Jessica Haight's Blog, page 126

Margo's Musings!

Margo has found a story that is truly close to her heart. Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay is the book she wants me to share with you today. This is not a picture book, but a chapter book for young kids. It's a story that shines a light onto our furry (and not so furry) friends.

Lulu is famous for her animals, and she provides each of them with a comfortable home, taking extra steps to consider how they feel and making sure they are comfortable. All the kids love to see her pets, and she loves to show them off. Her latest mission is to find the classroom guinea pig a friend. The teacher, Mrs. Holiday, is not thrilled about this, and explains to Lulu that if she persists on bringing in other animals for the guinea pig to befriend, he will be moved into another class. Her best friend, Millie, pleads with her to stop bringing in animals, because she doesn't want to see the guinea pig leave. Lulu can't understand why Mrs. Holiday doesn't want more animals in the classroom.

Lulu and her animalsHer class often takes trips to the park, and when snack time comes around, Lulu always saves her last bit of  "shivery bites" (a recipe that Mrs. Holiday brought along with her from Scotland- a cookie-ish, apply, peanut-butter sandwich snack that comes after swimming) for her favorite duck at the pond. She loves to visit the duck and thinks about how wonderful it would be to have one of her own. One day at the park, on what is know as Duck Street, all the mom and dad ducks are tending busily to their eggs. The day is peaceful and calm, when something terrible happens. Two dogs off leash run wild and trample over everything in the park. They crash into the pond, chasing each other around. No one can catch them, even the owners. The children all huddle into the bandstand and watch the disastrous scene unfold. The dogs destroy everything. Many of nests are deserted, and the duck eggs lay broken on the ground. Finally, Mrs. Holiday turns to the dogs when they come around and sternly yells, "Sit!" They both settle down, and their owners take them away. The students can't believe that their teacher was the only one able to stop them!

When Lulu walks through the wreckage, she finds one last egg and stows it in her pocket. The only thought on her mind is "safe." What will happen to the ducks on Duck Street? Will the classroom guinea pig find a friend? Will Lulu be able to hatch her egg? You will have to read this lovely children's story to find out.


I truly enjoyed this book. It was a big hit with my whole family, as we all love animals and like to live beside them peacefully. It reminded me of a wonderful video that Patricia Polacco shared with her audience- it's a great clip- check it out !


Has anyone else read Lulu and the Duck in the Park or any other book by Hilary McKay ? We would love to hear from you!

Happy reading : )  ~ F


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle  served up some Bookworm Stew , and Lizzy's review of Esperanza Rising  by Pam Munoz Ryan set up a course with plenty of delicious ingredients. Friday, we are excited for the chance to chat with Patricia Polacco , and Saturday, we will eat up your comments on The DMS Wants to Know , so be sure to check back! Today, we want to share two of our favorite recipes with you!

This week's top of the heap: Awesome home recipes : ) 


Fairday: The serving dish is key! ~ F

Mom's Deviled Eggs
6 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Paprika


Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with enough water that there's 1 1/2 inches of water above the eggs. Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, turn the heat to low, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and leave covered for 14 minutes, then rinse under cold water continuously for 1 minute.

Crack egg shells and carefully peel under cool running water. Gently dry with paper towels. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork. Add mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the yolk mixture into the egg 
whites. Sprinkle with paprika and enjoy!


Lizzy: This recipe is delicious, and healthy too! (sort of- lol.) ~ L
Dessert Pizza
1 package sugar cookie dough8 ounces softened cream cheese1 cup confectioners' sugar1 large peach, sliced1 large green apple, sliced1 large orange, sectioned1/2 pint fresh strawberries, sliced6 ounces fresh blueberries6 ounces fresh raspberries1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted1/2 cup chocolate syrup
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Flatten cookie dough onto a 6-inch pizza pan. Bake until firm to touch, about 11 to 15 minutes. Cool. In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar. Spread the baked cookie with the cream cheese mixture and decorate with sliced fruit. In a small bowl, combine melted white chocolate with chocolate syrup. Top the pizza with remaining berries and chocolate mixture. Slice and serve immediately!


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FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Can Esperanza Rise Above it All?

