Alexis Lampley's Blog, page 2
December 4, 2018
The Call of the Wild
by: Jack London
First published in 1903, The Call of the Wild is regarded as Jack London's masterpiece. Based on London's experiences as a gold prospector in the Canadian wilderness and his ideas about nature and the struggle for existence, The Call of the Wild is a tale about unbreakable spirit and the fight for survival in the frozen Alaskan Klondike. {cover copy}
Maybe it's because I'm not the biggest fan of dogs... but I was expecting to like this more than I did. I didn't hate it. In fact, there were a lot of great parts. But I just didn't come away from this one loving it. I thought there would be more... wild to it, I guess. It was a great story of a dog who was tough and persevered despite some really crappy circumstances, which I liked and appreciated... and I think I would have been a lot more affected by it had I read it when I was actually still a kid. But I read it in my thirties so... here we are. I think it will be one I recommend to Madeline when she is reading at that level, but not one I would choose to sit and read aloud together with her.
Buck did not read the newspapers, or he would have known that trouble was brewing not alone for himself, but for every tide-water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget Sound to San Diego. {first line}
• pack • {last word}
First published in 1903, The Call of the Wild is regarded as Jack London's masterpiece. Based on London's experiences as a gold prospector in the Canadian wilderness and his ideas about nature and the struggle for existence, The Call of the Wild is a tale about unbreakable spirit and the fight for survival in the frozen Alaskan Klondike. {cover copy}Maybe it's because I'm not the biggest fan of dogs... but I was expecting to like this more than I did. I didn't hate it. In fact, there were a lot of great parts. But I just didn't come away from this one loving it. I thought there would be more... wild to it, I guess. It was a great story of a dog who was tough and persevered despite some really crappy circumstances, which I liked and appreciated... and I think I would have been a lot more affected by it had I read it when I was actually still a kid. But I read it in my thirties so... here we are. I think it will be one I recommend to Madeline when she is reading at that level, but not one I would choose to sit and read aloud together with her.
Buck did not read the newspapers, or he would have known that trouble was brewing not alone for himself, but for every tide-water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget Sound to San Diego. {first line}
• pack • {last word}
December 3, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: The Rough Patch
Written by: Brian Lies
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
When I first read this book, I read it without Madeline, and I thought "Oh, my gosh I wasn't expecting that. This is gonna break her heart" and so of course I told my husband about it and we both felt we needed to witness her hearing it the first time, because I told him this book might be her Where the Red Fern Grows.
But we weren't sure she actually understood what was happening. I could have stopped mid-story and explained, but I didn't. Only afterward did we discuss it and explain it and then she was sad but also maybe not so much as we expected since she had reached the end of the book and knew the story arc.
That said, this book actually came in extremely well-timed, as just last night we had to explain to our sweet, innocent little three year old, that her uncle's bunny had died. I was SO thankful that we had read this book so recently, because it made the subject so much easier to discuss with her. I was able to say, "do you remember that book we read with the fox and his pet dog?" and she understood, and we were able to keep it in terms she could grasp without giving the poor kid an existential crisis. (Well, almost. My husband may have accidentally said too much on her Intro to Passing Away and we were touch and go for a few minutes there, but I was able to smooth it over).
Anyway, this book is visually gorgeous, the story is sad, but touching. It is exactly what the title says. It's going through grief after losing a pet, and the rough patch that ensues. It shows how eventually, you learn to get through your grief, and are able to enjoy life again and move forward. Obviously, I recommend this one, given how useful it was for us. But not only that... she actually loves this one. She made me read it to her right after the photoshoot. I have no doubt she will have me read it to her many times over.
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)When I first read this book, I read it without Madeline, and I thought "Oh, my gosh I wasn't expecting that. This is gonna break her heart" and so of course I told my husband about it and we both felt we needed to witness her hearing it the first time, because I told him this book might be her Where the Red Fern Grows.
But we weren't sure she actually understood what was happening. I could have stopped mid-story and explained, but I didn't. Only afterward did we discuss it and explain it and then she was sad but also maybe not so much as we expected since she had reached the end of the book and knew the story arc.
That said, this book actually came in extremely well-timed, as just last night we had to explain to our sweet, innocent little three year old, that her uncle's bunny had died. I was SO thankful that we had read this book so recently, because it made the subject so much easier to discuss with her. I was able to say, "do you remember that book we read with the fox and his pet dog?" and she understood, and we were able to keep it in terms she could grasp without giving the poor kid an existential crisis. (Well, almost. My husband may have accidentally said too much on her Intro to Passing Away and we were touch and go for a few minutes there, but I was able to smooth it over).
Anyway, this book is visually gorgeous, the story is sad, but touching. It is exactly what the title says. It's going through grief after losing a pet, and the rough patch that ensues. It shows how eventually, you learn to get through your grief, and are able to enjoy life again and move forward. Obviously, I recommend this one, given how useful it was for us. But not only that... she actually loves this one. She made me read it to her right after the photoshoot. I have no doubt she will have me read it to her many times over.
December 1, 2018
Tuck Everlasting
by: Natalie Babbit
What if you could live forever? Is eternal life a blessing or a curse? That is what young Winnie Foster must decide when she discovers a spring on her family's property whose waters grant immortality. Members of the Tuck family, having drunk from the spring, tell Winnie of their experiences watching life go by and never growing older. But then Winnie must choose whether or not to keep the Tucks' secret--and whether or not to join them on their never-ending journey. {cover copy}
This story was a pleasant surprise for me. I was putting together a list of children's classics to read or re-read for one of my Nerdy Post boxes and my friend Michelle mentioned this one. She said it had been one of her favorites, and I had to confess that I had never even heard of it. So I added it to the list. For whatever reason it was one of the first ones I read, and I loved it! It was not what I had expected, even as I read it, but I really liked how the story evolved and the little twist--or maybe surprise is the better word--at the end. It was sweet. It was a great story and definitely one I will read to or recommend to Madeline when she is old enough!
The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. {first line}
"Life's got to be lived, no matter how long or short."
• road • {last word}
What if you could live forever? Is eternal life a blessing or a curse? That is what young Winnie Foster must decide when she discovers a spring on her family's property whose waters grant immortality. Members of the Tuck family, having drunk from the spring, tell Winnie of their experiences watching life go by and never growing older. But then Winnie must choose whether or not to keep the Tucks' secret--and whether or not to join them on their never-ending journey. {cover copy}This story was a pleasant surprise for me. I was putting together a list of children's classics to read or re-read for one of my Nerdy Post boxes and my friend Michelle mentioned this one. She said it had been one of her favorites, and I had to confess that I had never even heard of it. So I added it to the list. For whatever reason it was one of the first ones I read, and I loved it! It was not what I had expected, even as I read it, but I really liked how the story evolved and the little twist--or maybe surprise is the better word--at the end. It was sweet. It was a great story and definitely one I will read to or recommend to Madeline when she is old enough!
The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. {first line}
"Life's got to be lived, no matter how long or short."
• road • {last word}
November 29, 2018
Lord of the Flies
by: William Golding
At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate; this far from civilization the boys can do anything they want. Anything. They attempt to forge their own society, failing, however, in the face of terror, sin and evil. And as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far from reality as the hope of being rescued. Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies is perhaps our most memorable tale about “the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.” {cover copy}
I read this one when I was a kid, but can't remember how old I was. It might have been high school. It may actually have been college. For the life of me, I can't remember. The weird thing is, I somehow thought this was a children's story when I went to re-read it. I didn't find it int he kids section, which should have been a clue. But apparently not. When I finally finished my re-read I sat back and thought wow, that was darker than I remember! Oops! But it was still a great and kindof tragic tale. I'm glad I got to re-read it, even if it blindsided me a bit! haha
The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. {first line}
"Fear can't hurt you any more than a dream."
"The greatest ideas are the simplest."
• distance • {last word}
At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate; this far from civilization the boys can do anything they want. Anything. They attempt to forge their own society, failing, however, in the face of terror, sin and evil. And as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far from reality as the hope of being rescued. Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies is perhaps our most memorable tale about “the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.” {cover copy}I read this one when I was a kid, but can't remember how old I was. It might have been high school. It may actually have been college. For the life of me, I can't remember. The weird thing is, I somehow thought this was a children's story when I went to re-read it. I didn't find it int he kids section, which should have been a clue. But apparently not. When I finally finished my re-read I sat back and thought wow, that was darker than I remember! Oops! But it was still a great and kindof tragic tale. I'm glad I got to re-read it, even if it blindsided me a bit! haha
The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. {first line}
"Fear can't hurt you any more than a dream."
"The greatest ideas are the simplest."
• distance • {last word}
November 28, 2018
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful
by: Arwen Elys Dayton
The future is curious.
STRONGER
Today our bodies define us. We color our hair; tattoo our skin; pierce our ears, brows, noses. We lift weights, run miles, break records. We are flesh and blood and bone.
FASTER
Tomorrow has different rules. The future is no longer about who we are--it's about who we want to be. If you can dream it, you can be it. Science will make us smarter, healthier, flawless in every way. Our future is boundless.
MORE BEAUTIFUL
This is a story that begins tomorrow. It's a story about us. it's a story about who comes after us. And its a story about perfection. Because perfection has a way of getting ugly. {cover copy}
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, and I could not be happier with the outcome. I always worry a little bit when I agree to read a book I don't necessarily pick out for myself, but man, was I rewarded! So the first thing that sticks out about this book, something that I found myself thinking several times as I read it, was that this book is like a YA Black Mirror. If you are unfamiliar with Black Mirror, it is a SciFi show that features a new story each episode. Each story is about some technology some unknown point in the future and how it affects us, or could affect us. It's actually kindof scary because you can totally picture this stuff happening in our future. Enter this novel, which is actually a set of short stories that build on each other. Each story goes further into the future, introducing more technological/biological change, and building on the story before it in subtle ways. I wasn't expecting that, but I really enjoyed it. Perhaps because it drew that Black Mirror parallel even stronger for me. The difference is that the themes in this book aren't quite as adult as some of the Black Mirror episodes, which is no knock on the book at all, btw, as the issues that are tackled are still pretty grown up. And the stories build on each other more in this book than the episodes do in Black Mirror. Anyway, each story was equally intriguing, which is a sign of well-written short stories, since you only have a limited time to connect with the characters before their time in the spotlight of the book ends and then you have to want to connect to the next set of characters. This was really well done. This was a fascinating and entertaining book, and I'm so glad I agreed to read it. These stories are definitely going to stick with me and infiltrate into my life the way Black Mirror has done. I definitely recommend this one!
Also, can we just appreciate this first and last word situation? I have yet to have this happen on any of my reviews. I think this is clever.
Human! {first line}
• Human • {last word}
The future is curious.STRONGER
Today our bodies define us. We color our hair; tattoo our skin; pierce our ears, brows, noses. We lift weights, run miles, break records. We are flesh and blood and bone.
FASTER
Tomorrow has different rules. The future is no longer about who we are--it's about who we want to be. If you can dream it, you can be it. Science will make us smarter, healthier, flawless in every way. Our future is boundless.
MORE BEAUTIFUL
This is a story that begins tomorrow. It's a story about us. it's a story about who comes after us. And its a story about perfection. Because perfection has a way of getting ugly. {cover copy}
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, and I could not be happier with the outcome. I always worry a little bit when I agree to read a book I don't necessarily pick out for myself, but man, was I rewarded! So the first thing that sticks out about this book, something that I found myself thinking several times as I read it, was that this book is like a YA Black Mirror. If you are unfamiliar with Black Mirror, it is a SciFi show that features a new story each episode. Each story is about some technology some unknown point in the future and how it affects us, or could affect us. It's actually kindof scary because you can totally picture this stuff happening in our future. Enter this novel, which is actually a set of short stories that build on each other. Each story goes further into the future, introducing more technological/biological change, and building on the story before it in subtle ways. I wasn't expecting that, but I really enjoyed it. Perhaps because it drew that Black Mirror parallel even stronger for me. The difference is that the themes in this book aren't quite as adult as some of the Black Mirror episodes, which is no knock on the book at all, btw, as the issues that are tackled are still pretty grown up. And the stories build on each other more in this book than the episodes do in Black Mirror. Anyway, each story was equally intriguing, which is a sign of well-written short stories, since you only have a limited time to connect with the characters before their time in the spotlight of the book ends and then you have to want to connect to the next set of characters. This was really well done. This was a fascinating and entertaining book, and I'm so glad I agreed to read it. These stories are definitely going to stick with me and infiltrate into my life the way Black Mirror has done. I definitely recommend this one!
