Midnight Comes for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo copyright 2002
For those who enjoyed the magical/suspense adventures of Harry Potter, this might just be a series you can escape into to get those same feelings of excitement. I just finished reading this first book in the Charlie Bone series with my nine year old son. He loved it! We were recommended this book by my 11 year old son who is now working on the fourth book in the series. Now the fact that both of my older boys enjoy this book makes it awesome. The first is an avid reader and the second a reluctant one. The protagonist, Charlie Bone, is 10 or 11 (I can't remember which). He discovers he has a special power to the great delight of his father's family, and to his own consternation. The story revolves around the battle of good and evil, but intriguingly the battle lines are drawn within families, and the reader often questions whether a character is truly good or bad. First impression don't always let us know the truth, as Charlie has to discover. The themes of loyalty, friendship, doing what is right, sacrificing for others and bravery in the face of danger are all present. Overall, a delightful read. It is children's fiction, but I think reader's of all ages can enjoy this one. I look forward to reading Book Two!
Showing posts with label family favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family favorites. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, November 3, 2008
Chickens in the Headlights
Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley copyright 2005
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fablehaven
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull copyright 2006
After finishing the Harry Potter series, I was in need of a fantasy fix. Fablehaven fit the bill as an easy to read, but fascinating story of magic, danger, and morality.
(Blurb from back cover)
"For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. . .
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken-- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most."
Although it starts a bit more slowly than some, the author does a great job of setting up needful background information that comes in handy when the going gets truly exciting. A great family read as it really brings out some important lessons about obedience and the protective influence it can be. This is the first book in a series that so far contains three books. I believe there will be more. I've read book 2 and enjoyed it more than the first. I haven't read book 3. . . yet.
After finishing the Harry Potter series, I was in need of a fantasy fix. Fablehaven fit the bill as an easy to read, but fascinating story of magic, danger, and morality.
(Blurb from back cover)
"For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. . .
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken-- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most."
Although it starts a bit more slowly than some, the author does a great job of setting up needful background information that comes in handy when the going gets truly exciting. A great family read as it really brings out some important lessons about obedience and the protective influence it can be. This is the first book in a series that so far contains three books. I believe there will be more. I've read book 2 and enjoyed it more than the first. I haven't read book 3. . . yet.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Peter and the Starcatchers
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson copyright 2004
We listened to the audiobook while traveling to California this summer. When I checked it out of the library and noticed that it would take nine hours to listen to the whole thing, I knew Todd would be skeptical that the kids would stick it out to the end. Not only did everyone enjoy it, the time flew by. We were actually looking forward to the little around town trips so we could listen. It's a great family read.
The basis for the story revolves around the "beginnings" of the boy who eventually becomes Peter Pan. We are introduced to Peter and the other potential "lost boys" who are orphans being transported via a horridly filthy old ship to the infamous island of Rangoon to be servants to King Zarboff the third. Along the way they encounter stolen treasure (the most precious cargo ever to go to sea), Molly (a lovely and brave young lady), Black Stache (Capt. Hook figure) in all his evilness, heartless island natives, and a host of other interesting characters. The chapters rotate through the points-of-view of Peter, Black Stache, a vile sailor Slank, Molly, and others as the story moves along. The story is fast paced and intense. Boys will love the adventure and pirate moments.
I love the way Peter's character develops over the course of the story. He begins as a scrappy know-it-all type of child to one who cares about others and is willing to sacrifice for their safety and success. It moves Peter away from being the selfish innocent that is so often portrayed when the play is produced. I like thinking of Peter as a noble boy.
Black Stache's ferociously evil nature stands out in the story. If you ever harbored some sympathy for Capt. Hook, you certainly won't for Black Stache. His cunning and greed coupled with his disregard for any other living soul often shocks your sensibilities. I kept waiting for a bit of humanity to surface from Black Stache, but it never came. Excellent evil character!!!
According to my boys, "This is a good book!" I think they're right!!
We listened to the audiobook while traveling to California this summer. When I checked it out of the library and noticed that it would take nine hours to listen to the whole thing, I knew Todd would be skeptical that the kids would stick it out to the end. Not only did everyone enjoy it, the time flew by. We were actually looking forward to the little around town trips so we could listen. It's a great family read.
The basis for the story revolves around the "beginnings" of the boy who eventually becomes Peter Pan. We are introduced to Peter and the other potential "lost boys" who are orphans being transported via a horridly filthy old ship to the infamous island of Rangoon to be servants to King Zarboff the third. Along the way they encounter stolen treasure (the most precious cargo ever to go to sea), Molly (a lovely and brave young lady), Black Stache (Capt. Hook figure) in all his evilness, heartless island natives, and a host of other interesting characters. The chapters rotate through the points-of-view of Peter, Black Stache, a vile sailor Slank, Molly, and others as the story moves along. The story is fast paced and intense. Boys will love the adventure and pirate moments.
I love the way Peter's character develops over the course of the story. He begins as a scrappy know-it-all type of child to one who cares about others and is willing to sacrifice for their safety and success. It moves Peter away from being the selfish innocent that is so often portrayed when the play is produced. I like thinking of Peter as a noble boy.
Black Stache's ferociously evil nature stands out in the story. If you ever harbored some sympathy for Capt. Hook, you certainly won't for Black Stache. His cunning and greed coupled with his disregard for any other living soul often shocks your sensibilities. I kept waiting for a bit of humanity to surface from Black Stache, but it never came. Excellent evil character!!!
According to my boys, "This is a good book!" I think they're right!!
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