The Cupcake Club: Sugar and Spice

The Cupcake Club: Sugar and Spice

By: Sheryl & Carrie Berk

116 Pages

Ages: 9-12

Summary:

The gang of the Cupcake Club is back!! In this latest adventure, bullies are taught a lesson in humility, and someone enters a beauty pagent!

Who knew that painting a huge canvas for art class would cause so much trouble?! Certainly not Lexie. However, when her overly large work of art collides with school snob, Meredith, Lexie becomes the target of Meredith's scorn. Instead of just letting it go, Meredith decides revenge should come with going after Lexie's boyfriend. As if constantly putting her down wasn't enough. Well, the girls of Peace, Love, and Cupcakes have decided they are going to teach the school hotshot a lesson, or two.

When the girls learn that Meredith has entered the Miss New England Shooting Starzpagent, they decide someone needs to run against her- and win. Lexie gets voted when they learn she can sing. So, a reluctant Lexie enters. Competition day isn't a smooth one. Some contestants soar, while others sink. And some people see stars.

Lexie isn't the only one facing down her insecurities with rivals. The girls of Peace, Love, and Cupcakes also go head-to-head with their rival competition when both vie for the job of baking for the pageant. Will the girls claim victory this time? Who's impressive cupcake concoction will be the winner?

Girls will especially love this series. The Cupcake Club is a fun, creative, spunky series that I enjoy reading! The characters are fun, the chapters aren't long, The stories are fun and relateable for all ages. The books in The Cupcake Club are great summer reads! Readers will have fun reading the books and getting to know all the girls. I look forward to each book!

Bad Magic

Pseudonymous Bocsh, the author behind the delightful Secret Series, is back with a brand new series!!! Get ready to meet new characters, revisit some from the Secret Series, and go on more wild and crazy adventures!

Bad Magic

By: Pseudonymous Bosch

248 Pages

Ages: 8-12

Summary:

Clayton is being framed! After someone paints something from his journal onto a school wall, Clayton is kicked out of school. The only thing that can save him is to attend a camp for troubled kids. His parents agree (which is a rare occasion) on The Earth Ranch Camp. However, when Clayton gets there, he quickly learns all is not what it appears to be. One giveaway is the talking llama who greets him. Then there's the whole mystery of a ghost in the old library. Clayton has quite an adventure on his hands. But what does magic (something he wrote off years before), his long missing brother, and William Shakespeare have to do with it?

Earth Ranch camp is far from your usual camp designed to whip kids into shape. It was fun navigating the camp with Clayton, and seeing all the oddities for the first time. Until the very end of the book, you don't really know what's going on. You just know that something is going on. 

As I mentioned, some favorites from the Secret Series make appearances. Clayton's missing brother is non other than Max- Ernest. One of the camp figures is also from the previous series. There will be several names you'll read and recognize, like Cass and Price.

Pseudonymous has created another memorizing world to get lost in. From the camp's island home, to the people there, to the mysterious girl/ghost in the abandoned library window, readers will not lack for enticements to keep turning the pages. The role magic plays isn't a dark one, but one where imagination steps in where reality stops. 

Bad Magic was a fun read that kept me wanting to see what was going to happen next. I do think readers may want to be 10, or older, for reading. Some references and words may not be understood by younger readers.

The Worst Witch

The Worst Witch

By: Jill Murphy

96 Pages

Ages: 8-12

Summary:

Mildred Hubble is starting her first year at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches — and making a mess of it! She can’t ride her broomstick without crashing, she’s always getting her spells mixed up, and worst of all, the teacher’s pet, Ethel, has just become her sworn enemy. -- publisher

Originally released in 1974, The Worst Witch is being re-released for a new generation to discover. Young readers are bound to fall in love with little Mildred Hubble. This poor witch-in-training is the student with her heart in the right place, but nothing else. She's the one who will crash into things while learning to fly on her broom, fixing her broken broom with a pile of sticky tape and glue, and is afraid of the dark (ssshhh, if you don't tell, I won't.). 

In this first installment of this delightful character's series, Mildred is the recipient of a kitten. The time has come for all the first year students to get their assigned kitten who will ride on the brooms with their owners. Instead of getting the typical black one, Mildred is given a tabby one. And worse off, yet, the poor kitty isn't taking to flying on a broomstick too well. 

Everything comes to a head during her class's formation presentation at the annual Halloween festivities. Mildred's has embarrassed her class by causing a crash landing (not her fault, though). Poor Mildred is so upset, she decides to taker her tabby cat and run away. However, while walking down the mountain, she stumbles across a group of witches. Witches who are plotting to place a spell over everyone at the school so they can control it. Now it's up to Mildred to save the day.

This book was fun to read. Mildred is a cute character who is fun to read. I can relate to being that child who had good intentions, but would somehow, someway mess things up. I think fellow readers will enjoy her, as well. I look forward to reading more adventures of Mildred.  

Great Storytime Books

  Many times I read this at storytime. A really great going to bed book. You cannot go wrong. Plus it rhymes, which is always fun.

  My favorite to read aloud of the Dinosaur series. As you may have guessed, this one is all about table manners.

    A very fun story about how to behave in the classroom.

  A little fact about this series: A different dinosaur is featured on each page, and the dinosaur's name is hidden somewhere in the illustration. It's really fun for kids to look for it on each page.

Spring Break Read

 

     Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.
       But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, the girls are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: what would Jo March do?
      Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship.

     I really loved this book. I couldn't put it down, and ended up reading it in about 3 hours. I think there's something for everyone represented in this story. There are four very different main characters, yet each one has similarities with one of the March sisters from Little Women. As a kid, I read Little Women and really loved it, and have read it again as a adult and it's even better. It would be really fun to read Little Women, then read this book. And it's the start of a series! My verdict- read this book. You won't regret it!

By Rose 

The Never Girls series by Kiki Thorpe- Ages 6-10

Hocus Pocus Hotel: The Thirteenth Mystery

Hocus Pocus Hotel: The Thirteenth Mystery

By: Michael Dahl

222 Pages

Ages 9+

Summary:

Ty and Charlie must find their beloved friend, Brack. He's gone missing and no one knows where he is. They do know, however, that he never left the hotel. Where could the famous former magician be in a hotel built by magicians? And what do priceless statues of Greek gods and goddesses have to do with it?

Welcome to the third book in the wonderfully enchanted Hocus Pocus Hotel series. In The Thirteenth Mystery, Ty and Charlie need to find their missing friend, Brack. If he isn't found within 24 hours, he risks losing the hotel he loves dearly to rival magician, Theopolis. No one knows where Brack is. The only thing they do know is that mo security camera footage shows him leaving the hotel. Where could he be? Does the the clump of read hair found on Brack's apartment floor have anything to do it with his disappearance? Also, 50 years ago, priceless statues of gods and goddesses were delivered to the hotel. What was once long forgotten has now been remembered, but by who? What lengths are they willing to go to in order to get them back? 

I have loved this series from the very beginning! The books are fun, lighthearted, and absolutely enchanting. Ty and Charlie are a great team and the setting of a hotel built for, and by magicians, mean endless possibilities. The Thirteenth Mystery was every bit as good as other 2 books in this series. Whereas the previous books were broken up into 2 stories each, this time one plot unfolds. However, within that one plot, several other stories emerge. In this case, priceless Greek statues of gods and goddesses are found within the hotel. They had been delivered 50 years ago, but forgotten. Now one is stolen. Who would want to steal them, why, and how were they able to take one of the heavy stone statues? 

A Snicker of Magic

A Snicker of Magic

By: Natalie Lloyd

320 Pages

Ages 8-12

Summary:

Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.

But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere---shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears---but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster.

Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town . . . and her mother's broken heart. -- publisher description, courtesy of Netgalley.com

Every once in a while, a book comes along that is so enchanting and magical that it never leaves you. Long after finishing the final page, the story has stuck with you. Readers, A Snicker of Magic is just that type of book. From Felicity collecting the words she sees everywhere, to the magical town of Midnight Gulch itself, you are going to love every page of the story.

This book was so fun to read. I loved all the characters. The story of the brothers who had the fateful dual had me gripped; wanting to learn more. All the discoveries Felicity makes about herself and her family were done with me right there. You feel the desire to stay in Midnight Gulch, just as Felicity does. You won't want to leave it, either. 

Get ready to go on a journey you will never forget. Get ready to learn how important words truly are. Get ready to have Midnight Gulch change your life. I encourage you to read this book and see life in a way you probably wouldn't before. You won't regret it!

I Am Walt Disney

I Am Walt Disney

Ages 8-11

112 Pages

Summary:

All of us have seen Disney movies. The majority of us have been to a Disney park. It's hard to anywhere without seeing one Disney character or another. But, have you ever wondered how all of that came to be? Who was the man behind the movies. How did Disneyland and Walt Disney World come about? Was Mickey Mouse Disney's first character? What was he like as a Father? Through I Am Walt Disney, you can find out. Full of pictures and cool facts, this is a book any Disney fan will enjoy reading.

Walt Disney was born in 1901, but to a rather poor family. His father had a short temper and poor business sense. Because of this, the Disney family moved around- a lot. Walt didn't go to school until he was 7, and didn't enjoy it when he did. Instead of focusing on his lessons, Walt would make flip books out of his drawings.

Walt's love of art led him to earning money for his drawings by local businesses. He went to the Kansas City Art Institute. His friend, Ub Iwerks became business partners doing illustrations for Restaurant News. Walt's first company, Laugh-O-gram Films, Inc.started when a movie theater owner loved the animated shorts Walt made, and asked for more.

When finances overwhelmed Disney and his company, he was forced to close it's doors. However, he soon made his way to Hollywood, Ca. Frustration and success marked his early years in California. A hard lesson brought the world it's most recognizable character: Mickey Mouse. (However, he originally had a different name)

I Am Walt Disney is full of information for young readers. The book introduces you to the key people who were in Walt's life. A timeline is given, and a glossary for any unfamiliar words. Fans of Disney will enjoy this overview of the man who brought Mickey and the Princesses into their lives.

Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas

By: Victoria Kann

Reviewed By: Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd Grade Class

The Christmas season is upon us. And Pinkalicious is here to put a little more pink into our holidays! Our favorite lover of pink has the perfect idea for her tree, but will it happen? 

Kids Book Korner has been a fan of this vivacious character since she arrived in bookstores. We love how she thinks and strives to make her dreams come true. We know we're always in for a reading treat whenever we pick up a Pinkalicious book. Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas was no exception. She thinks outside of the box and wants to put her own touch on her Christmas. Yet, her family isn't as quick to jump on her bandwagon. So, in order to get the pink Christmas tree she longs for, she has to convince each member. 

While Pinkalicious is enjoyed by kids and adults alike, we wondered what the readers have to say about her latest adventures. So, we gave a copy to the @nd grade class of Mrs. Duvauchelle to see what they thought. 

Albert loves the idea of Pinkalicous giving Santa a pink coat! (We think that would be fun, too!)

Joshua enjoyed the Mother making a snow angel and all the pink. 

Anneleise was surprised to see the pink Christmas tree! (So were we!)

Kathy felt the book was a fantastic story and was impressed with the idea of Santa in a pink suit.

Alyssa liked how the story made her laugh! She thought it was a fun winter story for kids.

Caralynn was a fan of the post cards and stickers! She felt the book was Pinkatastic!!

While the book was more of a hit with the girls than boys, understandably, they all had one thing they especially loved! The pink tree nearly blew Santa's boots off was a huge hit with the entire class! 

Thank you, Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd graders! You did a great job for us, once again!

Kids Book Korner Group Read: Ivy + Bean

It's no secret that we at Kids Book Korner love to read. Sometimes, reading is more fun when you do it with others. That's why, we've started our Group Reads. Our latest choice introduces us to two fun little girls. Some books are better when shared. Find out why we think Ivy + Bean is one of them.

Ivy + Bean (Book #1)

By: Annie Barrows

113 Pages

Summary:

Ivy & Bean may live across from each other, but they were never friends. Now that they are, adventures are to be had. First up, put a spell on Bean's sister, Nancy, so she'll have to dance forever. Can they do it?

Our group consisted of: Rose, Jen, Alyssa (7), & her Dad. 

None of us has ever read an Ivy + Bean book, so when Alyssa was given this book as a present, we decided we should all get in on the fun. Since it was the first book in the series, it was the perfect place to start. We got to meet Ivy and Bean at the same time they did. 

We all loved the book. It was full of kid fun to be enjoyed. We all had scenes that we enjoyed, so we thought we'd share them with you.

• when the worm falls into Nancy's mouth
• Ivy pretends she's going to throw up
• Nancy falls into the mud pit
• Bean paints Ivy's face

All of us loved the Ivy and Bean characters the best from the book. Our 7 year old reader, Alyssa, liked that Ivy loved books and had read hair. She enjoyed all the gross out things the two girls did. She wasn't a fan of bossy Nancy. Rose felt the main characters were very relateable and that Ivy was mysterious, at first. I felt Ivy and Bean were a great team who complimented each other well. I felt most kids would see themselves in one of them, or both.

An Adult Perspective

The adults in our group read loved how the girls used their imaginations. They weren't sitting on a computer, or watching TV. They were making up what they didn't know. The book was interesting and fun to read. As a parent to a young child, I was concerned about the whole witch and potions aspect of the book. My daughter is sensitive and easily spooked by things like this. However, none of it was dark or taken too far. It was light and done with fun. 

A Child's Perspective

Alyssa, our 7 year old reader, loved all the exploring Ivy and Bean did. She felt she could relate to all of the characters, including bossy Nancy. She saw a little of herself in each of them. She looks forward to reading more adventures with Ivy and Bean.

Alyssa Recommends.....

Today's Reader Recommends is done by 7 year old Alyssa! This 2nd grader wanted to share with you a book she recently read and loved. 

Jasmine the Present Fairy

(Rainbow Magic, The Party Fairy Series #7)

By: Daisy Meadows

80 Pages

Age Range: 6-9

It's party time! A big bash for King Oberon and Queen Titania is underway in Fairyland. The Party Fairies keep everything running smoothly, until Jack Frost's goblins steal their magic party bags. Now parties everywhere aren't festive --- they're a flop!

Jasmine the Present Fairy is in trouble. The goblins are after her magic party bag! Can Rachel and Kirsty get things all wrapped up in time for the block party?
Find the magic party bag in each book and save celebrations everywhere!

Jasmine is one of the Party Fairies. She's come to help her human friends, Rachel & Kirsty, with their block party. However, Jack Frost wants Jasmine's party bag. Sending his little goblins (cranky ones, not scary ones) to steal it, the fairies now have get it back. Will they get it and ruin the party?

As a fan of fairies, Alyssa likes this series. She especially liked the part when humans, Rachel and Kirsty, got to see their fairy friends. She also liked reading about how the fairies got everything ready for the party. ("They really know how to decorate!") However, she didn't like how Jack Frost's goblins were trying to steal Jasmine's party bag. ("That's just not nice.")

In this book, you mainly spend time with Jasmine. According to Alyssa, she's very sweet and fun. She feels that Jasmine is a "fantastic fairy friend". She's looking forward to reading the other books in the Party Fairy series. In fact, she will be starting the book about Jasmine's friend Cherry, Cherry the Cake Fairy, tonight. 

Alyssa recommends this series to anyone who loves to read about fairies. She's sure you will enjoy your visits in Fairyland. 

Classroom Review- Apples Galore

Fall has arrived!! Cooler weather is upon us, Halloween is right around the corner, and Fancy Nancy's class is going apple picking! 

Apples Galore!

By: Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy, and her classmates, are taking the fun and learning on the road! In this adventure, the class goes apple picking. Nancy is determined to find her Dad's favorite apple, a Gala apple! However, Lionel, is determined to spend the field trip playing practical jokes. When Lionel tells one too many lies, will anyone believe him when he tells the truth?

While Kids Book Korner is a big fan of Fancy Nancy, we decided to turn over the review to Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd grade class. After all, who better to tell you about Nancy's newest adventure than them?!

On a scale of 1-4 stars, the class gave it an overwhelming 4 stars!!! They loved learning new words, and that the book included French words. While they loved the vocabulary Nancy uses, Lionel's lying didn't escape their attention. They knew he shouldn't have been tricking everyone and was glad he learned his lesson. 

Here's some of the comments the class had to say about Apples Galore!

Olivia- "... inspired by Fancy Nancy" (us, too!)

Scarlett- "Nancy helped him even though you knew he was moody" (so nice of her!)

Anneliese-"I really liked it because there was a lot of commotion, big words, & it was very funny"

                    (so true!!)

Michael- "It teaches us a lesson to not lie." (very important lesson!)

Jake K.- "I learned that new words are fun to use in stories. I like to learn new words." (we do, too!)

There you have it! Apples Galore is a 4 star winner with this bunch! One is never too young to learn fancy and new words! Thank you for your opinions, kids! We will be passing them on to Miss Fancy Nancy, herself! 

Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice

Mrs. Noodlekugel And Four Blind Mice

By: Daniel Pinkwater

90 Pages

Ages: 5-9 yrs

The ever lovable Mrs. Noodlekugel is back! Mr. Fuzzface, her cat, and the four mice from her first book join her in this newest adventure. This time, the mice take center stage.

While having tea, Mrs. Noodlekugel notices the mice spilling their cups. There is only one thing to do about this. Why, strap them onto her hat, coax Mr. Fuzzface into a cat carrier, and go into the city so the mice can get glasses. However, nothing is just your regular trip with Mrs. Noodlekugel. No, while riding on the bus, you get to find out how Mrs. Noodlekugel and Mr. Fuzzface met. I'll give you a hint: it involves trains and a gold medal. 

Mrs. Noodlekugel and four blind mice also reunites one of the characters with a long lost family member. 

This book is as adorable and fun as Mrs. Noodlekugel was. From the characters and their personalities, to the adventures they all share. The writing is easy to understand. The chapters are short and to the point. Readers are in for a treat. At the beginning reader stage, readers can enjoy this book on their own, or it can be part of a story time. Perfect fit either way!

Icing On The Cake

The Cupcake Club: Icing on the Cake

By: Sheryl & Carrie Berk

Pages: 115

Ages: 9-12

Summary:

Jenna has a full plate: a 5th grader, cupcake business & club, plenty of friends. Suddenly, her life is about to change. Jenna isn't happy about all the new changes, either. See what takes her, and the rest of the club, to Las Vegas, what connection they have to an Elvis impersonator, and why the club would be baking pupcakes.

Jenna's life may not be perfect, but she's happy the way it is. So when her Mom announces she's now engaged to her boyfriend, Leo, Jenna is less than thrilled. The impending nuptials may have many supporters, but Jenna isn't one of them. Still, Jenna goes along with it when her Mom asks Peace, Love, and Cupcakes to bake them a tower of cupcakes for the wedding- in a month and across the country.

The girls find themselves baking the night away in the kitchen of the fancy Venice Hotel- but not just for Jenna's Mom. Upon their arrival, they meet an Elvis Impersonator with quite a problem. His 100th show is that night and he can't find anyone who can bake a cake big enough for his 250 person audience. Nor can he find someone who can make it a peanut butter and banana cake. Thankfully the girls come to his rescue.

As if all that isn't enough, Jenna falls in love. Her school Community Friends project takes her to Rescue Rover, a dog shelter. Promptly, Jenna meets a puppy she names Dulce. 

The Mother-Daughter writing team of this series brings you another fun adventure to read. I loved seeing what fun things the girls would be doing in this book. It will find a home on my bookshelf. 

Rifka Takes A Bow

Rifka Takes A Bow

By: Betty Rosenberg Perlov

36 Pages

Rifka introduces you to the world of Yiddish Theater. With her parents being actors in it, she's able to give you a backstage tour of it all. From the trip the family takes to the theater, to the backstage happenings while everyone is getting ready for the show to start. With Rifka as your guide, you get to see a world you may not otherwise get to see.

Follow Rifka as she and her Dad go under the stage and look at the many props stored there. And no tour of a theater would be complete without an impromptu performance. That's exactly what happens when Rifka  moves from her chair by the stage. She follows the stairs and ends up right in the performance. When an audience member wants her to say something, Rifka makes a prediction for her future.

This book was such a cute read. I loved the story and the illustrations. Rifka Takes A Bow allows it's readers to learn about a world beyond theirs. After the story, Perlov gives a brief history of Yiddish Theater and includes pictures. A fun read!!!

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares For Halloween

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares For Halloween

Melanie Watt

64 Pages

Age Range: 4-8

Our favorite lovable, overly cautious squirrel is back and he's helping you get ready for Halloween! With his help. you are guaranteed to have a safe and fun time. We must warn you, though. Those with sticky fingers, claws, or tentacles may not hold this guide. (As per Scaredy's instructions.) Also, you cannot take this book through walls, on brooms, or by a dragon. (Again, per Scaredy's instructions.) 

Within the pages of Scaredy's handy guide, you will be given tips that should prove invaluable. For instance, turning your blender on will, in fact, scare off ghosts and goblins. Also, when it comes time for your trick-or-treating, avoid any untamed lawns. It's just better that way. Halloween can be a practical, but fun, holiday. Turn on your washing machine. This gives you a great sound effect, but you also can do a load of laundry at the same time. 

Costumes are an important part of Halloween. Scaredy provides you with helpful tips! Such as- start thinking of your options in June. To avoid the Halloween night chills, he suggests layering several costumes over each other. Scaredy even tells you how to make do-it-yourself costumes. All you need is 8 vacuum hoses and 4 ping pong balls to make your own spider costume!

This book is a great Story Time read! Kids of all elementary ages will love the silly things Scaredy comes up with. Pictures illustrate everything, and they are fun to look at. While this book is longer than previous books, I don't think it'll be hard for independent readers to enjoy. This book is broken up into 8 chapters, but they aren't very long.

My only downside to this book is the price. I think $17.95 is a lot to ask for a picture book. Even one that is longer than your average picture book length. Hopefully, your library will have it. 

Goddess Girls: Athena the Brain

Athen has always been above average. She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact. When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history- Medusa!

Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

This is a good start to a series that I'm really excited about. It provides a fun way for kids to learn about Greek myths, and puts it on their level. I love that it's pretty much all these gods a goddesses in junior high, and junior high in Ancient Greece was about the same as it is now. There are nice girls and mean girls, popular guys who know all the girls like them (in this case, Poseidon), and embarrassing situations for the main character. How would you feel if the whole school found out that your mother was a fly? I think we can all relate to the circumstances of the story. 

I really liked how the authors chose to write the character of Athena. I think she is a good role model for young girls, and she makes good choices throughout the book. This book might just get some of those girls who aren't interested in the Percy Jackson series into Greek myths as well.  

Amelia Bedelia series

Jen and I read these with her two daughters, ages 3 and 7, the other night. They were a bit too long to hold the 3 year old's interest, but they had the rest of us in stitches.

Imagine Amelia Bedelia in your homeroom! Everyone's favorite zany lady finds herself teacher for the day- and what a day it turns out to be!

This was my favorite Amelia Bedelia as a child. There is some outdated terminology in it, so I had to stop reading at some parts so Jen and I could explain some of the words to the kids. I think for beginning readers some of the newer Amelia Bedelia books might be better. This is a classic, though.

When Amelia Bedelia went to the station to meet the conductor, Mrs. Rogers did not expect her to bring back a man who worked for the railroad. The concert could not start until the orchestra leader arrived- which he finally did, no thanks to Amelia Bedelia. 

But neither the conductor nor the school orchestra was prepared for Amelia Bedelia's contribution to the musical event. The master of literal interpretation, Amelia Bedelia is just as happy with a flat bee as with a B flat. And if you want a wind instrument- well, what blows more wind than an electric fan? 

Amelia Bedelia is as funny as she has ever been in this musical extravaganza. Do you wonder what she plays in the orchestra? She plays havoc!

Wow, this one was pretty crazy! By the end of the book, she had really gotten under the conductor's skin. (And I don't mean the train conductor!) Kids will like this one.  Ages 5 and up.

She's back! Amelia Bedelia,  America's favorite housekeeper, has returned. Armed with a driver's license, Amelia Bedelia hits the road! 

Amelia Bedelia listens to what people say. She believes they know what they are talking about. If someone tells her to watch out for a fork in the road- well, she's heard of needles in haystacks, so why not a fork in the road? Readers will find her exploits hilarious.

I think this was the funniest one yet! The part about the fork in the road had us all cracking up. And Mr.  Rogers learned his lesson- never go driving with Amelia Bedelia!

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift: The Platinum Edition

By: Liv Spencer

Summer has arrived and with it the opportunity to learn more about people you admire. My two girls have become fans of the ever popular Taylor Swift, so I took this chance to learn more about the object of their affection. After all, this Mommy would like to know about the singer/songwriter behind the car ride concerts. 

In Liv Spencer's book, you get TONS of pictures. You get tons of surface information. Liv walks you through how Taylor Swift became the household name she now is. You'll learn how Taylor dealt with her share of naysayers and bullies. Taylor Swift will show you how a young girl with a dream took a well-known American song and turned it into a career.

Liv Spencer's book gives you a brief peek at the world Taylor created as she tore conquered one obstacle after another. You won't get an in-depth story of the famous Taylor Swift. Her much talked about love life is only mentioned in track listings. Still, this book is a great starting off point in learning about a strong, determined woman who didn't compromise herself to achieve her dream.

I have respected Taylor for not being what the industry wanted. She made a name for herself by standing out and giving pieces of herself through her music. She isn't a gimmick who lip-syncs to music while dancing up a storm in barely there costumes. She's a wholesome person who sets a great example for the kids looking up to her. She shows how you can achieve what you want in life through hard work and strong ethics.  

Personally, I loved reading about all the songs on Taylor's albums. Each album is broken down by track. Along with it is the story of how the song came to be, the inspiration behind it, and other fun information. I always love how creativity comes to people. 

Enjoy getting to know about Miss Taylor Swift!