Also, can we just appreciate this first and last word situation? I have yet to have this happen on any of my reviews. I think this is clever.
Human! {first line}
• Human • {last word}
November 27, 2018
A Wrinkle in Time
by: Madeleine L'Engle
Fifty years ago, Madeline L'Engle introduced the unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and Calvin O'Keefe to the world. Meg and Charles Wallace's father, Mr. Murry, has mysteriously disappeared while experimenting with tesseracts, wrinkles that transport a person across space and time. When the children learn that Mr. Murry os being held captive on the planet Camazotz, three otherworldly creatures names Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which help them tesser there to rescue him. To save Mr. Murry, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin must face Camazotz's leader, IT, in the ultimate battle between good and evil--a fight that threatens their lives and our entire universe. {cover copy}
This story was actually a re-read for me. This book and I have a complex relationship. When I was in third grade, I was selected as part of a gifted and talented program, but they hadn't figured out my special ability to screw around until the last minute before completing a project, and I eventually got kicked out for not having grown crystals all year like I said I was going to. Oops. But a couple years later, they put me back in it, and this book was one of my assignments. It went way over my head. (They didn't kick me out of the program this time at least). This was before I realized how much I love time and space travel stories. And then in sixth grade I read it again, and I loved it. I ended up reading some of her other stories and falling madly in love with a later book, Many Waters. So when I finally came back around to reading this one again this year, I was pleased to discover that I still enjoyed it. I mean, it's no Many Waters (though I have yet to re-read that one, so I can't actually say which I would end up preferring now) but I enjoyed coming back to this one and seeing it with even older eyes (if that makes sense) especially remembering (weirdly vividly) not understanding it the first time. ANYWAY. I'm saying I enjoyed it.
It was a dark and stormy night. {first line}
"I've got to be brave ... I will be."
"But of course we can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts."
• gone • {last word}
Fifty years ago, Madeline L'Engle introduced the unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and Calvin O'Keefe to the world. Meg and Charles Wallace's father, Mr. Murry, has mysteriously disappeared while experimenting with tesseracts, wrinkles that transport a person across space and time. When the children learn that Mr. Murry os being held captive on the planet Camazotz, three otherworldly creatures names Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which help them tesser there to rescue him. To save Mr. Murry, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin must face Camazotz's leader, IT, in the ultimate battle between good and evil--a fight that threatens their lives and our entire universe. {cover copy}This story was actually a re-read for me. This book and I have a complex relationship. When I was in third grade, I was selected as part of a gifted and talented program, but they hadn't figured out my special ability to screw around until the last minute before completing a project, and I eventually got kicked out for not having grown crystals all year like I said I was going to. Oops. But a couple years later, they put me back in it, and this book was one of my assignments. It went way over my head. (They didn't kick me out of the program this time at least). This was before I realized how much I love time and space travel stories. And then in sixth grade I read it again, and I loved it. I ended up reading some of her other stories and falling madly in love with a later book, Many Waters. So when I finally came back around to reading this one again this year, I was pleased to discover that I still enjoyed it. I mean, it's no Many Waters (though I have yet to re-read that one, so I can't actually say which I would end up preferring now) but I enjoyed coming back to this one and seeing it with even older eyes (if that makes sense) especially remembering (weirdly vividly) not understanding it the first time. ANYWAY. I'm saying I enjoyed it.
It was a dark and stormy night. {first line}
"I've got to be brave ... I will be."
"But of course we can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts."
• gone • {last word}
November 26, 2018
Maddie moo Kids Book Review: A Donkey's Little Tale
Written by: R. Mitchell Scott
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to this one because of how much Madeline enjoyed the movie about the donkey... The Star I think it was called... on Netflix. But I don't think it was as engaging as the movie.
The language, for one, while it had a nice rhythm and flow to it, was antiquated. It felt like it had been lifted from a bible, which is fine... except for in a kids book, it comes off a bit like reading Shakespeare. You really have to listen to the words and work through them slowly to make the pictures in your head. I mean, it wasn't so terrible you can't understand it. But it's definitely on the bible study end of things is all I'm saying. Here is a sample sentence:
"The master stooped and laid her things o'er fronds upon the sands, then lifted up to her a pair of rough and leathered hands."
