Goldilocks Returns

It appears Goldilocks has been feeling guilty about how she treated the bears all those years ago and in Goldilocks Returnsshe visits the home of the bears determined to make amends. One confusing item in the book is that while Goldilocks has obviously aged in fifty years, Mama, Papa, and Baby do not look a year older. Must be that fairy tale land magic.

Goldilocks’ life has been shaped by her breaking and entering days. She has become an expert locksmith and sets to putting locks on the bear's home to prevent others like herself from breaking in and then sets to work remaking their lives.

She throws out their food, redecorates their home, and corrects all the "problems" she thought she encountered when she visited the home previously. The bear are horrified that having violated their space once, she has returned and has no idea that her attempts to help are so offensive to them. Goldilocks leaves thinking she has redeemed her earlier actions and saved the bears from themselves.

This story creates some interesting questions for young and old alike. Where are the boundaries for intervention? Just because we want to help, is it OK to change the way others live? As Goldilocks remakes the bears’ home into a home into a home she would enjoy, what could she have done instead that the bears would have appreciated? Did she really make amends for what she did before or did she again violate their home, just in a different way?

This is a thought provoking alternate fairy tale. It could generate some interesting discussions about helping others and boundaries.

Fablehaven

Fablehaven is the first book in a fantasy series written by Brandon Mull.

Fablehaven shares traditional fantasy series elements and creates new twists to entertain readers. Kendra and Seth provide the traditional brother and sister who arrive in a magical family situation and learn of a connection to magic that they were previously unaware of prior to their visit. This premise is not new to fantasy. Kendra and Seth are sent to visit their grandparents at Fablehaven, a sanctuary for magical creatures. Grandmother is strangely not present and grandfather has a list of rules that the children must follow.

As is usual in most fantasy novels the children are not able to follow the rules leading to magical chaos. The children unleash forces and discover Grandma's fate. The forces they unleash kidnap Grandpa and force the children to manage circumstances they could never have imagined.

While many people compare this series to Harry Potter, I do not. I see this more as a transitional series to the more complicated adult fantasy series. While Harry Potter pulled adults into reading children's literature, this series seems more designed to prepare young adult readers to become audiences for adult fantasy series. As I have been reserving the other books in the series, this opinion has become stronger. The themes and plots seem to be moving more towards adult fantasy series traditions and less towards children's fantasy novels. It is a great marketing strategy to attract new readers to a genre.

I checked this book out from the library at the suggestion of a younger relative who is eagerly waiting to get a copy of the second book. I have the second book from the library to read so we should be able to discuss the series this summer.

Free Fablehaven Resources:

Online Quiz

Teacher's Guide from Brandon Mull

Writing questions answered by Brandon Mull

The Cricket in Times Square

The Cricket in Times Square is a wonderful story of friendship between a cricket, a mouse, a cat, and the boy who takes care of the cricket. Chester Cricket finds his way to New York in a picnic basket and Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse help him settle in to life in New York's Time Square. Mario, the son of newsstand owners struggles to find a way to keep Chester healthy and to get Mama and Papa to allow him to keep Chester in the newsstand.

Harry and Tucker involve Chester in a variety of adventures that cause friction with Mario's family. Eventually Mama and Papa almost loose the newsstand when a party causes a fire. Chester feeling horribly guilty begins to chirp out music he learned during the party and draws a crowd who begin to buy papers from Mama and Papa's failing newsstand. While Chester enjoys helping save the business, eventually like all wild creatures, he longs to return home. The end has Chester making a choice about returning home and Mario dealing with the choice his friend makes for freedom.

This is the first in a series of books Selden wrote about these characters. While not all of them are currently in print, most are available at your local library if you wish to read more of their adventures.

Free Curriculum Links:

Columbus State University Unit Plan

Cricket Cubes

Cricket in Times Square Interactives

Literature Guide

Macmillan Teacher's Guide

Questions, English Lessons, Activities

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a wonderful story of two children who decide to run away and live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The story was published in 1968 and won a Newberry Award.

The story combines elements of realistic fiction and mystery. As the story ages, children are starting to appreciate it as historical fiction as they learn more about what life was like for children in the late 1960's. One great activity for parents or teachers reading this book with children is to discuss the differences between Jamie and Claudia's life experiences and current life for children. The cost of living is one of the most interesting discussions I have had with children.

Mrs. Frankweiler tells the story to her lawyer. Early on, you can understand the relationship between her lawyer, the children, and Mrs. Frankweiler.

My fascination with the story has always revolved around the children living in the museum. The main plot however, revolves around Claudia and Jamie trying to discover if Michelangelo created an angel that the museum has purchased from Mrs. Frankeweiler. The children are not handed the answer to their question, but given one shot to discover the answer in the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

The story does not address the dangers of running away. I have read criticisms that it presents an idealized view of children surviving on their own. I can say honestly I read and enjoyed this book as a child and shared it with many younger relatives with none of them who truly believed they could run away and safely survive in an art museum. It was fun to contemplate what it would take. It also was a good chance to discuss the financial costs of living independently. Claudia and Jamie discuss the challenges of budgeting their limited funds in order to survive the trip.

Another criticism of this book is the lack of concern for the family left behind. Jamie expresses some regret, but Claudia is frustrated and searching for something. This book is not a statement about family life, but if Claudia's reaction bothers people, it is a chance to discuss what the family and Claudia could have done differently to address her issues. We all know of children who have these frustrations. Claudia can be a way of opening the door to discussing alternate solutions.

I have found success using this book as a literature circle book to discuss the story or as a read aloud that involves think alouds. These methods seem to develop some interesting discussions. For many students, I found it still required generating some interest, helping make connections, in order to have a more successful independent read. The students that did not like the book were often the ones I did not spend as much time promoting the book to prior and during reading.

Free Resources:

Comprehension Questions from Scholastic

Schools of California Online Guide for Teachers Curriculum Guide

Wadsworth Elementary Curriculum Guide

The Sixteen Hand Horse

As I mentioned in my previous post about The King Who Rained I put a request into the library to borrow the The Sixteen Hand Horse. It arrived in time to share it with a younger relative on Easter. While she is no longer of age for picture books, this book had some of the most challenging expressions of the series.

There were a couple of phrases I had to check on. "Daddy says he caught a fish on a spoon" proved my context skills are still working. A spoon is a fishing lure, which was my guess. A family member who knew about fish eggs cleared up the fish row or roe. Several other expressions had to be explained to the student, but those were the only two that left me frustrated that the computer had been locked away for Easter.

If you have not tried these books before, I suggest you seek them out. This one provided some quality entertainment on Easter. It was a great chance to discuss expressions, idioms, and to admit that sometimes we all need to review the meanings when context clues are not enough to help us through the unfamiliar phrase.

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) finishes the Percy Jackson story arc. Riordan plants the seeds for a sequel to a new series The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero.

The Last Olympian starts slowly and Riordan has a great deal of information to share with the audience in a limited amount of time. Unlike many finales, Riordan provides a satisfying conclusion to the mysteries he established in the previous volumes. Luke's outcome was predictable, but satisfying. Nico and Luke's background stories have some common threads that are revealed and explained as the story unfolds. Hades and Hermes’ relationships with their sons become a very important part of the story.

Percy's human friend has an interesting destiny that becomes more predictable as we learn more of Luke's past.

Less is explored about Percy's background in this novel, but his relationships with his human and God families grow stronger. His stepfather comes to accept his half-blood son and Poseidon responds to his son's advice on fighting the Titans.

Percy's final wish is a culmination of the experiences of the half bloods he has known through the series. Zeus is not crazy about the request, but grants it.

This was a satisfying end to the series.

The first time I read this series in print form. I have really enjoyed Jesse Bernstein's audio version. While he read the complete Percy Jackson series, he is not the reader for the next book and he is missed.

Battle of the Labyrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4) continues Percy's adventures. Camp Half Blood is under threat as the supporters of Kronos are on their way to Camp Half Blood through the Labyrinth. Percy will need the assistance of a mortal and his fellow campers to survive this new threat.

This book answers some questions established in the first book and others added during the following two books. Pan's fate is finally revealed. The author also explains Luke's involvement with Kronos. Nico, son of Hades, works through his issues with the death of his sister, but still has unresolved issues regarding his place in the world as the end of the story. The story introduces readers to more Greek mythology.

