Falling for Fairy Tales

I'm still on a fairy tale kick. This week the fairy tale is a modern twist on an old theme. It uses a literary technique with which readers will be very familiar. Enjoy.

“Falling In”

By Frances O’Roark Dowell
For ages 9 – 12
Its not unusual for modern authors to find inspiration in childrens' classics, such as "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Wizard of Oz." This tale follows Isabelle, a young girl, as she falls into another world, explores the themes of family, friendship, strength and finding one's self. Rated 3.75 (fantasy, implied peril,

Obviously inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz,” this tale follows sixth-grader Isabelle Bean, who feels out of place in this world. She believes she belongs somewhere else, so when she falls into another world she believes she has finally found her real home.

Isabelle discovers that the children in this mysterious world spend much of there time hiding in the woods from an evil witch. Unafraid, and a little intrigued, Isabelle sets off to find the witch. Along the way she makes friends with an peculiar girl and finds a healer that happens to be her grandmother. She discovers it is her grandmother that everyone believes is a witch. Since Isabelle knows there is not actually a witch she sets out to inform everyone, but things do not go as easily as she hoped.

This interesting narrative will appeal to non-fantasy readers and has a satisfying conclusion. The tale is wrapped in twists, turns and deeper plot points that explore family, inner strength and happiness. The only drawback is in the pacing, which finds the occasional chapter plodding along at a tiresome pace.

Annie Enchanted

In keeping with my last review of "The Secret Lives of Princesses" I've decided to stay in the fairy tale realm with another book about princesses. Although it is clearly aimed at preteen girls this book has adventure and a strong secondary male character. If you enjoyed Ella Enchanted you'll probably like this book as well.

“The Wide-Awake Princess"

By E. D. Baker

For ages 9 – 12

It’s “Sleeping Beauty” through the eyes of her sister, Annie. She's immune to magic which means she remains wide awake when "Sleeping Beauty" curse takes hold, hence the title of the book. Look for whimsy, adventure and tongue-in-cheek references. Rated 3.5 (humor, princesses, relationships)

This twisted fairy tale follows Princess Annie, who happens to be immune to magic, as she sets out to find Prince Charming. Now you must understand, she's not looking for her "Prince Charming." Oh no, she's looking for the Prince Charming in the hopes of breaking the curse that has put everyone in her kingdom to sleep. Along the way she stumbles into many a fabled story – “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Princess and the Pea” and “Rapunzel” are just a few of the tales you'll recognize.

With a down-to-Earth heroine, humor and a good message for young girls, Baker teaches us that everyone has special gifts. Our job is to embrace the gifts we've been given and be proud of who we are. Princesses and a little romance make “The Wide-Awake Princess” best suited for girls, but there is enough adventure to keep boys interested as well in this fun, fast and enjoyable book.

No Ordinary Princess

When I run through my neighborhood I see family upon family playing in their yards. They play catch, soccer, basketball, chase, and just about anything else you can think of that is fun. Last week I saw one family playing on their playground and I can only imagine that since there was a little girl dressed up like a princess standing at the top of the tree house portion of their playground, the daddy the daddy must have been a night out to rescue her. Whatever their game was it reminded me of a wonderful book I read on a recent trip to the bookstore.

“The Secret Lives of Princesses”

By Philippe Lechermeier

Illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer

For Ages 4 - 10

This beautifully illustrated book takes you well-past the fairytale princesses you’ve met in movies. With charm and humor the world is introduced to a bevy of enchanting, magical and captivating royal ladies. Rated 4.5 (poetry, humor, beautiful illustrations)

I imagine this is how Shel Silverstein would have handled the world of princesses - with a deft use of language, poetic rhyme and a touch of quirky humor that makes both children and parents laugh. You’ll meet Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything, and Princess Tangra-La who never met a dance she didn’t like. You’ll also learn how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells. The illustration add beauty and charm to the already creative romp through fantasyland. At 88 pages the only drawback to "The Secret Lives of Princesses" is it's length. If you have any princesses in your life this is definitely a book for them.

Back to School

New Mystery Series from Clements Makes School Cool Again

I am a big fan of Andrew Clements. I have read several of his books with my oldest son. They are smart and entertaining stories with well-crafted characters, plots and lessons. When I saw that Clements was writing a series I was a little interested. Then I discovered it was a mystery - very interesting. I decided to read it. not a very difficult deceision really.

“Keepers of the School: We the Children”

By Andrew Clements
For Ages 8 - 12
Think “Hardy Boys” as written by the author of “Frindle” – likable characters, interesting twists, a gold coin from 1783 and a mystery. Ben is a sixth-grader in a small New England town. His parents have recently split and his school has been sold to an amusement park company, which plans to tear it down. Now he reluctantly finds himself embroiled in a mystery and ready to defend and save the school. Rated 4.5 (intrigue, slow pacing, deep subject matter)

Most children have read Frindle by the time they begin fourth grade and are very familiar with Clements’ school stories. This year, when your children head back to school there will be a series of school stories waiting for them on the bookstore shelves. “Keepers of the School” follows Ben, a sixth-grader in a small New England town. His parents have recently split and his school has been sold to an amusement park company, which plans to tear it down.

On his way to class Ben finds the janitor having a heart attack. The janitor gives Ben a gold coin from 1783. It has been handed down through the years beginning with the founder of Captain Duncan Oakes School. It reads, "First and always, my school belongs to the children. DEFEND IT." A few hours later, the janitor is dead and Ben finds himself involved in a mystery surrounding the school, its history and the impending demolition. With the help of his friend Jill, Ben sets out to defend the school.

Clements does a great job creating likable characters with depth. Full-page and spot illustration in pen and ink add to the drama and excitement. There is even a pretty exciting sailboat race where Ben walks away a hero. This is a good choice for boys and girls looking for a mystery.

To Read, or Not to Read?

I have been a Shakespeare fan for a long time - probably since high school. Any time I see a book that uses Shakespeare in some way shape or fashion I can't help but read it. This one looked entertaining so I went for it. But that was never really in question.

“The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet"
By Erin Dionne
For ages 10 - 14
This middle school story features “mean girls,” Shakespearean scholars in full Elizabethan garb, a seven-year-old genius, a girl named Hamlet who wants nothing more than a quiet, boring year of school and a budding romance. Even in this crazy scenario Hamlet finds a way to stand out and believes in herself. It’s an enjoyable read with good character development. Rated 4 (teen situations, humor, Dali, Shakespeare)
Hamlet, except for her name, is a typical eight grade girl. She would like nothing more than a quiet, boring year of school. Of course when your parents are Shakespearean scholars who live, breathe and eat Shakespeare 24 hours a day it can be difficult to blend in. Throw in a seven-year-old sister who is a genius and will attending classes with you and your life will probably be anything but quiet.

The plot is fairly typical school story stuff with a budding romance, friendships and finding pride in one’s self. Throw in a couple “mean girls” and a strained sibling relationship and things begin to get interesting. Dionne does a wonderful job mixing humor and teen drama. The discussions of Shakespeare, Pollack and Dali keep things interesting. Hamlet’s character is well-developed and very likable. When Hamlet finds she actually has talent she learns that even in a family of extraordinary people you can find ways to stand out and be proud of yourself. This is a fun read that will be enjoyed best by middle school girls.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Pigs!

A couple years ago I reviewed a book titled, "Chickens to the Rescue." It was a silly adventure with some super chickens on the farm. My children giggled every time we read it. Recently I was in the bookstore and saw the follow up book, "Pigs to the Rescue."

“Pigs to the Rescue”

By John Himmelman
For Ages 3 - 6
If you read "Chickens to the Rescue" you'll find you have already read this story. Just replace everything with pigs. It's cute, silly and good for early readers. If you have not read "Chickens to the Rescue," you'll enjoy this story of pigs who try to help but seem to comically bungle everything. Rated: 3.75 (humor, early reading, fun illustrations)

Himmelman revisits the Greenstalk’s farm in this fun follow-up to “Chickens to the Rescue.” Once again the story flows day-to-day through the course of a week. Each day there is a problem and each day the pigs rush out to save the day. Whether plowing a field, rescuing a kite, or throwing duck a birthday party the pigs do everything in their power to help. Unfortunately for farmer Greenstalk, the pigs are a little too eager and take everything to the extreme. Instead of furrows they dig trenches. And poor duck is swept into the sky by a large bunch of balloons.

What makes this story really fun are the illustrations. The ridiculous outfits and situations are depicted with great detail. Study each picture for funny details, you’ll find plenty. “Pigs to the Rescue” is fun for any kindergarten or first grade student still learning to read and looking for a laugh.

Along Came a Spider

There was a time when I can honestly say I had a "fear" of spiders. Since having children I have learned to face my fears in the hopes I won't transfer them to my kids. My children can develop their own fears, they don't need mine. I may not be afraid of spiders anymore but I do still have a healthy respect for them, and I still find them freaky. So I have to admit it took me a while to begin reading "The Deadlies."

“The Deadlies: Felix Takes the Stage”

By Kathryn Lasky
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
For ages 6 - 9
"The Deadlies" is an "on the road" adventure with a family of misunderstood brown recluse spiders that don't measure up to their species' reputation at all. Misfits struggling to find a place to fit. This tale has a great message and good dialogue, but the plot meanders quite a bit. Rated 2.75 (spiders, bigotry, family relationships, humor)
While theaters are bombarded with previews for the animated adaptation of Lasky’s "Guardians of Ga’Hoole" series, her new book series was quietly placed on bookstore shelves. “The Deadlies” follows a family of brown recluse spiders who seem to be misunderstood, even among spiders. Felix and his family would never think of biting a human and, except for the mother, they are not very reclusive. They even made a theatre cat their god-spider.

Felix, the only boy in the family, is an artist. He loves music and painting. He does not want to hide and highlights the struggle of understanding even within his own family. When he comes out of hiding to conduct with the maestro at the grand symphony hall Felix is discovered and subsequently loses a leg. Fear of the exterminators who have been called in forces the family to move. After a couple moves and run-ins with discriminating spiders the Deadlies head cross-country to the Boston Public Library.
The story is about acceptance and finding a place where you don’t have to hide who you are. A good message to be sure, but it get lost in the meandering “on the road” plot with which even Bob Hope and Bing Crosby would have struggled. The bright and humorous dialogue, especially noted between Felix and his sister, is the story's strongest point.

My nine-year-old has shown no interest in "The Deadlies" and would probably be bored with it quickly, but my six-year-old may enjoy the narrative. I'll be interested to see where Lasky takes the characters from here and if she'll be able to add any pizazz to the premise.