It's not an inherently bad sentence. But the structure makes me stumble unless I read it much slower than I usually do. I hope this makes sense. I realize this is mildly nitpicky, but it definitely stands apart from the rest of our library because of the structure of the language, so it's worth noting.
Anyway, aside from that, my only other issue with this overall sweet and simple story was that the book was lacking a little in plot. They start at an oasis and spend s few pages drinking water and repacking their things. You see the love and care the master has, but there's nothing that really invests you. It's like watching people while you're at the airport or a coffee shop. I would have liked to see a bit more... I guess more reason to want to turn the page. I wanted the donkey to emote more of the responsibility of what he was doing. I mean, he's carrying a pregnant woman. At the very least he should be feeling like he has to do his best as he carries her. I think he was just a little distant as a narrator, which was unfortunate, because I think this book was an opportunity to engage young Christian children.
That said, Madeline enjoyed it, so take my opinions with a pinch of salt. She listened intently throughout the book, and said she liked it when we finished reading it. I just don't know how often she will request it. And I think if it had just had some "action" like some sense of urgency at least, it would have helped the overall narrative and made the payoff that much sweeter at the end. The donkey is just too passive a protagonist for my taste.
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review.I was looking forward to this one because of how much Madeline enjoyed the movie about the donkey... The Star I think it was called... on Netflix. But I don't think it was as engaging as the movie.
The language, for one, while it had a nice rhythm and flow to it, was antiquated. It felt like it had been lifted from a bible, which is fine... except for in a kids book, it comes off a bit like reading Shakespeare. You really have to listen to the words and work through them slowly to make the pictures in your head. I mean, it wasn't so terrible you can't understand it. But it's definitely on the bible study end of things is all I'm saying. Here is a sample sentence:
"The master stooped and laid her things o'er fronds upon the sands, then lifted up to her a pair of rough and leathered hands."
It's not an inherently bad sentence. But the structure makes me stumble unless I read it much slower than I usually do. I hope this makes sense. I realize this is mildly nitpicky, but it definitely stands apart from the rest of our library because of the structure of the language, so it's worth noting.
Anyway, aside from that, my only other issue with this overall sweet and simple story was that the book was lacking a little in plot. They start at an oasis and spend s few pages drinking water and repacking their things. You see the love and care the master has, but there's nothing that really invests you. It's like watching people while you're at the airport or a coffee shop. I would have liked to see a bit more... I guess more reason to want to turn the page. I wanted the donkey to emote more of the responsibility of what he was doing. I mean, he's carrying a pregnant woman. At the very least he should be feeling like he has to do his best as he carries her. I think he was just a little distant as a narrator, which was unfortunate, because I think this book was an opportunity to engage young Christian children.
That said, Madeline enjoyed it, so take my opinions with a pinch of salt. She listened intently throughout the book, and said she liked it when we finished reading it. I just don't know how often she will request it. And I think if it had just had some "action" like some sense of urgency at least, it would have helped the overall narrative and made the payoff that much sweeter at the end. The donkey is just too passive a protagonist for my taste.
November 24, 2018
The BFG
by: Roald Dahl
The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. it's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants--rather than the BFG--she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her. {cover copy}
I had no idea what this book was about, and even though there was a movie available, I hadn't actually seen it yet. Still, even glancing at previews, I had no idea what it was about. This book was so silly and cute. I actually really loved it. I think it was one of Dahl's better works, actually. It's pretty short, so the plot isn't as deep as, say, Matilda. But I don't care. I really liked this one.
Sophie couldn't sleep. {first line}
• it • {last word}
The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. it's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants--rather than the BFG--she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her. {cover copy}I had no idea what this book was about, and even though there was a movie available, I hadn't actually seen it yet. Still, even glancing at previews, I had no idea what it was about. This book was so silly and cute. I actually really loved it. I think it was one of Dahl's better works, actually. It's pretty short, so the plot isn't as deep as, say, Matilda. But I don't care. I really liked this one.
Sophie couldn't sleep. {first line}
• it • {last word}
November 22, 2018
Peter Pan
by: J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan, the book based on J.M. Barrie's famous play, is filled with unforgettable characters: Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up; the fairy, Tinker Bell; the evil pirate, Captain Hook; and the three children--Wendy, John, and Michael--who fly off with Peter Pan to Neverland, where they meet Indians and pirates and a crocodile that ticks. Renowned children's-book artist Michael Hague has brought the amazing adventures of Peter Pan to life. His beautiful illustrations capture the wild, seductive power of this classic book. This newly designed edition will be enjoyed by fans young and old alike. {cover copy}
I read this one a while ago, and I'm honestly trying to remember how it differentiated from the movie, which I know it did, but am having a hard time remembering. I think the movie is too burned into my brain to let me remember. The only thing I know for certain is that tinkerbell was a total jerk. She's somewhat cute and not as bad in the movie, I don't think, but wow. Not a fan of her in the book. I do know I enjoyed this one, but it just didn't stick with me the way some of the other children's books I have read this year have.
All children, except one, grow up. {first line}
"The dear old days when I could fly!"
"...when the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies."
"...one girl is more use than twenty boys."
• heartless • {last word}
Peter Pan, the book based on J.M. Barrie's famous play, is filled with unforgettable characters: Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up; the fairy, Tinker Bell; the evil pirate, Captain Hook; and the three children--Wendy, John, and Michael--who fly off with Peter Pan to Neverland, where they meet Indians and pirates and a crocodile that ticks. Renowned children's-book artist Michael Hague has brought the amazing adventures of Peter Pan to life. His beautiful illustrations capture the wild, seductive power of this classic book. This newly designed edition will be enjoyed by fans young and old alike. {cover copy}I read this one a while ago, and I'm honestly trying to remember how it differentiated from the movie, which I know it did, but am having a hard time remembering. I think the movie is too burned into my brain to let me remember. The only thing I know for certain is that tinkerbell was a total jerk. She's somewhat cute and not as bad in the movie, I don't think, but wow. Not a fan of her in the book. I do know I enjoyed this one, but it just didn't stick with me the way some of the other children's books I have read this year have.
All children, except one, grow up. {first line}
"The dear old days when I could fly!"
"...when the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies."
"...one girl is more use than twenty boys."
• heartless • {last word}
November 20, 2018
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by: Roald Dahl
Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger,; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life! {cover copy}
This one was as cute as I remember all the movies being. And yes, that means I had not read it as a child. What on earth was I reading? I don't know. But I definitely missed this one. I was slightly disappointed at the time that there wasn't the fizzy lifting drink debacle and the weird angry-wonka at the end, but after reflection, I actually prefer it not being in there. Overall, i really enjoyed it, but I seem to enjoy all of Dahl's books.
These two very old people are the father and mother of Mr. Bucket. {first line}
"So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install A lovely bookshelf on the wall. Then fill the shelves with lots of books, Ignoring all the dirty looks, The screams and yells, the bites and kicks, And children hitting you with sticks--Fear not, because we promise you That in about a week or two Of having nothing else to do, They'll now begin to feel the need Of having something good to read. And once they start--oh boy, oh boy! You watch the slowly growing joy That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen They'll wonder what they'd ever seen in the ridiculous machine..."
• see • {last word}
Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger,; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life! {cover copy}This one was as cute as I remember all the movies being. And yes, that means I had not read it as a child. What on earth was I reading? I don't know. But I definitely missed this one. I was slightly disappointed at the time that there wasn't the fizzy lifting drink debacle and the weird angry-wonka at the end, but after reflection, I actually prefer it not being in there. Overall, i really enjoyed it, but I seem to enjoy all of Dahl's books.
These two very old people are the father and mother of Mr. Bucket. {first line}
"So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install A lovely bookshelf on the wall. Then fill the shelves with lots of books, Ignoring all the dirty looks, The screams and yells, the bites and kicks, And children hitting you with sticks--Fear not, because we promise you That in about a week or two Of having nothing else to do, They'll now begin to feel the need Of having something good to read. And once they start--oh boy, oh boy! You watch the slowly growing joy That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen They'll wonder what they'd ever seen in the ridiculous machine..."
• see • {last word}
