Jessica Haight's Blog, page 159

The DMS Wants to Know!

This week we have been talking about Greek and Roman mythology. Monday's riddle was fun, asking the question, what's in a name? pointing out the different variations of the same deities. Lizzy reviewed The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan , which told the story of three young demigods learning about their ancient powers. And, on Top of the Heap , we shared our favorite Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. Today, we want to hear from all of you!  

This week, the DMS wants to know: 
What is your favorite Greek or Roman myth? Why?

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours!



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Author Interview with Angela Mitchell

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Angela Mitchell, author of the children's book  The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble.  We recently reviewed this uniquely silly story on Margo's Musings . 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, Angela! 
Children's Author, Angela MitchellWhat inspired you to write The Jelly That Wouldn’t Wobble?
Princess Lolly as a character came first, then the party, then the jelly, then the problem! I thought of my own childhood and the copious amounts of jelly I consumed, and loved the idea that even in old age you could still enjoy jelly and ice cream at your birthday party. What readers will now discover is that the combination of jelly and ice cream actually started in Princess Lolly’s palace. This is a very important point to remember.
How long did it take you to write the book?
I wrote Jelly about four years ago. I would put it away for a few months, then return to it. Re-write, and re-write. Put it away again, and do the same thing. This is a good idea when doing homework – although you won’t have four years before you have to hand it in! Check, check and re-check, until it’s as good as you can make it.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
Ezra Jack Keats is my picture book writer/illustrator hero. He wrote and illustrated The Snowy Day, probably his most popular book. He was the first writer/illustrator to use an African-American child as the central character in a book. Something I love, and in Jelly, the smallest guest is of mixed heritage. Ezra's stories are so simple, his characters are so real and engaging, and yet they convey what is so human and identifiable in children. I love all his books. I read a lot of classic children’s fiction at junior school, such as, The Secret Garden, also Swallows and Amazons , obsessed with the Chronicles of Narnia , loved Carrie’s War, The Pigman, The Owl Service, and The Young Visitors by Daisy Ashford. All books I would recommend to young readers.
 What was your inspiration for Princess Lolly?
I didn’t want Princess Lolly to be a child. The smallest guest is a child, and I wanted him to be the hero. I loved that Lolly throws tantrums like a spoiled child and insists on a special jelly for her party, even at her great age! At the end when the jelly finally wobbles she is triumphant that the jelly can now be eaten - she is also a fair Princess, which is revealed at the end of the story. You get the feeling she is still a child at heart, and I hope it’s a feeling a lot of adults will be able to identify with too while reading it to their child.

How did you meet the illustrator, Sarah Horne?
I first met Sarah at the Maverick Book Lunch about two weeks ago! I felt very lucky, as the writer and illustrator don’t usually get to meet. Sarah is not only incredibly talented, but so lovely and unassuming. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with her illustrations. They are wonderful, quirky and really convey each character so brilliantly! I can’t imagine anyone else illustrating Jelly now. Sarah has really brought the story to life.
What is your favorite flavor of jelly?
Orange. It reminds me of my childhood. My mum would mix tins of fruit salad with the jelly, and we would have vanilla or tutti frutti ice cream or Carnation Milk with it! Yum. (Again, dear reader, please remember where the combination of jelly and ice cream originated.)
Will there be any more adventures for Princess Lolly and her hungry guests?
Possibly, if she throws enough tantrums…
Where can we purchase a copy of The Jelly that Wouldn’t Wobble?
☞ Maverick Books ☞ Waterstones ☞ Amazon ☞ W. H. Smith ☟


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

We opened up the topic of Greek and Roman mythology with Monday's Riddle and Lizzy reviewed the middle grade book  The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan , where all Hades breaks loose and three demigods must struggle to complete their quest. Today, we are excited to chat about our favorite Gods/ Goddesses. Yeah mythology! 


This weeks top of the heap: Best Greek and Roman Gods/ Goddesses


Helen of Troy; painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1863Fairday: Recently on  Top of the Heap  I chose Earth's heavenly sister, Venus, as my favorite planet. She is also my pick for most fascinating Roman goddess. The stories of Venus reflect her mystique in myth and reality. It's hard to imagine what a goddess of love would look like. After all, everyones version of the most beautiful person is completely different. I imagine her to look a little like Helen of Troy, but flashier! ~ F


Symbol for fertility
Here's a bit about Venus:She is the goddess who represents beauty, fertility, and desire. Known as Aphrodite in Greek Mythology, Venus was born of the Sea and Sky. She was honored as the Mother of the Roman people. Venus enchants anyone who sees her and inspires feelings of love wherever she goes. 




Lizzy: I have always had a strong connection to the ocean and water in general. Swimming is one of my favorite activities, and I feel like a mermaid as I glide through the water. After I read The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan, I became a big fan of Greek mythology. The god that I think is the best is Poseidon because he gets to rule the water. How cool would that be! After all, our planet is made up of 70% water! Poseidon's power is amazing and his trident is awesome. I would love to live under the sea with a wide variety of creatures and have the water all around me. ~ L


Here's a bit about Poseidon, the Greek God of Water: Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea. A son of Cronus and Rhea, he is one of six siblings who eventually divide the power of the world. His brothers and sisters include: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Zeus. The division of the universe involved him and his brothers, Zeus and Hades. Poseidon became the ruler of the sea, Zeus ruled the sky, and Hades became the ruler of the underworld. 


Photo by Jean Guichard




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Can Three Demigods Save the World?

When Jason wakes up on a school bus holding hands with some girl he doesn’t recognize and talking to people he has never seen before he knows something is wrong. Once he thinks about it, he isn’t even sure who he is or what he is doing on a bus. Piper and Leo try to remind Jason of who he is, but he doesn’t have much time to process what they are telling him before they arrive at the Grand Canyon and all Hades breaks loose. When the three are sent to Camp Half-Blood they learn that they are demigods and are introduced to a little bit about the world “behind the mist.” Soon Piper, Leo, and Jason embark on a hopeless quest. The quest is dangerous and none of them know much about being a demigod and how to fight and overcome the obstacles that come their way. In order to be successful they will need to save Hera, stop the mud lady, and save Piper’s dad- all before the winter solstice. If they fail there will be consequences for the whole world. Will Piper be able to save her dad? Will it entail betraying her new friends? Is there any way for Jason to get his memory back? One thing is for sure these three demigods will take you on an adventure filled with gods, goddesses, and creatures you have never encountered before!

I am so happy that I picked up The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. After reading and enjoying The Lighting Thief series I decided to give this a try.  I was drawn to the cover because it looked mysterious and interesting. I couldn’t figure out what the characters were riding on and I didn’t know who they were. I think anyone who likes Greek or Roman mythology will enjoy this book. Before reading The Lost Hero I didn’t know much about Roman mythology, so I learned a lot. The story is told from three different points of view, Piper’s, Leo’s, and Jason’s.  It was fun to find out more about what each of them was thinking. The story includes a lot of terms that could be hard to understand, which is why I recommend it to anyone in 4th grade and up. I have the second book in the series and I look forward to starting it soon.   
Has anyone else read The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan? Or have you read another book by Rick Riordan?
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Roman vs. Greek!

Mount OlympusYes! Roman and Greek mythology. How exciting! What is more fun than exploring the different versions of these fantastical tales of old? Lizzy's reviewing a great book that's relevant to this topic on Wednesday, and we are going to have a field day with Top of the Heap on Thursday. So if you enjoy the wondrous worlds of mythology, be sure to stop by this week and chat with us! ~ F



Dramatic tales of unearthly love planted by the heavens above. Is it mighty Jupiter that rules the land? Or the strike of Zeus from his fiery hand? Could it be Neptune who commands the all powerful sea? Is Poseidon's trident the ultimate key? Ask yourself this, what's in a name? Is it a different version of one in the same?

What are they? Answer: Roman and Greek Myths


http://www.timothybanks.com/illusblog/?p=8
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The 4th Drawing Contest Starts Today!

Drawing Contest!


Ruby Begonia by Gabby,
5th grade studentDrum roll please... Announcing the 4th drawing contest for The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow! This is a fun event that will spark the imagination for both parents and kids. We enjoy the illustrations drawn by our readers and are very excited to see all the new artwork! Good luck, and have fun!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 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






Please send us a drawing of a scene from   The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow . You can read the first seven chapters online by clicking here . 


Submit your artwork by email to:  haightjess@gmail.com  or you can snail mail it to: Jessica Haight6 Butternut LaneNew Fairfield, CT 06812Contest Instructions: ☞ Stay in the loop on  Fairday’s Blog! ☞ Submit your drawing via email or mail☞ The winning picture will be chosen by a panel of judges.

** Contest ends June 15, 2012. Mailed copies must be received by this date. The picture that reflects the most creativity and effort will be announced on June 18, 2012 ** 
HAPPY READING!!!
☟

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 CONTESTANNOUNCED 9/5/11

☟

CONGRATULATIONS PATRICK WINNER OF THE 1ST DRAWING CONTESTANNOUNCED 5/17/11

Patrick, winner of the 1st Drawing Contest 



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Monday's Riddle! What's in a Name?

Good morning! Welcome to Monday's Riddle : ) Can you guess the theme this week? Good luck everyone! ~ F


Dramatic tales of unearthly love planted by the heavens above. Is it mighty Jupiter that rules the land? Or the strike of Zeus from his fiery hand? Could it be Neptune who commands the all powerful sea? Is Poseidon's trident the ultimate key? Ask yourself this, what's in a name? Is it a different version of one in the same?

What are they? 


Here's a hint: I am pretty excited about our topic of discussion this week (it's one of my absolute favorite subjects to chat about).



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The DMS Wants to Know!

You guys dug up the right answer on Monday's Riddle , unearthing the topic of buried treasure. Lizzy then reviewed the new middle grade novel, Misfortune Cookie by Sara Linton , where a young girl receives an unfortunate message and is convinced that she has been cursed with bad luck. It's a hair raising archeological mystery that keeps you guessing from beginning to end. For Top of the Heap we shared two of our favorite finds and today, we want to hear from you! ~ F


The DMS wants to know: 
What archeological artifact do you find to be absolutely fascinating?




We told you ours, now let's hear yours! 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings: The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble

This week Margo stumbled upon a fun book that she wanted me to share with all of you- as usual, she let me know this by expressively pointing to the story and then to herself, shouting "ME!"


The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble by Angela Mitchell is a unique, quirky story with wonderfully silly illustrations. Margo seemed to really connect with Princess Lolly, agreeing with her that the special jelly should  definitely wobble. Her feelings wavered about the jelly when it voiced its discontent about the whole affair- this actually made her pretty nervous and she was impressed that no one in the royal court was scared. My mom was coaxed into presenting a big bowl of jiggly red Jell-O for desert the other night after having read this colorful story.

Will the special jelly wobble for Princess Lolly on her 89th birthday? Will Margo ever be able to eat red Jell-O again without cracking herself up and shouting, "WHY WON'T THIS JELLY WOBBLE?" (sometimes she belts it out in song : )





The DMS was lucky enough to interview Angela Mitchell. Be sure to check it out Friday, May 18th!

☞ Maverick Books  ☟



On a personal note, I love that Princess Lolly wears a pin that says, 'I Rule'. I have to get one of those!



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Top of the Heap!

What's more fun than finding buried treasure? Not much, that's for sure. We opened up the discussion this week with Monday's Riddle . Lizzy reviewed, Misfortune Cookie by Sara Linton , which wove a fun mystery into the discovery of ancient treasures. Today, we're shouting out to some of the artifacts that helped map the human story. So, buckle up, because we're taking a quick trip back through time...

This week's top of the heap: Most interesting archeological finds!

Fairday: I cannot explain why, but, for me, it has to be the Dead Sea Scrolls. First of all, I'm fascinated by the Dead Sea itself, add in eons old mystery scrolls, and you've got a winner. I have no idea what their spiritual meaning is, but they really are very interesting! It's amazing to draw up an idea of was happening at the time when they were written, then hidden away in caves to keep safe. The fact that they are legible shows you how stories can just glide through time, riding on the back of language and communication. It's like opening a window into the past and peering through it to see what was really going on. ~ F

Here's a bit of the story behind the Dead Sea Scrolls:The story of the Dead Sea Scrolls begins in 1947, when – so the tale goes – a Bedouin shepherd found a collection of apparently ancient scrolls in a cave above Khirbet Qumran, near the north end of the Dead Sea. Over the course of the next year, seven scrolls from the cave reached scholarly hands. When examined by experts, the importance and antiquity of the find was quickly understood... read more 
Here's a bit about the Dead Sea:The Dead Sea in Israel is the lowest place on the planet and the biggest spa on the face of the earth. The Dead Sea is globally famous for its unique ability to heal many illnesses and solve many health-related problems... how cool is that- plus, there's nothing but brine shrimp and salt deposits at the bottom, which look like an over- turned Atlantis- very, very mysterious : )  
Lizzy: Archeology is such an amazing field.  New images of the past are always being discovered, allowing us to learn more about the people and cultures that came before us.  It was hard to decide which find was my favorite, but I have been reading a lot about Colonial America lately and find this time period fascinating. Learning about the hard life the settlers had everyday makes me realize how much our world has changed. All of the historical fiction I have been reading steered me toward the inscribed slate found in Jamestown in 2009 as the best find.  Archeologists believe the slate is from 1611 and it was preserved in an old well that was used for garbage since it stopped providing clean water. I love that it includes drawings and clues to life at that time.  Sorting through the past helps us to think more clearly about the present. I can’t wait to see what we dig up next!  ~L

Read about the mysterious Jamestown Slate 









FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED