Jessica Haight's Blog, page 154

Top of the Heap!

Artist Tools by Judith Anderson I dropped a hint about our theme this week with Monday's Riddle , opening up the topic of painters and illustrators. Brocket the Rocket told us all about one of his favorite summer reads, Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz . And, Friday we have a special guest stopping by to chat with us. Now, Lizzy and I absolutely love stories, but what would they be without the illustrators who turn the words into pictures? Here's to all those fabulous artists out there. Keep up the good work!



This week's top of the heap: Favorite illustrators/ Painters

Fairday: I was introduced to the illustrator, Charles Vess through the book, Stardust, Being a Romance Within the realms of Faerie by Neil Gaiman. The story is one of my absolute favorites, and the illustrations were truly incredible. They really capture the magic of the timeless tale!  ~ F


About Charles Vess: 
Charles Vess was born in 1951 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has been drawing ever since he could hold a crayon and crawl to the nearest wall. His award-winning work has graced the covers and interior pages of many comic book publishers including Marvel (Spider-Man, Raven Banner) and DC (Books of Magic, Swamp Thing, Sandman). His work now is found more in book illustration, such as “The Ladies of Grace Adieu” (Bloomsbury), “Coyote Road – Trickster Tales” (Viking), and “Peter Pan” (Starscape).  Read more...




Lizzy: Not only do I love to read books, but I can spend hours looking at the beautiful illustrations in them. There are a wide variety of styles and so many talented artists. If I had to pick my favorite illustrator it would be Chris Van Allsburg . Ever since I first picked up one of his books, I have been captivated by his work. Each one is different, but still the illustrations play a key role in telling the story. I sometimes pour over the pictures for hours, and they could almost tell the tale on their own! I always notice new details, which makes me enjoy rereading his books regularly. In Just a Dream he captures the importance of treating our planet with the greatest respect and the drawings just pop. The Z was Zapped showed me the alphabet in a whole new way. I may not be able to draw as well as I would like, but I sure do enjoy looking at pictures!  ~L 


Man in Tornado 

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Nate Rocks the World

I am still in shock that Fairday and Lizzy are letting me do a book review on their blog. Reading is one of my favorite activities, so I am excited to share some of my thoughts with you. I hope you will enjoy a guy’s touch this week. ~ Marcus Brocket





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 that his mom cooks. Luckily, he can escape with his best friend, Tommy, and his sketchbook. Drawing and daydreaming really helps him to forget any problems at hand. The story begins with the start of the school year and continues on until February break. You will get to see what life is like from a ten-year-old’s perspective-one who hates recess and isn’t a fan of sports. Nate knows he is one of the only kids who likes indoor recess, but sketching is just more fun. What will Nate do when he is paired with the biggest busybody for his science project? How will he get through Halloween and the costume his mom always insists on making him? Is there any way for Nate to get back at his sister for all the things she does to torment him? You will laugh your way through this book as you discover what an ordinary kid feels like from day to day.This is a very fast read and it is perfect for any time that you are looking for a book you can finish in a day or two.  Nate is a typical fourth grader and he is very easy to relate to, even if you do like sports.  I think kids between the ages of 7 and 12 will love this book if they like comics, pranks, and if they sometimes feel out of place. Nate is a good main character and his experiences with his older sister and his friends help to make the story more interesting. He is someone I would want to hang out with because he is nice and interesting. I like that the book had a lot of humor and that Nate has a great imagination. I think we all like to imagine ourselves doing something really cool that other people will admire. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others in the series.

Has anyone else read Nate Rocks the World?  Or another book by Karen Pokras Toz?Happy Reading!
~ MFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Painting Life...

Great guessing! This weeks theme is a personal favorite of mine, and we will be hosting a special guest on Friday, so be sure to check back! : ) ~ F

Autobiography by Dave SanAngelo
I am the one who gives you the picture. I create a form when I blend my mixture. It matters not what I use. I can make you smile or give you the blues. In brilliant colors or black and white, I sew the thought with dark and light. Words and mind meld as one, as my hand puts to nothing what must be done. But, what will it be? Only I can know, for it's my own purpose that I must grow. 

What am I? Answer: A painter/ illustrator


Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
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Monday's Riddle! Shades of Light and Dark...

Hello everyone! Here's the riddle. It's a bit tricky, but I love the theme this week! Can you guess it? ~ F


I am the one who gives you the picture. I create a form when I blend my mixture. It matters not what I use. I can make you smile or give you the blues. In brilliant colors or black and white, I sew the thought with dark and light. Words and mind meld as one, as my hand puts to nothing what must be done. But, what will it be? Only I can know, for it's my own purpose that I must grow. 


What am I? 

Check back later if you need a clue!  
Sue O’Kieffe 2009
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Check out the Latest Buzz on the DMS!

It's been an awesome summer so far, and we wanted to share with you some of the wonderful things that have happened over the past few weeks. The DMS is making it's way around the block! Here are some of the cool spots that have connected with us!

Post Date: June 21, 2012 
** Book Giveaway**
Today I am excited to introduce you to Stephanie and Jess. They are the authors and brilliant minds behind the book and blog of the same name, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow...read more. 

Post Date: July 5, 2012
Today I have a special post-holiday treat for everyone. I was lucky enough to have a chance to chat with authors Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson... read more.



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The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle opened up the topic of siblings, setting up a fun week! It's Summertime here in New England, and it's been pretty hot outside. Lizzy cooled us all off a bit with her review of The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies and on Top of the Heap we told you about our favorite story broods. Today is special, because we want to share with you a little about our lovely siblings.

Fairday: My sister, Margo, truly is something else! Ever since she came into our family, there has been a whole new energy that lives in our house. Even the spookiness of our new place can't measure up to the brilliance inside her head. She still believes that she is really a firecracker, which she picked up from the story, My Clearest Me by Gueh Yanting, Claudine .  

I can sit and watch her play for hours. It's so interesting to see how she interacts with things- what she actually sees them as, I have no idea. It's like the other night, I was sitting watching TV and, all of the sudden, her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Fazzy, came flying into the room. It was followed by a completely nude Margo wearing my dad's work shoes. She clomped in, laughed hysterically, grabbed Mr. Fazzy, and then bolted. I was left sitting on the couch in utter astonishment. It was hilarious. I love having a little sister. She's only 2 1/2 now, but someday, we will be able to share our secrets and stories, and that will be truly special. I'm sure she will be in the DMS, and will most likely be running the show as soon as she can manage a backpack. 

Lizzy: I love my brother, and we have such a great relationship. It is only natural to have some competition or sibling rivalry. Recently my aunt was visiting from Colorado. We were laughing and talking about how we all use the word “like” too much. When you start to listen to it, like is a very strange word. Aunt Sophie told my brother, Mark, and I that if we could go 24 hours without saying “like” that she would give us $500 dollars. My uncle was in the car and she said it went for him, too!  I was so excited and was already thinking about how I would spend my money. I was so eager that I started asking questions and of course, used the word “like” in one of my questions!  Mark was determined to beat me. He made it through the rest of the night and I started getting stressed out that he would get his bragging rights and never let me hear the end of it. With only 8 hours left to go he couldn’t resist reminding Aunt Sophie that he was getting close to winning. I believe his exact words were, “I still haven’t said “the l word”, but I almost did when I was like la-.” My aunt and I burst out laughing and the bet was off. I don’t know who was more relieved, my aunt because she didn’t have to pay him, or me because he couldn’t hold it over my head forever that he went 24 hours without saying “like” and won $500. This was definitely one of the most fun competitions we have ever had, and I know there will be more to come.  ~L





The DMS wants to know: What funny stories do you have about your siblings? 
We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours! FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Nancy-jo Funaro

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Nancy-jo Funaro , author of the children's picture book Grandma Says... Dream Green. We recently reviewed this educational and colorful book on Margo's Musings , and It was fun 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 adieu... take it away, Nancy-jo! 


What inspired Grandma Says... Dream Green? 


I have had the fortunate opportunity to visit our 50 states. Each state's terrain is so different. With my camera, I have tried to capture a small moment in time to keep as a memory. Litter has and still is a pet peeve of mine. I wanted my photographs to inspire young children to appreciate what is around them and not to litter. Keep it Green and Clean.

How long did it take you to put together Grandma Says...Dream Green? 
It was a year long process. 
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

The Little Engine That Could by Watter Piper, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin, Bambi by Felix Salten, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott among others.  


What is your favorite vegetable?

I have two, corn on the cob, with lots of butter and salt. I also love Portobello mushrooms sautéed with sweet red peppers.


If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

This is a tough question. Every state I have been to has wonderful environmental qualities. After traveling, I always find Connecticut is my home. Family is here.


You are the designer and photographer, and your sister, Mary-beth, writes.  How do the two of you collaborate on books? 

