old dealing with the aftermath of his father's tragic death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado. To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics, his ability to escape inside his character's (Captain Disaster) head becomes critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father s death. A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin s teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin s whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected. Del Shannon's imaginative story telling and his appreciation for the powers of family and the desire of young boys to both escape reality and prove themselves within it make this a book with wide appeal for readers of all ages.

 

my thoughts
A wonderful and fast paced book. Aimed for a middle grader target audience. This book was a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns. The end (which I will not reveal) was unexpected. I think most 10-14 year old boys will relate to Kevin. I just love his imagination!
I recommend this book for all kids that like sci-fi, humor and wild crazy adventures.
I want to thank Del Shannon for allowing me to read and review this book. Please, let there be more adventures for Kevin!!!

AWESOME IDEA!!!!!!

We are having a marathon reading day (in honor of the Boston marathon). We will be reading all morning on Friday April 12th.   
We have to have our books preapproved by my ELA teacher.  I've chosen Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson,  and a new book by Peter Lerangis called SEVEN WONDERS book 1.
We have to wear comfortable clothes to school, and bring a snack and water bottle.  

After our reading marathon we will be taking a walk outside.  

I think this is an incredible idea!!  I love school and I have the best teachers EVER!!!!!!  They come up with some amazing ideas.

about the book

Meet Edgar and Allan Poe -- twelve-year-old identical twins, the great-great-great-great-grandnephews of Edgar Allan Poe. They look and act so much alike that they're almost one mischievous, prank-playing boy in two bodies. When their beloved black cat, Roderick Usher, is kidnapped and transported to the Midwest, Edgar and Allan convince their guardians that it's time for a road trip. Along the way, mayhem and mystery ensue, as well as deeper questions: What is the boys' telepathic connection? Is Edgar Allan Poe himself reaching out to them from the Great Beyond? And why has a mad scientist been spying on the Poe family for years?

With a mix of literary humor, mystery, and a little quantum physics, this series opener is a perfect choice for smart, funny tweens who love the Time Warp Trio, Roald Dahl, and Lemony Snicket.

our thoughts

What a fun and quirky story.  I love books that hold my attention from beginning to end.  This was such a book.  The characters are amazing!  I loved the cat!!! If you read this book, you'll understand what I'm saying.  The cat is a major player (even pictured on the cover).   Acts like a real person (well, most cats do, but this one is special).

Illustrations are fantastic, they tell a story themselves.

The publishers blurb calls this book a mixture of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl.  I must agree.    

If you like middle grade stories (and who doesn't), you'll love this book.

we give this book 4 ice cream cones

It's here!

Nate Rocks Is At It Again . . .

According to Nathan Rockledge, fifth grade has plenty of perks. Oh sure, there’s more work and that know-it-all, Lisa Crane, is still around – but, there’s a lot to look forward to as well: a laser tag birthday party, baseball at recess, and even a cool Halloween dance. Of course, all of that means nothing without the biggest perk of all . . . the class trip to New York City in the spring. If Nathan’s class can raise enough money to go, that is.

Give Nathan paper and a pencil and watch as his imagination turns him into Nate Rocks, hero and fifth grade super star. With adventures abound, Nate saves the day time and again. But will Nate be able to save the fifth grade trip?

Join Nathan, his hilarious family, and his friends, as he rocks the school in another fun Nate Rocks adventure.

My thoughts about the book (Lucas)

Wow, awesome book.  I love the Nate Rocks books, this one is the best yet!  I love the way Nate's daydreams are so realistic.  I especially like the way his final adventure is not a dream, but reality.  He really does rock the school.  

Oh, and Ms. Toz, thanks for the great swag stuff.  I've included a picture of me with the bracelets.

This picture is of Karen Toz, the author of both the Nate and Millicent Marie books

Nate has decided to stop by and hijack my blog for a post...Take it away, Nate!

Hi! Nathan Rockledge here – you might know me better as Nate Rocks though. Do you have a problem that’s bugging you? Do you wish you could be a rock star or a dinosaur wrangler? How about a world famous racecar driver? You do? I know exactly how you feel, because I do too!! So it’s lucky you asked me here today, because I’m going to let you in on a little secret of mine.

You see, whenever I need an escape from my own world, I create a new one that’s even better. It’s easy. All you really need is a piece of paper and something to write with. I prefer pencils myself, but honestly, anything will work. 

Okay, so here’s what you do. You start thinking about what you want to be and where you want to go. Then, you start drawing. That’s it! Before you know it, you’ve entered your own secret world of mystery and fun, where you can do whatever you want, and of course, you always wind up saving the day! 

But you have to be careful, because sometimes you might find yourself drifting away when you’re supposed to be doing something else, like when you’re in school or something. I’ve done that a few too many times myself. So try not to get in trouble. But most importantly, remember one thing  - using your imagination rocks!

I agree Nate!  (Lucas here again). Sometimes I like to imagine I'm living in my Minecraft world.   Imagination is fun and you're so right....it rocks!!!

And don't forget to check out Nate's other adventures

Nate Rocks is at it again...

The highly anticipated third installment of the Nate Rocks series is here! 

According to Nathan Rockledge, fifth grade has plenty of perks. Oh sure, there’s more work and that know-it-all, Lisa Crane, is still around – but, there’s a lot to look forward to as well: a laser tag birthday party, baseball at recess, and even a cool Halloween dance. Of course, all of that means nothing without the biggest perk of all . . . the class trip to New York City in the spring. If Nathan’s class can raise enough money to go, that is.

Give Nathan paper and a pencil and watch as his imagination turns him into Nate Rocks, hero and fifth grade super star. With adventures abound, Nate saves the day time and again. But will Nate be able to save the fifth grade trip?

Join Nathan, his hilarious family, and his friends, as he rocks the school in another fun Nate Rocks adventure.

Pick up your copy at Amazon and B&N!

Chat with Karen Pokras Toz today at 10:30 am  EST and then follow the Nate Rocks the School Tour for appearances by the author and characters, reviews, and swag pack giveaways!

 
 
Grand Prize Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A GWR Publicity Event. Sponsored by Karen Pokras Toz.




Links

Website: www.karentoz.com
Blog: http://kptoz.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz
Amazon: http://bit.ly/NRTSamazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/NRSchoolBN
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5009570.Karen_Pokras_Toz

HASHBROWN WINTERS AND

THE

MASHIMOTO MADNESS

by

Frank L. Cole

All Hashbrown Winters ever wanted was a simple life: a treehouse full of buddies, enough marbles to keep him occupied at recess, and a Brody the Ape-Slayer action figure with authentic ninja throwing stars. But everything changes when Hi Mashimoto starts a rival club and threatens to take Hashbrown's place as the kid with the coolest treehouse at Pordunce Elementary.

our review (Mom and Lucas)

Frank Cole delivers more wonderful reading material for kids! Hashbrown Winters is a fantastic book. This particular book is the second in the Hashbrown series. It is truly laugh out loud funny. It is a well written story about Hashbrown and another kid, Mashimoto. Kids will learn how rivals must work together to achieve a common goal. This is a wonderfully written story that grade school kids (especially boys) will appreciate. I can't wait to read what's next for Hashbrown and his friends at Pordunce School.

about the book:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. 

If she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Watched this movie with mom the other night, and had to read the book.  Books are always better than the movie, movies leave out so much.  I love this book.  I think the actors chosen for the characters did an awesome job, especially Peeta.  Don't know Woody H. but mom says he is a great actor.  I think he did a great job as Haymitch.  The book is much better!  

STAY TUNED---IT'S COMING AND WE ARE GOING TO BE PART OF IT


 Nate Rocks the School Book Blast & Tour
March 4 - 24

According to Nathan Rockledge, fifth grade has plenty of perks. Oh sure, there’s more work, and he still has to deal with the know-it-all, Lisa Crane. Luckily, there is a lot to look forward to as well: a laser tag birthday party, baseball at recess, and even a cool Halloween dance. Of course, all of that means nothing without the biggest perk of all … the class trip to New York City in the spring. If his class can raise enough money to go, that is.

Give Nathan paper and a pencil, and watch as his imagination turns him into Nate Rocks, hero and fifth-grade super star. With adventures abound, Nate saves the day time and again. But will Nate be able to save the fifth grade trip?

Join Nathan, his hilarious family, and his friends, as he rocks the school in another fun Nate Rocks adventure.

“Two-headed monsters, giant tentacles, angry demons – Lovecraft Middle School is great creepy fun!”

–Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

This second novel in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle ended.  Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension – a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts.  For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina.   Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?

The Slither Sisters features more bizarre beasts, more strange mysteries, and more adventure.  It's perfect for readers ages 10 and up. Best of all, the cover features a state-of-the-art “morphing” photo portrait – so you can personally witness the sisters transforming into their slithering alter egos.  You won't believe your eyes!

Our thoughts:

What a fun series!  Book two is a fantastic continuation of the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School.  A school being overtaken by monsters.   The characters are fun and engaging. The storyline is wonderful.  This is a series that will encourage middle grade students to read!  It is a unique story.   Kids, both boys and girls, will love the characters of Robert, Glen and Karina.  Pip and Squeak are fun, too- even if they are rats!  I'm anxiously awaiting the third installment in this series and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes different stories.



And don't miss book one of the series

My English class is reading THE CITY OF EMBER.  A book chosen by my teacher.  I think it's a fantastic book.  Haven't finished it yet, as I'm reading along with the class.  I did rent the movie.  Movie was good, but I'm liking the book so much better.  

about the book:

Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked…but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all—the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness….

But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?

Mom tells me this is a DYSTOPIAN novel.  She's already bought books 2-4 of the series for me (I got a Kindle for Christmas--yay!!!!)  Can't wait to read them all!

Lucas here,

just finished a book report for my English class.

We had to write a report on a mystery novel. 

I chose MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (mainly because I love trains).  It's written by Agatha Christie.  Mom says her books have been around a while.  

Wow- what a great story.  It was twisted all around.  I was completely surprised by the ending.

about the book:

"The murderer is with us - on the train now..."

Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. One of his fellow passengers must be the murderer.

Isolated by the storm and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must find the killer amongst a dozen of the dead man's enemies, before the murderer decides to strike again...

This Mr. P guy is a great sleuth.  He is able to figure things out with only a few clues.  If you haven't read this book, I recommend it.  If you have, do you agree with his (Mr. P's) decision at the end?

Do you like the books of Britt Alcroft?

If so, we'd like to announce a new series of children's books.

Mumfie's Quest Book 1: The Beginning of Things

Join Mumfie on an epic adventure to bring happiness back to an island in great danger. 

Discover with Mumfie, new friends, mysterious events, curious places and a treasure 

beyond price.  Mumfie sets off on his magical adventure, meeting new friends, 

Scarecrow and Pinkey, a little pink pig with wings. Pinkey tells them of a strange island 

only reachable with the help of an amazing Whale. The adventure begins!

Mumfie's Quest Book 2: The Queen of Night

Mumfie and his friends meet the Queen of Night. Her island has been taken over by a 

Wicked Secretary. How can Mumfie help the island to be set free? More adventures and 

fun along the way!

Mumfie's Quest Book 3: Pirates Ahoy!

Mumfie must protect the Queen’s jewel from the Wicked Secretary. Mumfie’s quest to 

bring peace and happiness back to the island takes him to the bottom of the ocean. New 

friends, more mystery pirates!

Mumfie's Quest Book 4: A Treasure Beyond Price

The final chapter of the Mumfie’s Quest story series, Mumfie discovers a magic cloak of 

dreams. The adventure brings a joyful farewell to the Queen and his return home 

knowing, at last, the true meaning of a treasure beyond price!

