Posts Tagged ‘children’s literature’
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THIS: “20 Entrances That Are Clearly Gateways to Narnia”
Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Oh hey, don’t mind me.
Just injecting a quick explosion of BEAUTY into your day! :0)
For magic, clickety-click this green link –>
20 Entrances That Are Clearly Gateways to Narnia
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*thanks to my writerly brother-in-law, Andrew Weber, for the BuzzFeed link.
Tags: c.s. lewis, children's fairytales, children's literature, narnia, photos, romance
Posted in Romantic Things, Uncategorized | 9 Comments »
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THE BRACKEN TRILOGY by Jeri Massi (book review)
Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
I’ve been on a fantasy kick lately and am enjoying discovering some really fresh stories. A few beauties were recommended by friends, another I picked up on a whim from the bookseller’s. I don’t know, maybe it’s the autumn weather easing in alongside the morning fog on the coastline, but between the books and the seasonal changes, it’s fully put me in the mood for things like petting giant wolves, stoking morning fires, and drinking cups of mead accompanied by the sounds of lustrous singing from random wood folk. Not that I know any random wood folk but…it’s on my to-do list.
(Note: *Make friends with small, singing, tree-chopping people who may or may not believe in magic.)
With each book, my mind keeps slipping back to the first fantasy series I ever read on my own – The Bracken Trilogy by Jeri Massi. I was probably eight at the time, and for many years they were my favorite in the genre. So of course I had to mention them on here :0). They’re little, middle grade level books, and adorably precious with strong female protagonists and sweetly colorful side characters. The first is:
THE BRIDGE
When the kingdom of Folger attacks Bracken and captures its castle as well as the bridge connecting the two realms, the spoiled Princess Rosalynn barely escapes with the cloak on her back. Out on her own and hunted by Folger’s master, the young princess must make her way through territory saturated with spies and thieves who would sell her in a heartbeat to the highest bidder. Until she comes across a mysterious woman who may hold the secret to saving her kingdom. A secret involving the old bridge.
I’ll just tell you right now that this book is my favorite of the three. :0)
Followed by
CROWN & JEWEL
Rosalynn’s daughter, the Princess Rosewyn, is nothing like her royal mother — mainly because her favorite pastimes include beating up the stable boys and riding around on full-grown pigs. But one day when the little princess is heading off to draw mustaches on the fancy people in the royal library books, she stumbles across a plot to overthrow her parents. And like her mother before her, it’s up to Rosewyn to find a way to save her kingdom. Except to do so will require entry into a world of assassins and political betrayal.
Okay, my very favorite aspect of this book is the coal miners. Who are basically wood folk. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to live with them… *sigh*
And lastly
THE TWO COLLARS
In this final story, seven-year-old Krea works as a slave for a traveling circus. Her days are filled with hunger, and her nights are spent dodging beatings from her master. So when a seemingly kind woman takes a particular interest in Krea, she is both intrigued and terrified. What could the woman want from her? And with the unified kingdoms of Bracken and Folger cracking under the weight of an oncoming war, what does their conflict have to do with her?
Um…I pretty much love any story that has to do with traveling circus folk and evil villians. So there’s that.
All right, so what about you, preciouses? What are some of YOUR favorite fantasy books? Any I need to check out???
;0)
*Book Cover pics from GOODREADS!
Tags: Book Reviews, children's literature, fantasy, Goodreads, Jeri Massi, middle grade, The Bracken Trilogy
Posted in Book Reviews | 12 Comments » -
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"Bill" by Heather Morrell (a children's book)
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Is there something you have always wanted to do? Perhaps learn to paint? Write a book? How about author and illustrate a children’s book?
My dear friend Heather Morrell has. She just finished it a few months ago in fact. This is Bill, her adorably illustrated “learn to read” kid’s book, with its twenty pages worth of duck adventures. And, yes, those are watercolor illustrations—the girl knows how to write AND paint.
I received a sneak copy because she loves me. Then I begged her to let me post about it. Her talented, marketing, husband, Scott, helped her publish it for their children, although I suspect their kiddos aren’t the only ones who’ll want a copy (seeing as my own 4-year-old is already obsessed with the thing). Am I wrong?
What’s the mood noise of the moment (thanks to Gretchen)?
Mumford and Sons: Roll Away Your Stone
:0)
Tags: Bill the duck, children's literature, learn to read kids book, Mumford and Sons video, Scott and Heather Morrell
Posted in A bit of brag | 9 Comments » -
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