Jessica Haight's Blog, page 134

A Leaking Fountain of Words...

There is a leaky fountain at Dry Creek Middle School and Mr. Walter Russ, the principal, hopes that Florence (Flo) Waters can help by replacing it with a new one from her catalog. Flo lets the school know that there is no catalog and that each fountain she creates is one of a kind. She begins working with the fifth graders in Mr. Sam N.’s class to find out what they think should be included in the fountain design. Their creative ideas are stunning! As the project unfolds, the reader gets to see a variety of amusing memos, faxes, articles, and letters from different people involved in the project. The more you read, the closer you will get to solving the mystery of the leaky fountain! Why has the fountain been leaking? Will Flo Waters be able to make a fountain that doesn’t leak? What kinds of designs will the fifth graders come up with for the fountain? Once you start sorting through the notes, you won’t want to put this book down until you have solved the case!
Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise is told in an interesting format that makes this book stand out. I love to get mail, so reading the letters was a treat! The delightful drawings helped me to picture the story and the characters, and it was fun to try to figure out what was happening. The notes and articles made it easy to read this whimsical book in a day. Even though this book comes to a close, it was so entertaining that it left me wanting to read the rest of the series. The names of the characters were puns that all related back to water in some way. I can’t imagine coming up with all of them. I even laughed out loud at times! Readers should pay attention so that they don’t miss a thing! You never know where the clues are hidden! I recommend this book to kids and adults of all ages because it is so refreshing. A sense of humor is a must! It is especially exciting to notice all of the hidden meanings. Can you wade through the words to find what is buried underneath it all? 
Has anyone else read Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise? Or have you read another book by Kate Klise? 
We were lucky enough to  interview  this clever author a few months ago, and it was such a treat to learn more about her.  
Happy Reading!  ~L

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Pass the Note!

Great guessing Riddlers! This week, we're passing the note on to you. Lizzy's review will really tell the story, and Thursday on  Top of the Heap , we will address our thoughts and share them with you. Friday, keep an eye out for an exciting delivery, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear about your post on The DMS Wants to Know . Happy reading people! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

I will tell you what is said when you choose to make me read. A secret passed or messy sign written down upon a line. Left on top, or found below- sometimes lost or sought to know. Take the course, learn your part, lead me on to someone smart. If you're sneaky, slide me by, perhaps to catch a secret eye. I can be subtle or I can be bold- it all depends on the writer's hold.   

What am I? Answer: A letter or Note ✎



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 SmashwordsFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Speak in Silence...

Dear Riddlers,
Welcome to Monday's Riddle. Can you guess the theme this week? A thought from another passed on by trees, creating a buzz like the hum of bees ; )

Best wishes,
Fairday Morrow

I will tell you what is said when you choose to make me read. A secret passed or messy sign written down upon a line. Left on top, or found below- sometimes lost or sought to know. Take the course, learn your part, lead me on to someone smart. If you're sneaky, slide me by, perhaps to catch a secret eye. I can be subtle or I can be bold- it all depends on the writer's hold.   

What am I? 

I gave you a clue!

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Drawing Contest Winner Announced!

CONGRATULATIONS ALEXA! 
5th Drawing Contest winner 
Alexa is a young reader from Southington, CT. Her interpretation of the high-heeled sneakers is truly magical! 
Alexa's prize pack includes: 

A * NOT FOR SALE* AUTHOR ILLUSTRATED, HARDCOVER EDITION OF THE SECRET DMS FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW, AN AUTHENTIC DMS NOTEPAD, PLUS A BONUS $25 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON.COM




HAPPY READING!!!
☟

CONGRATULATIONS JULIA!WINNER OF THE 4TH DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 12/2/2012
☟

CONGRATULATIONS GRIFFIN!WINNER OF THE 3RD DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 12/2/2011

Griffin, winner of the 3rd Drawing Contest ☟

CONGRATULATIONS SEBASTIAN!WINNER OF THE 2ND DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 9/5/11

☟

CONGRATULATIONS PATRICK!WINNER OF THE 1ST DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 5/17/11

Patrick, winner of the 1st Drawing Contest 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was the key that unlocked the library, and Lizzy's Review of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke showed us into a world of words. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we enjoyed telling you about the libraries we would love to visit, and Friday, Margo was excited to bring you The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats . Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: 
What amazing library (fictional or real) would you like to visit? 

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

Links to the books in the DMS Library


Alligators Overhead by C. Lee McKenzie
Pete wakes up on the first day of spring vacation feeling a bit apprehensive about the phone call his aunt is going to get from his principal. At the same time he can’t help but feel bored with the town he lives in. Pete hasn’t lived in the town for very long, only since his parents died. There isn’t much to do and there are a lot of places that are off limits, like the Ornofree Swamp next to his house that is filled with alligators... read more. 

Check out our author interview with C. Lee McKenzie !

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author


Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.” ~August (Auggie) Pullman 

Auggie feels ordinary on the inside, and he really does want to be just like everyone else. Unfortunately, no one else sees him this way. To others he is an alien, zombie, weirdo, or extremely special and wonderful... read more.

Check out our author interview with R.J. Palacio!

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author


Brightness Sailors by Gueh Yanting Claudine

This new children's picture book will bring brightness right to your door. Just released, Brightness Sailors, Bit by Bit is already navigating the rising tides and crossing the endless oceans into our hearts. Keep an eye out for our review of this timeless children's tale coming soon!



Check out our author interview with Gueh Yanting Claudine!

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author


Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

"A boy got a splinter in his eye, and his heart turned cold. Only two people noticed. One was a witch, and she took him for her own. The other was his best friend. And she went after him in ill-considered shoes, brave and completely unprepared." (excerpt taken from Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu/ Chapter 13/ pg. 155)

Hazel and Jack are pirates, sometimes superheroes or supervillains,  but mostly, Hazel and Jack are friends. No, not just friends, best friends. They shape their similar worlds, sparking each others imagination and sharing their secrets... read more.

Author interview with Anne Ursu coming soon!

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author


The Deliverers by Gregory Slomba

Eric has never talked to birds before, nor has he heard of a land called Calendria. All of that changes when an ordinary campout changes his life forever. After an owl named Stig asks him to go on an adventure with him, Eric is intrigued and agrees to go...read more. 



Check out our author interview with Gregory Slomba!

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author


Ferry Blackwell  by J. Haight & S. Robinson

Macy likes to tell stories, particularly stories that scare. When she stumbles upon a strange phrase written about a bakerman from hell with a melon-shaped head, she can't stop thinking about it. One afternoon, she's sure that she sees Ferry Blackwell in the bushes in her backyard, but no one believes her when she tells them about it. Walking home from school, she comes across an abandoned school bus in the middle of a the street. Macy is in for a quite thrill when she finds herself in the company of the demon of Devilsville... read the short story!



Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling 
Living a lonely and unhappy life with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and bratty cousin, Dudley, Harry Potter is treated like garbage. His whole world changes when he turns eleven and there is finally an explanation for all the bizarre events that have ever happened to him. His letter to Hogwarts arrives. Or should I say, Harry’s letter to the magical school of witchcraft and wizardry... read more.
☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author
Truth Teller by Kurt Chambers
When Charlotte walks into the shop tucked into the alley she is hoping to buy trinkets for her friends from her beach vacation. She doesn’t expect the strange encounter she has with the shopkeeper, but she is thrilled with the ancient looking snow globe that he gives her. Best of all it didn’t cost her anything. All she had to do was agree to tell the truth!... read more. 

Check out our author interview with Kurt Chambers!

☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author
Nate Rocks the School by Karen Pokraz Toz
Review Coming Soon! Check out our review for Nate Rocks the World... 
If you have ever dreamed of another world in which you are able to magically save the day, then you will be captivated by Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz. When Nate isn’t trying to get away from his annoying older sister, Abby, he is busy trying to dodge the awful food... read more. 
Check out our author interview with Karen Pokras Toz!
☞ Preview the book ☞ Connect with this author

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings! A Snowy Day!

A snow day across New England! Yeah : ) Margo and I woke up this morning just in time to see the first snow flakes start to fall. The wind picked up a bit, and we both climbed onto the couch to watch the storm moving in. My dad came down the stairs with the perfect story to begin our wintery Friday. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats will take you right into a scene of fluffy, sparkling white. Follow along with Peter, as he bundles up, and opens his door to a winter wonderland.

My dad did an awesome job of reading this book to us, and it's always fun to listen to a story. Unfortunately, I can't send my dad over to you, but here's link to the audio book on you tube : )

Happy snow day everyone! ~ F & M


The Snowy Day is the simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. Keat's illustrations, using cut-outs, are watercolors, and collage, and strikingly beautiful in their understated color and composition. The tranquil story mirrors the calm presence of the paintings, and both exude the silence of a freshly snow-covered landscape. The little boy celebrates the snow-draped city with a day of humble adventures... read more.



Read the reviews!





FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Book Vault at the Vatican Monday's Riddle was a trip to the library, and Lizzy's review of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke told us the story of Meggie and her incredible journey into a house of books. Friday, Margo has a great story that she wants to share with you, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear about your favorite spots to find a good read on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought it would be fun to tell you about two incredible libraries that we would love to visit- plus, I had to include the Vatican (top picture) because, who wouldn't want to peruse all of those old, hidden treasures?

Has anyone ever visited the book vault at the Vatican? If so, what books did you get to view?

This week's top of the heap: Excellent libraries!


Lizzy: Oh my, I love them all! BUT, for me, I would want to go to the library at Hogwarts. How cool is it that the books can just put themselves away, and some have ancient enchantments that make them speak or rain. Also, imagine what stories and reference materials you would find in there! I would definitely want to visit the restricted section, and could spend hours sitting at a table and poking though all the many pages of the libraries magical contents. When is my owl going to show up anyway? ~ L

Fairday: I love the smell of books, especially old books that have a little mystery to them- no cover, with a musty, sweet scent- and I always like to visit the library. One of these days, I am going to find some ancient treasure tucked onto a shelf that no one else has noticed. I think I would like to go to Dream's library from the Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman. These books are for older readers, but the stories are amazing, and the illustrations are fantastic. Touring Dream's library would be an awesome experience, and it would be so cool to be showed around by Lucien, the Head Librarian!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Why Won't Meggie's Father Read to Her?

Meggie has always loved reading, and her books are some of her most treasured possessions. Her father, Mo, is a skilled book binder and spends his life traveling to repair old books. Stories have always held a special place in their lives. Yet, for as long as she can remember her father has never read to her. When Meggie spies her father wrapping a mysterious book in brown paper, she becomes curious. Especially since Mo tells her to pack up her favorite books because they need to leave their house for a while. As they are leaving, Dustfinger shows up. He is a stranger to Meggie, but her father seems to know him and lets him come with them. Conversations between her father and Dustfinger make Meggie want to know more about a man named Capricorn. Her dad refuses to tell her more, and before long they arrive at her long lost mother’s Aunt Elinor’s house. Elinor was unaware that she would be having visitors, and she is a bit cold. She even says she doesn’t know if she has room for them because all of her bedrooms are filled with books. Meggie is doubtful that anyone could have that many books, and she can’t wait to see the inside of the home. It turns out that Elinor is a collector of books, and Meggie is in awe of the amazing library in her house. She becomes even more intrigued when she hears her father and Elinor talking about the book in the brown wrapping, and she learns that there are very few copies of the book in existence because someone is stealing them. Why would someone steal one specific book? Why does Dustfinger keep calling her dad, Silvertongue? What is the reason that Mo doesn’t read aloud and what really happened to Meggie’s mother? Wait until you read this book! Your imagination will run wild!
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke will be a favorite of people who love books and stories. You will want to visit Elinor’s house to look through her one of a kind library, filled with treasures you didn’t even know existed. As someone who always feels at home with my favorite books, I could relate to Meggie’s love for stories and the comfort she gets from reading and rereading her favorites. The magic that takes place in this fantasy adventure makes you realize that anything is possible. This is the first in a trilogy. I think anyone from 8 years old and up would enjoy this fanciful read. Although the book is long, children as young as 8 can enjoy it on their own if they like a challenge, or with an adult to help the story come to life. Once you realize what happens when Mo reads aloud, you will be on the edge of your sear. The author uses a lot of description to help readers picture the varied characters and different settings. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I just heard that there is a movie version and I will check that out as well. This is a book that you will spend a lot of time thinking about after you turn the last page. There is something about the characters and the plot that you will turn over in your mind time and time again.

Has anyone else read Inkheart? Or another book by Cornelia Funke? If so, what did you think?

Happy reading!
~L FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! A Palace to Read...

Great guessing Riddlers! You guys are so smart ☺. Yes! This week will be on the topic of those wondrous palaces of books, libraries. Lizzy's review will be a ticket in, and Thursday, we look forward to telling you about some of our favorite places to peruse on Top of the Heap . Friday, Margo has a book that she can't wait to share with you, and Saturday, we are always happy to hear your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . Have a magical week people! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

To you, on the inside, I'm all about the story, holding many great places and tell tales of glory. I keep you comfortable on your adventure, while you wrestle with words or seek out a mentor. But, you must always remember to behave and be quiet. For, I 'm a treasure to some, like gold to a pirate. Bound in sum of my many pages, lay the maps and foundations of all of the ages. So, walk right in and breath in my space. Tis' true, on the outside, I wear a bland face.   

What am I? Answer: A Library!


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


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! ~ Bound by Words ~

Hello Riddlers! It's Monday again! The week begins, and here's the puzzle. Can you guess the theme? I can find this about ten minutes from my house ; ) ~ F

To you, on the inside, I'm all about the story, holding many great places and tell tales of glory. I keep you comfortable on your adventure, while you wrestle with words or seek out a mentor. But, you must always remember to behave and be quiet. For, I 'm a treasure to some, like gold to a pirate. Bound in sum of my many pages, lay the maps and foundations of all of the ages. So, walk right in and breath in my space. Tis' true, on the outside, I wear a bland face.   

What am I? 

I gave you a clue!


Clue: I am in this picture ; ) 
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED