Surprise Island: Boxcar Children #2

I never read the Boxcar Children as a child, but I really wish I had. Ivy just adores the resourcefulness of these children. Each book is a mystery, but the mystery is not as important as how the children are able to survive on their own. Ivy loves to think of the talents of each of the young heroines. Henry is the builder, Jessie is the cook, Violet the musician/artist, and Benny is the finder of childhood fun. One of her favorite games is to play the Boxcar Children. Atticus is, of course, Benny. I am Jessie, and Ivy is Violet. Matt is Henry, who is often away building something or foraging for food. In this book, the children are left to summer alone on Surprise Island. They befriend the handyman, Joe, but there is something special about him that makes the children think he is more than he appears to be. Also, the children have discovered numerous Native American artifacts while on the island. If they let the public know, will Surprise Island be overrun with curious tourists? Read to find out more about the Boxcar Children in this Gertrude Chandler Warner classic. 

The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus

Ivy really enjoyed this new book about Peter Mark Roget, creator of Roget's Thesaurus. Replete with lovely illustrations of Roget's life, this picture book tells of the remarkable creation of the thesaurus, or "treasure house" in Greek. Each page contains pictures with little word bubbles filled with synonyms, reminding us that we can always turn to a thesaurus to find the right word...

The Nutcracker

Susan Jeffers has created yet another version of the Nutcracker. Despite the numerous versions, Ivy is drawn to this one due to the lovely visuals. She grows angry with young Fritz for breaking the nutcracker and quite terrified when she reads about the scary Mouse King. The glitter on the cover has to help peak her interests as well. :) A must read holiday version of this classic ballet.

Bobbsey Twins Series 2: The Blue Poodle Mystery

The Bobbsey Twins came out with a new series from 1980-1986. Although a bit above Ivy's reading level, she still enjoyed it. It does involve a few issues that were tough to discuss - kidnapping, home burglary, etc. I also found the plot much weaker than the original Bobbsey Twins. We began At Plimoth Rock tonight in honor of Thanksgiving. Hoping that she loves the Bobbsey Twins as much as I did!

The Story of the Pilgrims

Ivy has graduated from picture books, but not from slightly more verbose picture books. She enjoyed this rendition of the pilgrims' journey to Plymouth. Being an ex-Plimoth Plantation worker, I always enjoy a more historical look at the story - two thumbs up from me!

Vunce Upon A Time

I have been quite behind on my blog, but I would be derelict in my duty if I did not add on a Halloween book or two. Vunce Upon a Time is an adorable tale about a vegetarian vampire named Dagmar. When he runs out of vegetables, he just adores candy. When he learns about a human holiday called Halloween, he just knows he has to be a part of it. His parents try to dissuade him from going, but nothing will stop him from getting free candy. An adorable and unusual take on Halloween by J. Otto Seibold. 

Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure

An oldie but goodie. As a kid I only knew about the first one; now there is a series. Ivy just adored Jeff Brown's classic. When a bulletin board falls on young Stanley during the night, he wakes up to find himself flat!!! Although it should be a bad thing, Stanley finds it has its advantages. He can slide under doors, climb down drains, soar through the air as a kite, etc. Soon his younger brother, Arthur, wishes he too could be flat. When a local museum's paintings are being stolen, can Flat Stanley help catch a gang of sneak thieves? Find out in this exciting tale. Ivy and I are going to make our own Flat Stanley soon! Get ready for the adventures to begin...