Jessica Haight's Blog, page 43

Monday's Riddle: What Root?

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Who knew these could be so creepy! ; ) ~ F
My roots spring from Queen Anne's Lace; I prefer to live in a sunny place. I've lots of styles to behold, but twisted orange makes my mold. Snowmen wouldn't have a nose if I'd not been picked to stick and pose; Bugs would've dropped his line without me on which to dine.

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!
I gave you a clue!

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library will be out this month! We'll be prickling your imagination during this season of spookiness with clues from the story and other fun surprises, so stay tuned until the big "Boo-k" bash on October 23rd! 

Truth lies betwixt the lines.

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Bit of a Break!

We're on a break, wrapping up the next mystery for the book launch. Tune in next week for more riddles and reviews! ~ DMS
Truth lies betwixt the lines.FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings: Is There Anything in the Hole?

What happens when Sam and Dave dig a hole looking for something spectacular? Will they be able to dig down very far? Is there anything interesting hidden in the ground? Will their dog help them? Could there really be a treasure?
Margo spotted this gem at our local bookstore and had to have it. The story is about some boys digging for something spectacular. They dig down. Nothing. They change course- still nothing. Their dog tries to help them. But they can't find anything! At least that’s the story when you only read the words. The illustrations tell a whole other story! I pretended not to notice what was happening in the pictures, and Margo’s face was priceless. She was cracking up and pointing by the end. Of course, now she wants to dig up our backyard and who knows what mysteries are hidden out there! 
We enjoyed reading Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, which was written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The writing style is straightforward and has a strong impact because the pictures reveal what is really happening. Poor Sam and Dave- they have no idea what they are missing! The illustrations are interesting and different. This is a fun story to read to someone who can’t see the pictures and then read it again when they can see what the author didn’t reveal.
Has anyone else read Sam and Dave Dig a Hole? Or have you read another book by Mac Barnett or Jon Klassen? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy Reading!
~F

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle: What's at the Bottom?

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Margo wants me to review a children's picture book she digs, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F
At the bottom, you are low; up is how you must go. You may fall in and feel stuck or it could be a spot of luck. Dig it deep, then you'll see- inside out is where you'll be.

What am I referring to? Answer: Hole!


Riddle skills will come in handy when you're trying to solve the next case in the DMS files, Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library! The mystery unwinds on October 23rd, so stay tuned for clues. ;)

Pre-order Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library
Pick up a copy of Fairday's Riddles to boost your word power- mixed meanings are the key!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle: Can You Dig It?

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? The DMS recently uncovered a very mysterious one in the case of the Talking Library. ; ) ~ F

At the bottom, you are low; up is how you must go. You may fall in and feel stuck or it could be a spot of luck. Dig it deep, then you'll see- inside out is where you'll be.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer! 

I gave you a clue from the DMS's adventures in the Talking Library! 




Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library!
Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson
Illustrations by David SanAngelo
Book 2: Fairday Morrow Series
Middle grade mystery
Age range: 8 years and up
Grade level: 3 and up
Publish Date: October 23rd, 2017
Publisher: Willow Press 


Pre- order available!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Can a Wild Robot Find Their Place?

"We're a strange family. But I kind of like it that way." ~Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Five boxes of robots crash into an island after a terrible storm. Only one remains intact. The robot, Roz, emerges. Roz does not know where she is or what she should do, but she begins trying to communicate with the animals. Unfortunately they think she's a monster and they're scared or try to attack her. Roz pays attention and learns the language of the animals. She tries to make friends with them. When an accident leaves her with a gosling that is about to hatch she knows she must do everything in her power to protect the little life. This is how Roz becomes a mother. In her quest to do what she can to give her new son, Brightbill, the best life- she begins to work with the other animals. Still, the rumors of her being a monster follow her. Roz watches Brightbill as he grows up and she connects with other mothers who are raising kids. After her son flies south for the winter Roz and the other animals experience the worst winter on record. It's a time of change in the forest, including the lodges Roz builds for the animals to keep them alive and warm. The island animals grow closer. Spring comes and the birds fly back. The celebration is cut short by robots that have come to reclaim Roz and take her back to the factory where she came from. She does not want to go and the other animals will need to decide if they let her go or if they protect her. Will Roz have to leave the only life she has ever known? Is there a way to stop the “recon” robots who are trying to capture her? You’ll find the answers in this book about a world both different and similar to the one we live in.
Wild Robot by Peter Brown was a very unique book. I really had no idea what to expect when I picked it up, and I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I instantly liked Roz, and my heart went out to her as she tried to make friends with the animals on the island.  She is so kind and only wants to help others, but the animals resist her because she is different. The way Roz was treated makes you think about how ridiculous it is to judge anyone because of the way they look. Instead, actions speak louder than words or looks! One of my favorite parts about the story is the relationship between Roz and her son. When others judge their family for being different, they have a wonderful discussion about what family means. I think anyone from 3rd grade and up should read this book. It is a reminder to be kind and to give people a chance. If we all decided to help others, the world would be a kinder place. I have recently learned this is the first in a series- so I will be on the lookout for the next one soon.
Has anyone else read Wild Robot?  Or have you read another book by Peter Brown?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Happy Reading!
~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Roving Robots...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Lizzy's review will compute on Friday, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Controlled by forces outside of myself, when I'm off I sit on a shelf. Switch it up, and I'll do my task, calculating odds in a faux mask. My goal is to serve what I don't know. I can only relate to that which I sew. Instructions are given, then I proceed. I do not compute emotional need. 

What am I? Answer: Robot! 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

BOOST YOUR SKILLS FOR THE TALKING LIBRARY!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
Follow along with Fairday and friends as the mystery unwinds.
Fairday Morrow and the Talking LibraryJessica Haight & Stephanie RobinsonIllustrated by David SanAngeloPublish Date: October 23, 2017Publisher: Willow PressISBN#: 978-0-9993449-0-3Hardcover Price: $15.99 + tax
PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle: Wired To Do...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? Some look very real! ; ) ~ F
Controlled by forces outside of myself, when I'm off I sit on a shelf. Switch it up, and I'll do my task, calculating odds in a faux mask. My goal is to serve what I don't know. I can only relate to that which I sew. Instructions are given, then I proceed. I do not compute emotional need. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!
I gave you a clue!


PRE-ORDER THE BOOK! SIGN UP FOR THE BOOK LAUNCH TOUR IN OCTOBER!ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE.
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What's Under the Egg?

Up until recently, thirteen-year-old Theodora Tenpenny lived with her mother and grandfather in a Greenwich Village house, which has been in their family for generations. Since Theo’s mom has been trapped in her own mind trying to solve a math equation (for years), Theo spends most of her time with her grandfather, Jack. When she arrives home to her grandfather being taken away in an ambulance he tells Theo to look “under the egg”. She knew where the egg was, after all, each day they put the best egg from their chickens in a bowl on the mantle underneath the painting of an egg her grandfather had done.  But, Theo can’t seem to find anything else there. What did Jack want her to find? Money is tight now that she is in charge of the family finances, and she does her best to spend as little as possible. After rubbing alcohol is spilled on the painting of the egg an oil painting is discovered underneath. Theo starts trying to find out where it came from and if it is worth anything. Along the way she meets Bodhi, who is in the city because her famous parents are on location. They become fast friends and work on the mystery together. Did Theo’s grandfather steal the painting from the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he worked as a security guard? Is it even an original painting? Will the painting be able to provide enough money for Theo and her mom to get back on their feet and keep their house/?  Read this unique mystery to find out about friendship, art, and the power of knowledge.

I didn’t know much about Under the Eggby Laura Marx Fitgerald when I picked it up- only that it was up for a few awards. I wasn’t expecting an art mystery! Theo and Bodhi had unique personalities and I could relate to both of them in different ways. I liked that Theo was able to make a dollar stretch and that Body was so good at research. Before reading this book I didn’t know much about the Italian artist, Raphael. I learned a ton! I enjoyed the way Theo and Body worked on the mystery because they had divided up some tasks and worked on others together. It was also interesting how much Theo learned about her grandfather and World War II during her research.  I wished she could have had the chance to talk to her grandpa again. I recommend this book to anyone from fifth grade through eighth grade. I also think that adults and older kids will be captivated by this fast paced story. A book that will be a favorite of fans of Chasing Vermeer and The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Has anyone else read Under the Egg?Or have you read another book by Laura Marx Fitzgerald? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The Talking Library Book Tour!

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library will be available next month, and the DMS is excited to start spreading the news. Sign up to be a part of our Book Launch Tour. The mystery unwinds on October 23rd, and we'll be sharing secrets about the story and interesting writing tips in articles such as, "Weaving in the Backstory" and "I See Dead Quotes". It's the perfect time of year for a good fright, and punctuation can be scary, so join in the fun. It's sure to be a scream. ;)


SIGN UP FOR THE BOOK TOUR


Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible. When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is eating words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?



Fairday Morrow and the Talking LibraryOn sale: October 23, 2017Fiction * Hardcover
By Jessica Haight & Stephanie RobinsonIllustrations & Cover Art © 2017 by David SanAngelo
Cover Design by Chris Robinson


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