Jessica Haight's Blog, page 125

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Faerie Folk ; )

Amy Brown Tee hee humans! We're going to cause some mischief while we're visiting Fairday's Blog this week! We've taken over Lizzy's review , and who knows what will come up for Top of the Heap. We are clever little pixies, and we can't wait to tousle your spirits, so be sure to check back ; ) ~ Fae

Fairy Pools in Scotland With our fondest hello we bring spritely cheer. We heard your call, and now we're here. What we are, surly you know? Just sprinkle some magic into the show. But remember, we're clever and too soon unseen- we'll turn into flowers or fade mossy green. Sometimes vain and known to be shy- we'll cheer you up or make you cry. Beautiful and sour; young and old, light and airy; crass and bold. Add a touch of whimsy, and you're getting there. To see what we are, adjust your stare. Delight in our spell, but remember, beware! We pay no mind to what's right and what's fair. 

What are we? Answer: Faerie Folk 

Recipe to see faerie folk

Items needed: A glass bowl, water, white candle (tea lights are fine), 2 rocks- one light/ one dark, a good, sturdy twig, and your imagination.

Find a naturally beautiful spot: hint! faeries like to be near water, so they can look at their reflections. Pour some water into the bowl and light your candle.Now, toss in the light rock and then the dark rock- stir clockwise three times.Repeat these words:
"I seek the Fae to come and play I believe the magic of the day I have two rocks and a light Now, I wish to have the sight"
Gaze into the bowl of water, then look around- is there a fairy to be found? 
Repeat whenever you wish for a few delightful tricks!   
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations  
Fairday's Riddles: Volume I  Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on Smashwords

Bluebell Fairy by Brian Froud
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! A Sight Unseen

Hello Riddlers! It's that time again! Can you guess the theme this week? I left a bowl of milk on my back porch last night- just in case ; ) ~ F
With our fondest hello we bring spritely cheer. We heard your call, and now we're here. What we are, surly you know? Just sprinkle some magic into the show. But remember, we're clever and too soon unseen- we'll turn into flowers or fade mossy green. Sometimes vain and known to be shy- we'll cheer you up or make you cry. Beautiful and sour; young and old, light and airy; crass and bold. Add a touch of whimsy, and you're getting there. To see what we are, adjust your stare. Delight in our spell, but remember, beware! We pay no mind to what's right and what's fair. 
What are we? 
I gave you a clue!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Isolde by Gaston Bussiere (1911) Monday's Riddle was all about art, and Lizzy's review of The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco showed us how important it is to embrace our creative selves. Thursday on Top of the Heap, it was fun to showcase a few of our favorite works of art, and Friday, it was amazing to hear from Patricia Polacco about her experience as an author and illustrator. The Children's Book Giveaway Hop ends today, so be sure to stop by the post and enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: What work of art really moves you? Why?

We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours! 


Brian Froud- (is an amazing artist!)FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Patricia Polacco

From the Blessing CupThe DMS was lucky enough to interview  Patricia Polacco , author of numerous amazing children's stories. Lizzy recently reviewed her latest book The Junkyard Wonders , and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about her experience as an author and illustrator. So, without further ado... take it away, Patricia! 
What is the best part about being a storyteller?

Watching the faces of the children while I am telling them a story. Seeing them react, feeding off of that energy and the story then comes to life even more. Takes on it's own energy. 



When did you start writing stories?
41. My mom bankrolled a trip to NY, she and I went together. I had set up appointments prior to going out there and we saw 16 publishers in 5 days. Before I had returned home I had sold 7 stories to 3 different houses. It was different back then... publishers still wanted talent and looked for people... the editors had control. NOW, now a new author has to pass the marketing dept. eyes for approval leaving children's books up to business men and women. A completely different side of the brain. It is a trend I am afraid of. Now my children are pushing me to self publish and put myself out there on forums I am not familiar with. I use an electric typewriter still. I don't even own a computer. SO things have changed since I was first starting out. Meteor was the first book published. I remember during our first visit, my mom and I walked past a little independent book store over off of 57th street and saying do you ever think we will see one of my books in this window. When we went back for the release of Meteor...it was there in the window. I miss my mom and still think of her especially whenever I am in N.Y.  
The characters you write are very real and relatable. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Family members, personal narratives about people I know. They are all people that I have in my life in one way or another. Sometimes it is my environment. For instance I was running around Lake Merrit in Oakland Ca., and would run by the Canada Geese who all spent time there at and around the bird sanctuary. (I had to slow down because there was a lot of goose poop and it was slippery to run through) but I wanted to write about them and that was where Rechenka's Eggs and I Can Hear the Sun came from. I was on the road and had just completed, I Can Hear The Sun and had sent it off for the publishers to do what they do. Then I got that call all "parents" don't want to hear and my nephew Brosie had been killed in a car accident. I was undone. I called my editor and said...."I know who Fondo needs to be". They didn't even bat an eye, sent the project back and I redid the illustrations using my nephew. I poured over photos of Brosie and my kids growing up together....and it helped me. I think it helped me process his death and my grief. So the stories are very much about real people in my life.

This is the original Fondo from I Can Hear the Sun . It is done after my cousin Brosie. Rufus Ambrose Barber.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you? 

Robert McCloskey , Make way for Ducklings , but more for his Homer Price series . I thought he had just a delightful sense of humor. Of course Dr. Seuss, I feel that  Horton Hatches the Egg is one of the finest pieces of children's literature. It teaches so much. And I loved Roald Dahl . Such a deliciously dark sense of humor...but empowering children. The children took care of their world as crazy as it was. I love his work. 
If you could grant the world one wish, what would it be?
A real and lasting peace among all peoples and among animals and people. 
If you could befriend a character from one of your stories, who would you befriend? Why?
They are my friends. So I guess I am friends with them all...and you can see why in my books. Ginger, from Ginger and Petunia, I have known her since H.S. and she did have a pig named Petunia. Even the nasty characters like the woman form In My Mother's House.....who was so hateful and hurtful.....I also will run across those in my life..and they will end up in my books as well. 
If you could have chat with yourself when you were a small girl, what would you want to talk about?
I would want to tell myself that I am not dumb. To have courage and believe that she wasn't really dumb and that there really are no limitations in life. 

It was wonderful to meet you at Linda’s Story Time in Monroe, CT, and we were happy to see so many kids excited about their books. Will you be visiting Connecticut again any time soon? 
I do a lot of schools on the East Coast and usually end up in CT. at least once a tour season. 
 ☞ Website  ☞   Independent Book Stores  ☞ Amazon   ☞  B&N



Read our review!





                                     Cutest picture ever!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Edward Gorey Monday's Riddle painted in the theme this week, reminding us to make good art, and Lizzy's review of The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco inspired us to nurture our creative spirits. Friday, we are very excited to bring you an interview with Patricia Polacco , and Saturday we look forward to hearing your artful comments on The DMS Wants to Know . The Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop is happening on Fairday's Blog, so be sure to stop by the post and enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack- giveaway ends Sunday, May 19th. Today, we thought it would be fun to spotlight a few of our favorite works of art!


This week's top of the heap: 
Awesome works of art & the artists who created them ~

Fairday & Lizzy: Enjoy!

Water Lilies by Claude Monet
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Princess Maria Volkonsky by Balthus Klossowski 


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Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh


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And to sprinkle in a little fresh talent...



Unity by David SanAngelo



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Edward Gorey 


My idol ; ) ~ F




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Does it Have to be Art or Academics?

Trisha spends time with her artistic grandma and knows that she wants to become an artist. Unfortunately, art is taught on a cart at her school, so resources are limited. Her teacher sees something in Trisha’s work and recommends her for a special class taught by Miss Violet Chew. When Trisha gets into the class, she is inspired and learns to appreciate art in a whole new way. It brightens her spirit and her world begins to open up to her. She has always been a struggling student, but Miss Chew allows her extra time for tests, to help her succeed. 

When tragedy strikes and her teacher is out for an extended time, a substitute teacher steps in. The substitute tells Trisha that she is wasting her time on art, when she could be spending her time studying, and refuses to give Trisha extra time for tests. Now, the art class is in jeopardy. Will Trisha be able to continue her lessons with Mrs. Chew? Is there any way for her to juggle her academics and her passion for art? Can people only have one path to success? You will have to journey with Trisha to uncover how things turn out!

Patricia Polacco continues to amaze me. Most of her books are based on her life, or the life of her relatives. The drawings that accompany her stories have a unique style, and I can now recognize her illustrations right away. So far, I have been able to connect to all of her characters, whether I have been in their shoes or not. Reading the newest book about Trisha, The Art of Miss Chew, I couldn’t help but root for her. I hate to see anyone’s dreams dashed by others, especially adults. Drawing is something that I struggle with and continue to work on. I was so happy for Trisha when she got into the art program, and I loved her teacher, Mrs. Chew. Teachers can make such a difference in their students’ lives and watching things unfold kept me turning the pages. With the guidance of special teachers, we can all learn to look at the world in ways we never thought possible. I recommend this book to people of all ages because we all need a little magic in our lives, and we need people in our corner cheering us on. Art is so subjective and people look at the same pieces through the lenses of their own experiences. If you haven’t read this book, then you need to pick it up to see the ways that art can help someone discover who they are. You will be reminded of the teachers who have helped you along the way.  This is a book you will want to read over and over again, and the pictures will speak to you! Has anyone else read The Art of Miss Chew? Or have you read another book by Patricia Polacco (We are loving her books, if you couldn't tell)? What did you think? 

Stop by Friday, May 17th for a chance to read an interview with this talented author and illustrator!Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Art for All!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week, it's all about the wondrous world of art, and what could be finer? The quote from Neil Gaiman (the Simpson guy) "Whatever you do, make good art" really says it all.  Lizzy's review will broaden our horizons, and Thursday on Top of the Heap, we look forward to showing off some of our favorite works of art.

Friday, we are so unbelievably excited for the chance to chat with Patricia Polacco , and Saturday, we always enjoying hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . The Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop is happening on Fairday's Blog!  Stop by the post and enter for your chance to win a fabulous book prize pack- giveaway ends Sunday, May 19th. Keep an eye out for something brilliant today! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

With no definition, I define your thought. I'll bring joy wherever I'm sought. There's no boundaries set for me, and I'm not a thing, though that's what you see. Inspired by form and created in time- I'm here for you to make me shine. Just a feeling that lives inside- I seek that spot where you sometimes hide. My beauty falls upon the eyes of the beholder- whether you're green or growing older. In the words of a man I know to be smart, "Whatever you do, make good art." 

What am I? Fill in the missing word: Answer: ART!


Make time to riddle and rhyme! 62 original riddles and illustrations  

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I  Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on Smashwords




The next Character Book Club Friday, May 17th!
Hosted by: Eric & Stig from The Deliverers


Roundtable Feature: Millie from Millicent Marie is Not My Name
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop!

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, Kidlit Frenzy, and Mymcbooks  for hosting the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop. Fairday's Blog is giving away a $15 gift card to Amazon.com, plus a signed hardcover of the middle grade adventure, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow  by J. Haight & S. Robinson . 

The Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop will run from May13th-19th, so, join in the fun! This is a huge hop, and there are lots of awesome blogs participating, giving away all sorts of books and other fabulous prizes.  

Open to US and International : ) 

☞ Be sure to visit the hopping blogs! 
(click here for the list)
Enter to win:
1) Follow Fairday's Blog! 2) L eave a comment and let us know: 
What is your favorite children's story?  3) Fill out the Rafflecopter form below




The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts... read the reviews! 


What Fairday's Blog! is all about...

Fairday's Riddles are posted on Mondays- they can be written about anything and everything, all at the same time!
Lizzy's Book Reviews are posted on Wednesdays. Lizzy has read just about every middle grade novel out there, and she loves to share her thoughts and, of course, her opinions.
The Top of the Heap  is a post we put up on Thursdays. We thought it would be fun once a week to put up two things that we appreciate and have been thinking about during the week.
Author Interviews are posted on Fridays. The DMS seeks out the best middle grade authors today and brings them here to chat about their stories. 
Margo's Musings  Fridays are sometimes shared with Margo, Fairday's little sister. This post focuses on reviewing children's book authors, which we follow up with an  Author Interview .
The DMS Wants to Know  was a post we came up with for Saturdays because when we get together to hang out on the weekend, we always chat about different situations and ideas that are floating around in our brains and we like to listen to what other people think about them- some of the comments we've gotten have been absolutely fascinating!


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Make time to riddle and rhyme! 
62 original riddles and illustrations  

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I  
Available in all e-book formats



a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Behold the day : )

Hello Riddlers! Here's the puzzle this week. Can you guess the theme? I try to live by this rule every day ; ) ~ F

With no definition, I define your thought. I'll bring joy wherever I'm sought. There's no boundaries set for me, and I'm not a thing, though that's what you see. Inspired by form and created in time- I'm here for you to make me shine. Just a feeling that lives inside- I seek that spot where you sometimes hide. My beauty falls upon the eyes of the beholder- whether you're green or growing older. In the words of a man I know to be smart, "Whatever you do, make good ________." 

What am I? Fill in the missing word: 

I gave you a clue!


Clue!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was s strange brew, and Lizzy's review of Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan added in the right ingredients. Thursday on Top of the Heap, we told you about two great home recipes, and Friday, Margo shared the story of Lulu and the Duck in the Pond by Hilary McKay. Today, we want to hear about your favorite eats!

The DMS wants to know: What is a home recipe that you enjoy?

We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED