The Time Garden by Daria Song

Daria Song

ISBN: 9781607749608

Publisher's Synopsis:

Journey through the doors of a mysterious cuckoo clock into its inky innerworkings to discover a magical land of clock gears, rooftops, starry skies, and giant flying owls—all ready for you to customize with whatever colors you can dream up.
Cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll wonder, was it all a dream?
The Time Garden features extra-thick craft paper, ideal for non bleed-through coloring, and the jacketed cover with flaps is removable and colorable. Special gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine and a To/From page make it perfect for gifting to adults and kids alike.

A dazzlingly beautiful coloring book for all ages, The Time Garden will sweep you away into a whimsical cuckoo clock–inspired world, created in intricate pen and ink by the internationally best-selling Korean artist Daria Song. 

Mrs.K's Review:

Ok, I have to admit that I was not a fan of this new type of genre. I did not look beyond the covers of most of these "adult" coloring books. As an educator and librarian, I knew these books of art would not be practical for our shelves. Students would never be able to check these out and color in them.

However, what I found was....

"There once was a little girl who had boundless imagination,

and exploring was one of her favorite things to do." 

An endearing story that captivated my imagination. When the little girl's father brings home an antique cuckoo clock, the little girl just has to take a closer look... to her surprise she discovers a "strange red-haired little fairy." And so her journey begins.

With detailed sketches, you journey with the little girl in and out of the cuckoo clock. Into many "alluring" settings. Into many illusions as enticing as any fantastical dream.

Beautifully designed. Artistically playful. This color book holds the promise of enjoyment, tranquility, and discovery.
Take a moment to read, to color, to relax in a dreamy moment in time, 

MrsK

"Every object in the house that caught her eye had a brilliant story of its own."

 

Beautifully crafted... Delightfully fun...

A great gift for yourself and all who love imaginative journeys.  

Meet the author/artist:

  DARIA SONG is an author and artist with a master’s degree in fiber arts from the Ewha Womans University Graduate School of Fine Arts. Winner of the Kyung Hyang Arts Contest, Song has exhibited at numerous galleries and museums in Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and Hong Kong. She is a lecturer at the Kaywon School of Arts and her illustrations can be found in Amore Pacific and SK Planet. She spent five years of her childhood in San Francisco before returning to Korea, and the sense of wonder and mystery that comes from living in a far-off place inspired her internationally best-selling adult coloring book, The Time Garden.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

 

A division of Penguin Random House LLC

Hiding Places by Erin Healy

Erin Healy

ISBN: 9781401689605

Publisher's Synopsis:

The Harrison lodge is full of hiding places where young Kate can discover all the secrets no one wants her to know.

Eleven-year-old Kate keeps her knowledge to herself—one sister’s stash of marijuana, the other’s petty cash pilfering, her grandfather’s contraband candy bars. She protects her mother and Gran, too, screening out critical comments from the hotel suggestions box. But suddenly the stakes are raised; her grandfather’s best friend is murdered the day after Kate heard the two men arguing.

At the same time, far from the quiet mountain resort, a homeless man sees a robbery gone wrong . . . a gang member seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and a boy chooses the worst time to wield spray paint on a store window. In a strange and spiraling sequence of events, their disparate worlds collide at Harrison Lodge.

Kate offers shelter to one of them, unaware of the terrible consequences to the family she loves. But people can hide in all kinds of ways, sometimes even in plain sight . . . and some secrets are just waiting to be exposed.

MrsK's Review:
If you are young. If you are someone who is living in the shadows of adults, then your story might be that which saves many lives. Kate is a darling character. She is gifted with a wisdom into the true character of those in her life. She is brave and courageous. She adores her Grandfather (Grandy) and her family is precious beyond their unique quirks. Before her story is finished, you will discover that Kate's passion towards those in need will not be in vain.

"Can you believe this old beast still works?

She's yours, Agent K.

Don't let the film canister go to the bad guys."

Kate's story begins with a sweet interchange with Grandy. They share many secrets that allows Kate to bloom as a young trouble-shooter. On this day of  "surprise gifts," Kate overhears her Grandy as he is arguing with his best friend. Her Grandy never gets angry, why is he threatening to kill Mr. Gorman?

"Mr. Gorman should say he's sorry so you guys can make up...

That's what we have to do at school when someone does something stupid."

Keeping her fears to herself, Kate and Grandy travel into town. At the Kwik Kash Pawnshop, Kate will experience a theft while Grandy and Mr. Gorman are in the back room. From that point on, Kate will experience a series of events that will lead her toward decisions that endanger the lives of her family and their home at Harrison Lodge.

Charlie is a young man who has experienced violence, abuse, abandonment, betrayal, hypocrisy, and "every type of fight for respect, resources, or relief". He doesn't have much other than a harmonica. The gang he hangs with is on the verge of a robbery. Merridew acts as the "dad" for the gang, he calls the shots. He decides what will be done and who will do it. What unfolds will be a series of fatal decisions. For Charlie, he will need to decide if he is going to get involved or run.

Fox is a man, a husband, a father, a gang leader, and an informer. His life is hard and on a fast track to a fatal decision. The morning after his son was abducted and killed, he finds himself between two worlds. One of anger seeking revenge. Another of regrets, grief, and a nauseating realization that life is valuable. 

On the day of the robbery, many will be changed forever. The moment death enters the scene, many will be confronted with choices in which their true strengths or weaknesses will determine their actions. Kate will extend a hiding place to Charlie. Charlie will need some time to recover. Grandy will need to share his secret in order to save his family. Great grandma Pearl will need to confront her family about their deceptions, denials, and the truth behind the creation of Harrison Lodge.

"The lodge was full of such hiding places, where an eleven-year old could spy out all the secrets..."

Seamlessly woven, six lives unfold. Six futures will be determined. Each life has a past that will "collide" at the Lodge. So vivid are the decisions. So carefully crafted are the scenes. So defined are the characters. What begins as a young girls story will end with a reader's experience that is flawlessly portrayed and played out as if it was viewed on the big screen.  

Intriguing suspense in which every turn of the page causes you to want to hope,

MrsK

 

Intriguing...Suspenseful...Moody...Hope-filled!
"Can you put a price on a saved life?" 

Meet the Author:
  Erin writes supernatural suspense novels with a curiosity about what it means to be a spiritual creation in a physical world. Her books invite readers into the thin places where God’s mysteries touch human realities and change us forever.

Read the first chapters

Hiding Places: A Conversation with Erin Healy

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

A Big Surprise for Little Card by Chrise Mericle Harper

Charise Mericle Harper

ISBN: 9780763674854

Publisher's Synopsis:

Fall in love with a disarming picture-book hero in this quirky ode to spirit, identity, and the joy of having (or being) a library card.

In the world of cards, each one has a special job to do. Big Card keeps important papers in order. Tiny Card can be exchanged for a prize in an arcade. Round Card hangs out in a glamorous boutique. But is any card as lucky as Little Card? He’s going to school to become a birthday card — in other words, to sing, play games, eat cake, and be happy all day long. But wait! On the day he’s supposed to take his talents into the world, Long Card tells him there’s been a mix-up and they need to trade jobs. How can Little Card bring his exuberance into a library, a quiet place of books and rules and hushing? Offbeat and utterly endearing, this tale of a little guy who gives it all he’s got is complete with a sweet twist and a surprise ending.

MrsK's Review:

Books about books are such a sweet delight. A book about a Library card is a promising read, who wouldn't want to read about a library card's joy of ownership?

There are so many cards available for so many... postcards, tiny cards, greeting cards, and reading cards. Each card is unique and every type of card has its purpose. Meet Little Card. Full of possibilities. Little Card is full of joy, exploration, and a love of singing:

"Read a story that's new...

Pick the right one for you-----.

It fills you with won--der;

that's the ma--gic books do." 

After a quick misunderstanding, Little Card receives its true destination. A young girl named Alex. Together they explore the many activities offered at the library... the "rainbow" of books... the surprises... and the joy of discovery.

Such a delightful introduction into the possibilities within the open doors of a library,

MrsK

 

Delightfully fun...

Perfect "hook" for the value of Libraries...

Wonderful design of the promises a little card can deliver!  

Meet the Author:
  I write and illustrate books for children.

I live near New York City with my two children, two pets and one husband.

I like to make things - except lunches for school.

I do not like to make those.

 Visit Charise's Blog

 

Meet the Illustrator: Anna Raff

   Anna’s illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Ask, and Kiwi Magazine, among others; on TV with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and MTV’s "Woodie Awards." In 2010, she created Ornithoblogical, a blog of bird-related imagery.

Before her career as an illustrator, Anna was a designer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and several children’s book publishers in New York City. She is on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts Illustration Summer Residency Program, has an MFA from the School of Visual Arts, a BA from Connecticut College, and lives in New York City, where there are reportedly four rats per human resident.

Visit Anna's Blog
 
"I received this book for free for this review."

A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller

ISBN: 9780718033156

Publisher's Synopsis:
She never wanted to marry. He hopes to make amends for past wrongs. Can love find a way to heal both of their hearts?
Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry—she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man—the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.
Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can’t let her down—even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.
Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn’t the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family—and herself.

MrsK's Review:

 "As she plodded along the road, 

the summer sun pressed down on her sweat-soaked body.

Her dress clung to her back,

and heat radiated from the asphalt beneath her tennis shoes.

She couldn't get home fast enough and into the cool building

that housed Schrock Grocery and Tools."

With God's grace, Sadie survives a devastating encounter with the Troyer brothers. She has known them since she was little, after all their father is the Bishop of Birch Creek. Yet on this summer day, Sadie will vow to let Sol or Aden be near her again. Until that day, six years later, when everything in her life must change.

Sadie's strength is found in her honor. She is a hard worker, she is resourceful, she is loyal and kind. Her love is harbored deep within her soul. Her challenge will be tapping into the overflow of love from those she can trust. Trusting others can be a shattering experience, Sadie must find a path into the blessings of love. Her path will begin with the needs of survival for her sisters and for her self. Her heart will be renewed by a choice in which Sadie will learn that love is a gentle gift.

Aden is a man whom thanks God for small favors. Although he has always admired and appreciated Sadie, his shame has kept him from "striking out" on his own. That is until that moment in the Schrock Grocery and Tool store. That decisive moment of Sadie's need when he had to right the past. His love will be the refreshing gift that will lead Sadie beyond what life has dealt her.

"As Abigail walked away, Sadie leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

'Make a way for her, Lord... Please, make a way for all of us."

Sadie's sister Abigail will be the one who will help their little sister, Joanna, heal from the devastating accident. While Sadie steps into the role of provider, store keeper, finance manager, and bride. 

Together, Sadie and Aden will discover truths, strengths, weaknesses, deceptions, and faith. Together they have an opportunity to discover a precious gift of hope in a love that will last a life time.    

Sometimes a quiet read is the most deserving moments of gentleness,
MrsK

 

Gently Moving

Meet the Author:

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and currently live in Geneva, Ohio. I've been married to James for 22 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, three dogs, and have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 21. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review"

Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller

Donalyn Miller

ISBN: 9780470900307

Publisher's Synopsis:

In Reading in the Wild, reading expert Donalyn Miller continues the conversation that began in her bestselling book, The Book Whisperer. While The Book Whisperer revealed the secrets of getting students to love reading, Reading in the Wild, written with reading teacher Susan Kelley, describes how to truly instill lifelong "wild" reading habits in our students.
Based, in part, on survey responses from adult readers as well as students, Reading in the Wild offers solid advice and strategies on how to develop, encourage, and assess five key reading habits that cultivate a lifelong love of reading. Also included are strategies, lesson plans, management tools, and comprehensive lists of recommended books. Copublished with Editorial Projects in Education, publisher of Education Week and Teacher magazine, Reading in the Wild is packed with ideas for helping students build capacity for a lifetime of "wild" reading.

MrsK's Review:

Do not attempt to read this book without hi-lighters, sticky-notes, a pen, and dedication.

Last year, as a staff, we decided to read three books that could inspire us as we searched for a new reading and language-arts curriculum. What began with Reading Magic by Mem Fox, lead us into Donalyn's first book entitled The Book Whisperer. Inspired doesn't quite catch the true meaning or level of excitement that began bubbling forth and into our classrooms.

Once summer arrived, I eagerly continued my journey with Reading in the Wild. During those lazy evenings I would curl up with an iced tea and "browse" through the book. If you are an educator, I'm sure you realize that "browsing" would not last long. Frustrated beyond belief with all of the insightful renovations firing off in my mind, I gave in and "set my learning stage" fully equipped with every note-taking tool I would need. I was now prepared to embark on a journey with a designated goal of "tweaking" next year's learning environment. What I unearthed was a quest of such magnitude that I needed to embrace this "re-molding," slow my pacing, and accept the collaborative mentoring from every page of Donalyn's leadership (one of the best educational investments of my career).

Within these pages, you will find reading ideas, techniques, and tools that will provide the "perfect" setting for our students to be set free "to read." As mature readers we read for various reasons. We are always on the "watch" for new discoveries. We search garage sales, book stores, library shelves, online book reviews and lists. If we are truthful... we probably have stacks of books awaiting our attention. We know how to use the power of a book to teach or explain the "how-to" for any situation we encounter whether it be cooking, automotive repairs, quilting, home make-overs, or searching for an address. Rarely are we asked to take a quiz about what we just read. Outside of a classroom, when was the last time you had to fill in a packet about the book you enjoyed? Was it an art project that lead you to a good read or was it a discussion about a character, a story line, the next book in a series?

"Wild reading is: readers who incorporate reading into their personal identities

to the degree that it weaves into their lives along with

everything else that interests them." 

"What are the habits of a lifelong reader?" If you agree that lifelong readers are those who: dedicate time to reading; self-select reading materials; share books and insights with other readers; have reading plans beyond their current book; and show preferences for genres-authors-topics... then... as an educator you are lead into taking a "critical look" at your own teaching practices (lesson designs, classroom management strategies, formative assessments, etc.). "What instructional components exist in your classroom that will support students as they develop lifelong reading habits?"

So many insights...

• Community Conversations: mini-lessons with modeling, discussions, student practice and reflection
• Conferring Points: individualized support, assessment debriefing, student evidence, skills and tools
• Keeping track of your Reading Life: student documentation, reader's notebooks, reflections, targets and goals
• Classroom non-negotiables: in class silent reading, genre selection, writing topics, shared book recommendations, book reviews, reader communities, consistent lesson routines, and so much more
• What Readers Look Like: they "snatch a few minutes of reading time between appointments, while waiting, or before falling asleep, have a book for reading emergencies where ever you go
• Binge Reading: "There's something satisfying about falling into a book and walking with the characters until the journey ends." Burning through a book, staying up late, or grabbing the book during extra minutes.
• Reading Itinerary: as they read you confer
• Class Schedule: What does it look like/ What has more impact? The rule of thirds.
• Student-Selected Choices: Which titles are keepers? Surveys, lists, book review blogs, author websites, reader networking, book clubs, and random choices
• Preview-Share-Discuss: read-alouds, book buzz promotions, abandoning titles, book selection, selection reflections, evidence tracking, and classroom library standards
• Classroom Climate: "A community of readers and writers." Bottom line=acquisition of literacy skills, clarity of purpose, reading culture, close reading=mindful reading, strategic and knowledgeable readers, Epicenter readers, resident experts
• Teaching Style: goals, inquiry, conferencing functions, clarity of purpose, gathering evidence
• Reading Plans: life-long habits, targets-goals-tracking, challenges, genre gaps, reading preferences, reading habits
• Appendix: forms, lists, assessments, Genre titles

"Every book begins and ends with other people."

Organized, inspiring, and over-flowing with tested-examples... Take the time to invest in this journey...

Every student will benefit...

MrsK

 Inspiring... A must read, share, discuss, and put into place within our classrooms!

 MrsK's Review

Meet the Author:
  Donalyn Miller has taught 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade language arts and social studies in the Fort Worth, TX area and was a finalist for 2010 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her popular book, The Book Whisperer, Donalyn reflects on her journey to become a reading teacher and describes how she inspires and motivates her middle school students to read 40 or more books a year. In her latest book, Reading in the Wild, Donalyn collects responses from 900 adult readers and uses this information to teach lifelong reading habits to her students.

 

#TITLETALK

#titletalk is an hour-long Twitter chat moderated by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp on the last Sunday of every month beginning at  8 PM EST. The first half hour is spent on a literacy education topic; the second half hour is spent recommending titles. The second half is what has earned #titletalk the unofficial title of  “the most expensive thirty minutes” on Twitter.
Archives of all of the #titletalk chats can be found at  http://titletalk.wikispaces.com/.

NERDY BOOK CLUB

Donalyn Miller – along with Colby Sharp and Cindy Minnich – created the Nerdy Book Club website in December 2011 as the online home of the Nerdy Book Club Awards. It quickly grew to include daily posts that shared and promoted a love of reading – especially a love of reading books for children and young adults.
You can read all of the posts and see the winners of the Nerdy Book Club Awards at http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com.