Esperanza is a young, wealthy girl who has the finest things and a happy life in Mexico. When tragedy strikes unexpectedly, she and her mother are forced to leave their home. They travel to the United States to look for jobs. It is the Great Depression, but they are lucky enough to find work as migrant field workers. This is a life that Esperanza was not prepared for, and the hard labor is more challenging than she had expected. She feels tired all the time and is having trouble being accepted by the other workers in the camp. There is so much to learn, and she can barely remember the life she used to have. Plus, she misses her abuela (grandmother) desperately. Will Esperanza be able to overcome the obstacles and struggles in her path? Will she ever see her abuela again? Is it possible for life to get better? This story will fill you with hope and make you see that hard times can transform us.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is a story that has lingered with me long after I turned the last page. Each chapter of the story features a food that is harvested either in Mexico or California and it was fascinating to learn more about them. We read this book in school, and we celebrated Esperanza’s story by hosting a Fruitful Harvest for parents and students when we got to the end of the book. Each student brought in a Mexican “dish,” or a dish prepared with one of the foods from the story. The ingredients in the story are: grapes, papayas, figs, guavas, cantaloupes, onions, almonds, plums, potatoes, avocados, asparagus, and peaches. This was tasty and fun! I really enjoyed the characters and it was wonderful to see them evolve and change as the story progressed. I learned a lot about the time period and I also discovered what we can do with the unexpected ingredients in our lives. Sometimes you have to make what you are given into something brand new! I recommend this book to anyone in fourth through eighth grade, though adults will certainly love it, too!
Has anyone else read Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan? Or have you read another book by this author? We would love to hear your thoughts.
Happy Reading! ~L


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

A Recipe for Trouble!

This week, it's all about home recipes. I hope everyone helped themselves to a spoonful of Bookworm Stew and experienced a taste of inspiration! Lizzy's review will be delicious, and Thursday on Top of the Heap , we have some interesting ingredients to share with you. Friday, Margo's got something cooking, and Saturday, we can't wait to see what you serve up on The DMS Wants to Know . See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F


Friday, May 17th, we are exited to announce that Patricia Polacco will be stopping by to chat about her amazing books. It was great to meet her at local book nook, Linda's Story Time , and we can't wait to find out the story behind her unique stories, so be sure to check back!

The Character Book Club is meeting Friday, May 17th, and will be hosted by Eric and Stig from The Deliverers . They will be featuring Millie from Millicent Marie is Not My Name . Stop by to find out what these colorful characters have to say to each other!



Looking for something fun to do?Try a helping of Bookworm Stew!
The recipe calls for the following things: a bowl, some letters, and a bell that rings. A spoon and a sparkle are needed as well. When stirred up right, they'll cast their spell. *Whatever you use will work out fine, as long as you follow along each line.  


In a pot, pour some waterAdd in any flavor color Stir three times, then once more Go back again- this time four Now, get your letters and toss them inSet your thoughts on a whistling windWatch the brew spin round and roundThen ring a bell to add in sound Now just wait, and you shall seeWhat the story is bound to be 
     ✭✭✭  
Did words appear? What do they say? String them together, and it's the soup of the day! 
*Stir again whenever you wish, but remember, you never know what's in this dish!
This week's theme: Home Recipes

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


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Available in all e-book formats
Download for only .99¢ on Smashwords
☞ Subscribe to DMS Monthly News & HighlightsFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Recipe! Food for Thought...

Hello Riddlers! This week, we're spicing it up a notch! Can you guess the theme? Instead of a riddle, here's a poem to stir you in the right direction ; ) ~ F


Looking for something fun to do?Try a helping of Bookworm Stew!
The recipe calls for the following things: a bowl, some letters, and a bell that rings. A spoon and a sparkle are needed as well. When stirred up right, they'll cast their spell. *Whatever you use will work out fine, as long as you follow along each line.  
In a pot, pour some waterAdd in any flavor color Stir three times, then once more Go back again- this time four Now, get your letters and toss them inSet your thoughts on a whistling windWatch the brew spin round and roundThen ring a bell to add in sound Now just wait, and you shall seeWhat the story is bound to be 
     ✭✭✭  
Did words appear? What do they say? String them together, and it's the soup of the day! 
*Stir again whenever you wish, but remember, you never know what's in this dish!




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle served up some jealousy, and Lizzy's review of Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech reminded us that it's better to keep the green-eyed monster at bay. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we told you what makes us jealous, and Friday, we were lucky enough to chat with Sheila Turnage about her new middle grade book Three Times Lucky . Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: What makes you jealous?

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




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Sheila Turnage

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Sheila Turnage , author of the middle grade novel  Three Times Lucky . Lizzy recently reviewed this intriguing story, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Sheila! 
What inspired you to write Three Times Lucky?Actually, the voice of the narrator - Miss Moses LoBeau, rising sixth grader - inspired me more than anything else. I gradually became aware of her on the edge of my imagination, just waiting to be written. And I’d think in her direction, and there she was, a scrappy eleven-year-old in plaid sneakers. And she’d say, “hey, my name’s Mo LoBeau. You got a minute? I got a story to tell.” I started listening in my imagination, and writing her story. I loved her from the start, and it really pleases me that readers love her too. 
How long did it take you to write Three Times Lucky?  I worked on the first drafts off and on in my spare time over the course of three years or so. Then Dial Books for Young Readers bought it, and I worked on it with them for another year. And then it took time for it to become a physical book. So four years of writing, and then production.

What was your inspiration for the characters Mo and Miss Lana? Are those your favorites? I like them too… I’m not sure, really, where inspiration comes from. My sister says Mo reminds her of me a little, so perhaps that’s part of it. Mo and I do have a lot in common, though we’re not really the same character. And Miss Lana? I do enjoy my flamboyant friends and family members, but she’s not really based on anyone I know. I wrote Mo’s story for the sheer joy of it, listening to the characters and enjoying them as we went along. When I finished the first draft, Three Times Lucky was three times too long. So I started trimming it down. The more I trimmed, the more Miss Lana and Mo came to life.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I loved mysteries, like the Hardy Boys . And I loved Peter Pan , Winnie the Pooh …  books I could step into and get lost in. But I read everything. I absolutely loved to read. I grew up in the country and looked forward to trips to the library like you wouldn’t believe. To the librarian’s horror, my parents insisted I could check out anything I wanted to read. I had a blast, particularly in the summer.
If you could live any place real or fictional, where would it be? Why? I live on a farm in Eastern North Carolina, and I really like it here. I love visiting other places, but this is where I like to live. I understand the rhythms and the seasons, and I have a wonderful sense of continuity.
If you could befriend a character from your book, who would you befriend? Why? That would be a toss-up between Mo and Dale. Where I live kids often ride the school bus, and I’d love for either of them to get off the bus in the afternoon and sit on my porch a while. They’re both really smart, funny kids, but in different ways. I love Dale’s take on life, and Mo’s quick wit. If you mean an adult character, I’d probably get along well with Miss Rose. We have a lot in common: we both live in the country, we both care about family, we’re both pretty low-key.
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?I mostly write in my house – in the swing on the front porch, or in my office upstairs. I don’t listen to music while I write. If there are words in the music (whether they are sung or not) it completely destroys my focus, and if there are no words, once I get into the flow of my writing I don’t hear the music anyway. 



Mo sends messages in a bottle to her upstream mother. Have you ever sent a message in a bottle or have you ever found one? If so, we would love to hear about it!   



As I recall, I did once send a message in a bottle. I was a very little girl and my father helped me. It was so long ago! I set it adrift in the ocean. For some reason I hoped it would go to Portugal, but so far I haven’t heard back. I suppose it should get there any day now.  
Where can we purchase your books?  Thanks for asking!  Three Times Lucky is available through independent booksellers everywhere. It’s available in hardback, e-book and audio.  Amazon ☞ Barnes & Noble
Connect with this author:Website ☞ Facebook 

Read the reviews!





Mo and Dale’s next adventure - THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING - is slated for publication in early 2014. FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Circe Invidiosa
Monday's Riddle showed us the sour side of jealously, and Lizzy's review of Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech gave us some good advice on friendship. Friday, we'll tell you about our lucky message from Sheila Turnage, and Saturday, we always enjoy hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought we would share a few things that can turn us green with envy.








This week's top of the heap: Things that make us jealous : ) 



Fairday: It's always the same for me- I am jealous of anyone who has a horse. They are just so lovely and magical, what can I say? I  ♥ them, and I want one.  ~ F




Lizzy: I am completely jealous of my neighbors. I love to travel and have been cross-country once, but they plan a big trip every year. This summer they are heading out on a European vacation- Germany, England, France- I am so jealous! I would love to take off and see the world, and one day, I will! ~ L


★ We have to mention something we are both equally jealous about- anyone who gets to go to the Harry Potter theme park - we CANNOT even wait!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Best Friends Forever?

“Bailey, who is usually so nice, Bailey, my neighbor, my friend, my buddy, my pal for my whole life, knowing me better than anybody, that Bailey, that Bailey I am so mad at right now, that Bailey, I hate him today.” –Rosie

Rosie lives right next door to her best friend, Bailey. They have been best friends for forever and have done everything together since they were little. Rosie started being Bailey’s helper when it became apparent that he was visually impaired. Now they are eleven, and Rosie might be starting to have deeper feelings for her best friend. When a new neighbor moves in Bailey starts spending a lot of time with her, and Rosie is not happy about it. The story is told in three parts- each part has its own theme.  In the first part her grandma asks her to make a meal with her, but Rosie has no idea what else Granny Torrelli has up her sleeve. While they cook, her grandma shares some secrets and recipes. Rosie is thrilled to have this time to have a heart to heart with one of her favorite people. Granny Torrelli sprinkles in stories of her childhood throughout the day, helping Rosie to see that we sometimes act out of jealousy and why it is important to let those feelings go. Will Rosie be able stop feeling jealous? Is there any way for Rosie and Bailey to get their friendship back? This book will touch your heart and make you laugh as you get to know these memorable characters.   Granny Torelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech is a hilarious book that will make you want Granny Torrelli to be a part of your family. Not only does she know how to make some delicious meals, but her funny antics will crack you up. Granny Torrelli also serves up a side dish of wisdom to try to help Rosie see why jealousy is not the answer.  It is a super book for people of all ages and I think kids in fourth through eighth grade will especially relate to Rosie. The book touches on blindness, friendship, and how we see what is inside of ourselves. I could easily relate to the characters because each one has such a strong personality. I really like Rosie and think she has many qualities that make me want to be friends with her. Granny Torrelli makes you realize that jealousy gets you nowhere. The style is unique and I loved the short chapters! If you have not read this story, I highly recommend it. It just may make you want to cook soup, or any meal, with a family member and you will try to appreciate what you have.

“My Granny Torrelli says when you are angry with someone, so angry you are thinking hateful things, so angry maybe you want to punch them, then you should think of the good things about them, and the nice things they've said, and why you liked them in the first place.” Rosie, Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Has anyone else read Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech? Or have you read another book by Sharon Creech?

Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! The Green Eyed Monster!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! It's all about the green eyed monster this week. Lizzy's review will make you jealous, and Thursday on Top of the Heap, we'll tell you what turns us green with envy. Friday may be lucky : ), and Saturday, we love to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know .

Our monthly newsletter will be making its way around the book block May 1st. Sign up to receive updates about our featured authors , plus find out when the 3rd official meeting of the Character Book Club will be! ~ F



☞ Subscribe to  DMS Monthly News & Highlights ☞  Preview Newsletter

Next meeting of the CBC will be hosted by The Deliverers.  May Roundtable Feature: Millicent Marie is Not My Name When there's a wanton purpose you've seen, I'm the tide that turns you green. I'm a fixated wave that inspires a glower or an internal soup that's always sour. Should desire come knocking when it's fortune you're sewing, you'll realize soon that I'm not much worth knowing. For, I should be lost whenever I'm found or I'll get your mind going like a merry-go-round. 

What am I? Answer: Jealousy 


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


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

 There are hidden clues in this picture- can you find them?
Tell us what you uncover ; ) ~ F
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED