Mavelous Middle Grade Monday: The Fairy’s Mistake, by Gail Carson Levine

1 CommentMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

I loved Ms. Levine’s beautiful cinderella retelling, Ella Echanted, so when I picked up The Fairy’s Mistake I decided to try it even though the cover looked a little…passive? Or maybe awkward is the word.  But the story was nice and active–frankly quite better than the cover promised.  Of course, having said that, this is no Ella

READ MORE

Funny Friday (the 13th) Faceoff

5 CommentsFriday Funny Faceoff, Just for Laughs, , , , , , ,

On this luckiest of Fridays, I plan to write 5k words (or cry trying) and post my humor homework.  I’m experiencing a little nerves over this, since the humor class teacher is none other than founding Onion editor, Scott Dikkers.  The focus this week is on ‘headlines’ so tell me if these are funny: B.

READ MORE

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Howl’s Moving Castle (Picture Book) by Hayao Miyazaki

8 CommentsMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf, , , , , , , , ,

In order to properly spotlight this book I must first trust you all with a small confession.  A confession which I find is just a little hard to put to keyboard now that I come to it…so no laughing, alright? The thing is, when I heard that Mr. Miyazaki was retiring, I was horrified.  [that’s

READ MORE

Friday Funny Faceoff the 3rd

3 CommentsFriday Funny Faceoff, Just for Laughs, , , , , , , , , , ,

Hooray for Friday!  We made it! lol  This week was one day short, so I ought to feel I’ve got extra energy in me and Friday came early.  But I think Fridays are like cats.  They are never late, just as they are never early.  They always come precisely when they mean to. Or, was that wizards? You’ll

READ MORE

I’ve been Pig-napped

Just for Laughs, Writing

Ever wondered how famous old-time authors got so much written, despite having no computer?  Ever wanted to boost your own productivity?  I recommend pig-napping, aka, being held hostage by the pigs. Over the last week as they honed their ability to escape (and we attempted more desperate means of keeping them in) I’ve discovered two things: First, that

READ MORE

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Whatever After, by Sarah Mlynowski

1 CommentMarvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

Once Upon A Time there was a slim little book on the shelf, with pink on the cover and a veeery girly look. But, I tried it anyway–and that ended happily ever after for me!  Whatever After: Fairest of All was just as slim as it looked–not a lot of plot twists there, and we only see a small

READ MORE

Friday Funny Faceoff the 2nd

11 CommentsFriday Funny Faceoff, Just for Laughs, , , , , , , , , , ,

Was it just me, or did this week start off really lame?  Tired, gray…okay, I think it was just me.  ‘Cause actually Monday was kinda green and sunshiney, at least around here.  But either way, the good news is– And, so did the week!  First we’ve got an awesome cartoon I picked up at Hubspot,

READ MORE

A New-Old Obsession

10 CommentsThe Bookshelf, Tween the Weekend, Writing, , , , , ,

When does research become obsession?  At what point is the To Read pile just too high?  And how did I keep all these books from falling over? That last question? I tip-toed.  And I’m listening for the thunderous thump.  As for the others…I don’t think my books can possibly climb too high–but then, research AND obsessing

READ MORE

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The Monster’s Ring, by Bruce Coville

Marvelous Middle Grades, The Bookshelf

I know, I know!  How is it I haven’t read any of The Magic Shop books?  And more, still call myself a middle grade writer?  Well, I missed them the first go round, and probably the second, but just think of them as a lovely dessert I was saving for last!  Today’s spotlight is The Monster’s Ring,

READ MORE