The Mysterious Benedict Society Part II

  I really like the characters in this book.  They each have a unique personality.  Constance lives at the public library.  Kate and Sticky are stowaways on trains and boats.  Reynie lives at an orphanage. So what do runaways and orphans have in common?  They all answered the newspaper ad to take a special test.  I love the tests they have to take.  They are true puzzles and each character uses a different technique to solve the puzzle.  Mr. Benedict and his crew have them find their way through obstacle courses and secret rooms, too. 

Fearless Kate, Timid Sticky, Cranky Constance and Thoughtful Reynie are told they are “the only hope.”  What is their “dangerous mission?”  You’ll have to read to page 100 to find out.  It’s really creepy, too.  Like someone you can’t see whispering in your ear at night when you are in bed.  And to keep the story going… kidnappers are after the kids.  Thank goodness they have the secret rooms to hide in. 

Mrs. Neddo

Edward’s Eyes

  I am reading this new book by Patricia MacLachlan to Mrs. DelMonaco’s class.  The beginning of the book has a chapter called the Prologue.  I remember as a kid getting confused with that word, “Prologue.”  Did that mean what was written happened sometime in the past or future of the story?  I mean, if it was the past, why did the author write it at the beginning of the book?  I knew it would connect to the story, but it would take me some time to figure it out.  And once I did I still didn’t remember how a prologue worked when I saw it in another book.  I know it sounds dumb, but I guess we all have a word or phrase that we mix up a few times until it “clicks.” 

So… if you are listening to this book in Mrs. D’s class or have read it… why do you think Patricia MacLachlan wrote the prologue for Edward’s Eyes?  Click on the comment link below and jot me a note. 
Mrs. Neddo

Mike Lupica Fans

Two new Mike Lupica books just arrived at Pashley Library.  Head on down to check them out.  We also have Heat.  His newest book, The Big Field, is on order.

Mrs. Neddo
 

Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls

  This new book by Meg Cabot looks like a book I want to buy for Pashley.  What do you girls think?  Has anyone read it?  Here’s an interview with Meg Cabot to let you know more about the book.

Mrs. Neddo

The Mysterious Benedict Society

  I just started this new book and with 485 pages… I am thinking this one might take me ’til next week at least.  I am excited though.  It’s reminding me of the Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket series with a touch of the Blue Balliett’s art mysteries. Have you read The Mysterious Benedict Society?  Click on the comment line below and drop me a note.

Mrs. Neddo

New York: the Empire State

This new book about New York State caught my eye when I saw how the illustrator has divided up each two page spread.  Each fall, some of our fourth graders are given an assignment to describe a region of New York State. The authors, a mother-daughter team, describe 15 regions with brief fact-boxes that describe the region’s sports, nature, government, and tourist attractions. 
One error to clarify with students…glaciers did not slice Long Island away from Pennsylvania.  I think it was the weight of the glaciers that pushed Long Island up and then the warmer climate and erosion raised the level of the water to create the Island.  
One note to the teacher… the Capital Region section mentions our legislators, but shows a picture of City Hall.  Minor problems with an enjoyable read aloud for our fourth graders, who will surely know the difference between the capital buildings!

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat-Part III

Well, that was a great combination of magical fantasy and a good mystery. I loved all the dark, rainy nights Emmy and her friends spied in windows, hid behind dressers, eavesdropped in stairwells, and snuck out at night to rendezvous with rodents against the evil Professor Vole.  And the Rat is so funny!  He always has a quick smart remark that will have you laughing.  He is so full of himself!    Also, I forgot to mention that the Shrinking Rat is the Shrinking Rat of Schenectady!  I was so surprised to see Schenectady mentioned.  I highly recommend this for grades 3 and up.  

Coming Soon-New Graphic Novels

These two graphic novels look to be smash hits.  I hope they will ship over the February break.  Head on down to the library to reserve your copy today!
Jellaby and from the Amulet series, The Stonekeeper.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Interview

Jeff Kinney, the author of the Wimpy Kid series, was just interviewed by NPR about the new Rodrick Rules.  Yes, my son groans in the car when I listen to NPR, and maybe you do too… but this was a good interview.  Only seven minutes.   Jeff Kinney tells how he came up with his story and what’s next for Greg in Book 3, 4, and 5.  Jeff Kinney originally wrote this series for adults!  Whoa!  Check it out! 

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat-Part II

I am about half way through the book in one night!  I love it, love it!   It reminds me of Roald Dahl’s Matilda with all the magic and sinister characters plotting against an innocent young girl.  When I got to the Pawball (soccer for rodents) tournament I couldn’t help but think of The Mouse and the Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph. 
I can’t give away too much- the plot and action is interconnected from one surprise to the next.  I love figuring out the mysterious happenings.  For instance, how the rat’s bite changes the humans and their search for a cure at a creepy shop owned by Professor Vole.  He is a totally creepy guy that actually hunts down Emmy and the Rat at school and later tries to trap them at his shop, The Antique Rat.  Or why the sinister nanny, Miss Barmy has Emmy visiting a silly school psychologist every two weeks. What’s with that?!  Thanks to help from Emmy’s new friend, Joe, and the Rat I just figured out how Miss Barmy is keeping her parents away on vacation so long!  Revenge against Miss Barmy is so sweet thanks to the potions at the creepy Antique Rat shop.  Thank goodness it’s a snow day.  I can’t wait to finish this one!  Ta-ta for now!