Once I had decided on the theme and the photographs for the book, my talented sister, Mary-beth Boughton, wrote the lively poems to each double page spread. Being a graphic designer, I had control of the pages. I researched a printer and self-published the book.



What is your absolute favorite texture?

Clouds are my favorite texture, no you can't feel them, but, because of the sun, wonderful shapes are constantly forming and changing. I enjoy looking up to the sky and imagining what figure or animal I might find to take a picture of.

Where can we purchase your books?

Author Website ☞ call me personally at 203-430-5681  ☞   RJ Julia Booksellers  768 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 






Read our review! 








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Top of the Heap!

Ah, our wonderful siblings. Those people who know what we're thinking or doing even when we don't want them to. Sneaky, loving, competitive, annoying, playful- they take on so many interesting attributes, and we get to be related to them for as long as we're here! Lizzy and I thought it would be fun to shout out to some of our favorite story broods. So, here's to all the brothers and sisters out there! Now, it's my turn☺

This week's top of the heap: Best story broods 

Fairday: I have to shout out to Gregor and Boots from the Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins . Boots just cracks me up, and I see so much of my little sister, Margo, in her. Gregor cherishes his little sister, and always tries to protect her. But, Boots has a natural ease with her surroundings, and in the end, usually ends up pointing him in the right direction. After all, she is the princess of the crawlers!

Lizzy: There are so many fabulous sibling relationships in the books I read. When I look at the brothers and sisters that I would like to be a part of, I can’t help but think of the Weasleys. Ginny, Ron, Fred, George, Percy, Charlie, and Bill are each so interesting and their interactions show their love and respect for each other. It would be a blast to be a part of their family and share their inside jokes and traditions. I especially enjoy the way Ginny holds her own with all of her older brothers. She has such a strong spirit and a unique relationship with each brother. Of course, the banter and complex relationships between the boys is also amazing. Still, Ginny learns to be her own person, but each of her brothers play a role in shaping who she is and what she believes. The Weasleys are a family that I would join in a heartbeat!


"The thing about growing up with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -- Ginny Weasley

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Who Will Win the Lemonade War?

Evan and Jessie Treski have always gotten along pretty well for siblings who are only a year apart. They understand each other and appreciate their differences. When Jessie finds out she is going to skip a grade and will now be not only in Evan’s grade, but also in his class things change. Evan is angry about the latest developments, especially because it points out how smart his sister is and makes him feel inferior. With one week to go until school starts they decide to have a contest to see who can sell the most lemonade. Jessie is really good at math, but Evan tends to have better people skills. Which Treski will be able to sell the most lemonade?  Will the victory be overshadowed by bad sportsmanship and dirty tricks? Is there any way that these siblings can get their old relationship back? Reading this book will make you want to have your own lemonade stand and you will be flipping the pages to find out who wins!
   
I think anyone who has ever experienced sibling rivalry will enjoy The Lemonade Wars by Jacqueline Davies. There is something unique about wanting to beat a brother or sister at something! If you are an only child, you will still enjoy the story and anyone who is competitive will have strong feelings about who they want to win the war. While I was reading the book I found that I could relate to Evan and Jessie for different reasons, I wanted them both to put their stubbornness aside and work together. I like that the book made me think about how we act sometimes and that not only do we hurt someone else, but we are usually hurt in the end, too. The book is filled with interesting ideas that could help anyone have a lemonade stand over the summer. Each chapter starts with a vocabulary word that has to do with business, so it was fun to learn some new words. This is a great book for people ages 8 and up. This was a fast read that I was able to finish it in less than a day. It is part of a series, so I look forward to finding out what happens to this brother and sister in the next books. Crack open the pages and see if the Treskis can sell you on their lemonade ideas. 


Has anyone else read The Lemonade Wars by Jacqueline Davies? Or another book by this author? What did you think?

Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Starring Siblings!

Yes! It's all about our wonderful☺brothers and sisters. It doesn't matter if you have one or twelve siblings, it's always an adventure! Lizzy and I have some pretty funny stories to share with you on Top of the Heap, plus a great book review on Wednesday, where we will cool off with some lemonade while we read about a common summertime battle. It's going to be an interesting week!


Even apart, we're together; connected by a common tether. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine, even when it's so not fine. Told to share and get along, but we will fight in silence all day long. At times you're a pest, and so am I, but we challenge the other when we meet eye to eye. From the same brew, our bond rings true- it's always fun to be me when I'm with you. 

Who is you? :) Answer:Your Brother or Sister FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED