MrsK Books: The Water and the Wild by K. E. Ormsbee

Monday, July 10, 2017

The Water and the Wild by K. E. Ormsbee

K. E. Ormsbee

ISBN: 9781452128818

Publisher's Synopsis:

For as long as Lottie can remember, the only people who seem to care about her have been her best friend, Eliot, and the mysterious letter-writer who sends her birthday gifts. But now strange things and people are arriving on the island Lottie calls home, and Eliot's getting sicker, with a disease the doctors have given up trying to cure. Lottie doesn't know what she can possibly do—until a door opens in the apple tree. Down through the roots is another world—a world of treacherous, beautiful, impossible magic that just might lead to a cure for Eliot.

MrsK's Review:

"A green apple tree grew in the heat of Thirsby Square..."

No one knew why Mr. Yates III would have planted this tree in their neighborhood. But it fell upon Mr. Yates IV to keep it alive. Of course his wife could have chosen to put the apples to good use but she was not kindly at all. Unlike Mrs. Yates, Mr. Yates had a "knack" when it came to being nice. Including taking in an "orphaned, lemony-haired baby."

When Mr. Yates died, Mrs. Yates turned their home into a boarding house in which "no pets, no football, no noisy behavior" would be allowed. I'm sorry to report that things would not be pleasant for the little orphan girl since Mrs. Yates felt she was a bother and quite "maddening."

By the time Lottie Fiske was twelve, she discovered three treasures that would bring her joy each day. The first was her "apple tree," it grew right outside her bedroom window and greeted her every morning. It brought her a friendship that was strong and true. Her second treasure was in fact a school friend. Eliot was every bit as "odd" as Lottie but he was also a very sick young soul. The third treasure is in fact a small copper box. What's so special about this copper box? It all began when Lottie began receiving treasures and letters inside her copper box.

"If you should ever need anything, write back."

And so Lottie's adventure begins... Lottie not only receives treasures from the apple tree, she will soon discover an opening into an amazing world. Lottie discovers friendships, the truth about her parents, her talents, and her mission. As Eliot's health begins to deteriorate, Lottie fears that they are running out of time for his healing. If she can locate Mr. Wilfer, the healer, she knows he could help Eliot. The quest will be challenged by so many, the serum will be elusive, and Lottie will need to trust in her own gifts.

The Doorway and the Deep (The Water and the Wild, #2)

Book 2 link

Since Lottie's return from New Albion, Eliot has had the best prognosis. Eliot's father has sold his business and moved. Their previous adventures lead Lottie into the discovery about her talent. Yet, now was the time for Lottie to return to New Albion in a quest to "sharpen" her "keen." With the understanding and approval of Eliot's father, they both re-enter the world beyond the apple tree and are created by their friends in Wisp Territory. Knowing what your "keen" is and being trained in its use leads Lottie to discouragement and impatient decisions. Just when Lottie thinks nothing will change... she discovers a key in her pocket.

With delightful characters, inviting settings, and various... seriously life-threatening quests, Lottie will become a heroine that you will always want to re-visit!

Fantastical adventures are awaiting you, enter within these covers and discover your newest friendships,
MrsK

Enjoyable series!
A must have for every classroom and library!

Meet the Author:

K.E. Ormsbee's Middle Grade debut, THE WATER AND THE WILD, is a fantasy published by Chronicle Books. Its sequel, THE DOORWAY AND THE DEEP, comes out October 4, 2016. Standalone fantasy THE HOUSE IN POPLAR WOOD publishes Fall 2018.

She also writes Young Adult novels as Kathryn Ormsbee. Her YA debut, LUCKY FEW, published with Simon & Schuster in Jun 2016, and her next YA, TASH HEARTS TOLSTOY, comes out Summer 2017.

K.E. Ormsbee likes clothes from the 60s, music from the 70s, and movies from the 80s. She is from the 90s.

"I received this book for free for this review."

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MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)