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...

Bats in the Band

What a night we had almost two weeks ago when Brian Lies came to the Blue Bunny in Dedham! My husband and Ivy were outside the store ready with the a guitar and ukelele to greet the esteemed author who drove up in his BATSmobile (a car decorated with scenes from the new book complete with a playable "sewer pipe organ". Atticus was happily banging the plethora of instruments strewn on a table outside of the store. Once inside all the children were enthralled by Lies's new book, Bats in the Band. I think the best part for me was learning about all plays on words and hidden musical references scattered throughout the book. However, the best part by far was when Lies pulled out a drawing that he had made in the 2nd grade. It was a typical 2nd grade drawing, without a hint of the artist that he would become. This really resonated with Ivy who often considers her own artwork to be just scribbles.

Wemberly Worried

My husband got me this book for a present. Me. Not Ivy. I am so worried because Ivy will be starting Pre-K at a new school. I think I am more scared than she is. The Pre-K is 1/2 day, and Ivy will have to be in a lot of aftercare. I am just heart-broken.


This book is about a mouse who worries about everything.

Big things.
Little things.
And things in between.

If you ever know someone who worries, this book is for them. A perfect back to school book that has helped both me and Ivy. At one point Ivy said, "Mom, stop worrying. Think aboutWemberly Worried."

Cinder Edna

Ellen Jackson has created a clever retelling of the Cinderella story. In this tale there are two neighboring damsels with wicked stepsisters and stepmothers who handle their fates in two distinctive ways. Cinderella is portrayed as a silly and vacant girl who cannot get to the ball without her stepmother's help. She wears her elegant glass slippers to the ball and meets the handsome yet pompous Prince Randolph. Cinder Edna, on the other hand, saves money earned cleaning parrot cages, buys a dress, and takes a bus to the ball in her sensible shoes. She meets the goofy and kind Prince Rupert, Randolph's brother who lives in a cottage in the back of the palace and runs a recycling plant. When a sensible shoe and an elegant slipper are left behind, only one couple will live happily ever after. This spunky tale about self-reliance and finding your own happiness is a great read.