Mumfie and the Snowbird: The Legend of Mumfie’s White Christmas

Mumfie’s Christmas wish is to have snow in the little wood where he lives with the 

friends he made in Mumfie’s Quest. He is told by the mysterious Black Cat that he must 

travel north to the cave of the North Wind. His journey, with loyal friends, Scarecrow 

and Pinkey becomes stranger than they ever imagined and the adventure brings new 

friends, laughter and a wonderful surprise.

from the press release:

Britt Allcroft, Award-Winning creator of the world famous 

children’s entertainment properties: Thomas & Friends, Shining 

Time Station and Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie

comes to Premier Digital Publishing with the launch of Britt 

Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie: Mumfie’s Quest eBook

series and a digital first holiday eBook, Mumfie and the 

Snowbird: The Legend of Mumfie’s White Christmas

Five eBooks available now for Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble 

Nook, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Sony Reader and Google Play

(Los Angeles/New York/Toronto) December 11, 2012  - Premier Digital Publishing 

announced today the launch of the beloved children’s series  Britt Allcroft’s  Magic 

Adventures of Mumfie – Mumfie’s Quest  as  eBooks by award-winning  author  Britt 

Allcroft, notable creator of Thomas & Friends and Shining Time Station. Britt Allcroft’s

Magic Adventures of Mumfie,  based on the works of Katharine Tozer, first came to 

television in the 1990’s to international acclaim in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Japan from critics and viewers alike. Mumfie has returned with an 

extensive series of new eBooks for fans of all ages, to delight, entertain and educate a 

whole new generation of readers.

Britt Allcroft is a household name in the children’s entertainment industry, as creator of 

a trio of world famous children’s entertainment properties – Thomas & Friends, Shining 

Time Station,  and  Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie. Britt is responsible for 

introducing Thomas to children worldwide. Britt’s goal with storytelling for children and 

her work is characterized by combining  adventure; fun and compassion with themes 

that help promote self-esteem and loving kindness. This is Britt’s first release with 

Premier Digital Publishing.

"My wish is to help make children happy through storytelling. I think in  today's 

challenging world, the nurturing power of stories is more important than ever,” said Ms. 

Allcroft.  “I'm delighted to be working with PDP to introduce the Mumfie stories to 

young children and the grown-ups who are still young at heart."

Thomas Ellsworth, Premier Digital Publishing CEO commented, “I am pleased to 

welcome such a seasoned and multi award-winning children’s author and entertainment 

producer to Premier Digital Publishing. Britt’s  Magic Adventures of Mumfie eBooks 

represent an exciting opportunity for existing fans of the Mumfie brand, such as my

family, and for fans of the new digital generation to experience Mumfie’s adventures in 

a whole new way with our eBooks.”

About the Author:

Britt Allcroft is the award-winning creator of a trio of world famous children’s 

entertainment properties – Thomas & Friends, Shining Time Station, and Britt Allcroft’s 

Magic Adventures of Mumfie. On TV at the age of 16, Ms. Allcroft was hired by the BBC 

where she trained as a writer/director where she went on to create many shows for 

British television including  Dance Crazy, Junkin,  and Mothers by Daughters.  She has 

worked with actors, musicians and dancers both in the London Theater and in the US 

where she now lives.

Britt’s priority remains with storytelling for children and her work is characterized by 

combining adventure, fun and compassion with themes that help promote self-esteem 

and loving kindness.  Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie, based on the works of 

Katharine Tozer, first came to television in the 1990’s to international acclaim in the US, 

UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Japan  from critics and viewers alike.  

Now Mumfie is back with an extensive series of new eBooks to satisfy existing Mumfie 

fans that are now grown and to a delight a whole new generation of readers.

Web: http://www.mumfieand.me/

Like:  http://www.facebook.com/MumfieandMe

Follow:  http://twitter.com/MumfieandMe

About Premier Digital Publishing:

Premier Digital Publishing is a leading independent digital publisher and innovator in 

eBooks, enhanced eBooks and interactive content. Led by a team of digital media 

pioneers, the company ranks among the top publishers of quality eBook entertainment 

to the industry’s leading tablet and eReader manufacturers and eBook retailers. The 

company is based in Los Angeles with offices in Toronto and New York.

courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley, we've received a copy of

Mumfie's Quest Book 1: The Beginning of Things

we will review it on this blog as soon as possible.  I grew up with Shining Time Station and Thomas & Friends and can't wait to finish this book!

Stay tuned!