Feb 05 2010

Pippi Longstocking

pippilongstockingPippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been a Pippi fan. I read Pippi when I was a girl in school and she has been loved by children everywhere ever since. So I was thrilled to see that Pippi got a bit of a makeover by way of a new translation by Tiina Nunnally and new illustrations by Lauren Child (of Charlie and Lola fame).  And I love it!

But for those of you who don’t know Pippi yet. Well . . . what would you say about a girl who lives in a house called Villa Villekulla with her pet monkey and horse without any adults around. Sounds like fun to me! Pippi has tight, red braids that stick straight out and has unusual strength for a little girl. She’s feisty and precocious and can take care of herself. She is friends with the children who live next door, Tommy and Annika, and together they find themselves in hilarious situations. Never a dull moment when Pippi’s around.

Child’ illustrations are just what this classic story needed! They are colorful and energetic and a little goofy, just like Pippi.

So, if you love Pippi as much as I do, then you’ll want to get your hands on this newly translated and illustrated version. And if you don’t know Pippi . . . what mrspigglewigglesecretgardenare you waiting for?

And here are some more of my childhood favorites! Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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Jan 19 2010

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

wheremountain

First and foremost, Congratulations to Grace Lin for winning a Newbery Honor for this book! It was just announced yesterday!!!

This is the story of young Minli, a girl who lives with her Ma and Ba in a poor village in China. She sees how hard her parents work everyday for so little and wishes that she could do something about it. When she hears that the Old Man of the Moon has the ability to change your fortune, she runs away on an adventure to visit him where the mountain meets the moon. On her way, she meets wonderful friends, strange creatures, greedy people and difficult situations. Will Minli survive her journey? Will she find the magical objects that she is told to find? Will Minli change her family’s fortune?

I’ve heard it said before, but I definitely see the similarities to The Wizard of Oz. Lin tells the story simply and beautifully.  I love how Minli’s story stops so that you can hear an old chinese story (ones that Lin used to love as a child), but I also love how they both work so well together. And, of course, Lin’s colorful illustrations fit beautifully with the folktale feel of the story.

wonderfulwizardoz

dragonrider

If you loved stories like Dragon Rider or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, then you’ll love Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Grace Lin appeared on the Today Show recently to talk about Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Watch the video below:

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Jan 15 2010

The Willoughbys reviewed by Tess

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

willoughbysFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

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Jan 15 2010

Rex Zero, King of Nothing reviewed by Pranava

Rex Zero, King of Nothing by Tim Wynne-Jones

rexzeroFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

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Jan 15 2010

Two-Minute Drill reviewed by Bobby M

Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica

Two-Minute DrillFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

One response so far

Jan 15 2010

Nicholas reviewed by Nicky

Nicholas by Rene Goscinnynicholas

For the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

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Jan 14 2010

The Beloved Dearly reviewed by Olivia

The Beloved Dearly by Doug Cooney

beloveddearlyFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

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Jan 14 2010

Ramona’s World reviewed by Sophia

Ramona’s World by Beverly Cleary

ramonasworldFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

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Jan 14 2010

Out Standing in my Field reviewed by Ryan

Out Standing in my Field by Patrick Jennings

outstandingFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

One response so far

Jan 14 2010

How to Steal a Dog reviewed by Sophie

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor

How to Steal a DogFor the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a realistic fiction book and wrote a review including the four components of a good review: the introduction or hook, the summary, thoughts and opinions, and the conclusion. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

One response so far

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