This is the fourth story I have listened to Jesse Bernstein read and I am really enjoying his narration. I read this series when it was originally published, but listening to it on CD has allowed me to enjoy it in a new way.

While I was pleased Riordan started to resolve more of the story in this book, he could have used some editing to make it a stronger novel. The previous three books were tighter books with better plot and character control. This book tried to accomplish too much. As a result, it often lost focus.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Versus Caddie Woodlawn

I was at the library checking out my CD version of Caddie Woodlawn. The librarian commented that as a huge Laura Ingalls Wilder fan she felt it was disloyal to read Caddie Woodlawn. I thought she was joking and asked her if she had read the book. Surely, librarians would know it is always better to have more books with wonderful characters you love. They are not really going to hold you accountable for disloyalty.

However, there has long been a strong debate over the two characters. I love them both, but have always felt a stronger personal connection to Caddie having four older brothers and a tomboy upbringing. However, my friends and I never met Caddie until we had almost reached what today would be labeled middle school. Prior to that Laura held all our attention. We were fascinated by her prairie life and explored as much about her life as was possible in an age before the Internet and interlibrary loan.

One issue that is often ignored when comparing the girls is the background of the families. Caddie's father had the financial stability and resources to allow his children to be children. While Caddie and her brothers and sisters are raised with chores and family responsibilities, there is never a fear that the family is about to lose everything. In fact, Caddie's family has servants and help for their farm and her father has a job that provides income separate from the farm. When he is required to serve in the military, he is able to pay a substitute to serve in his place.

Laura's family never knows financial security during her childhood years. She begins working outside the home, not to learn responsibility, but to help provide her sister with an education. Her father does not have time to consider the alternate child rearing methods. He is constantly focused on providing food, clothing, and shelter for his family.

I suggest parents and teachers encourage children not to choose an either or position with Laura and Caddie, but to explore both. Children may have a preference. Most of us do relate to some books and people better than others. There is no disloyalty in trying and even enjoying both life stories.

Caddie Woodlawn

The library once again has allowed me to visit a favorite book on CD. Caddie Woodlawn still lacks the marketing that Laura Ingalls Wilder has received over the years. Caddie Woodlawn is a wonderful story of a girl growing up in Wisconsin during the Civil War. She had an unconventional childhood as a tomboy. Her father granted her this option after losing another child to illness. Her other sisters were raised in a more traditional manner, but Caddie was her father's experiment. He wanted to see if she would be healthier and more able to resist the dangers of life on the frontier if she had the exercise and physical experiences of her brothers.

The story provides readers with an interesting perspective on relations between Native Americans and the settlers. Some have deemed the stories politically incorrect. I believe the stories actually demonstrate the fear that existed. If we do not discuss how fear emerges, it is difficult for children to learn how fear and prejudices emerge.

The story also deals with some interesting information. Reading Caddie Woodlawn as a child was the first time I was introduced to the idea that people paid others to meet their obligations for fighting in the Civil War. I would later encounter this again in Little Women. While I researched this independently, I never found this information in my history textbooks.

Caddie Woodlawn also addresses the issue of immigrants returning to their native country. Caddie's father was the younger son of English nobility. He left England and convinced his wife to leave Boston society and move to the frontier. He had never considered returning an option and felt strongly about his connection to his American home. The family is faced with a choice when her father receives notice that he must choose between his American home and the chance to claim his English heritage.

The children's adventures have always put Caddie Woodlawn on my favorites list. As I mentioned the Little House series continues to be well marketed, but Caddie Woodlawn has amusing stories that do not get the same recognition.


Caddie Woodlawn Resources:

Caddie Woodlawn Study Guide Gale Schools

Paper Dolls

Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens

I had hoped I might disagree with the reviews for Alcatraz Versus The Shattered Lens. Unfortunately, I have to say I do believe this was the worst book in the series. While I felt Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia was weaker than the first two books that were wonderful, it is a strong book when compared to this last installment.

On a positive note, there were some interesting parts to the book. I loved the latest Smedry, Aydee who has a talent for being bad at math. For children who struggle with math, the way her talent turns out to be helpful is rather amusing. The progression of the war in Mokia has some interesting turns. Alcatraz has a revelation about his parents that shakes his perception of good and evil, as he has understood it until now. This plot was included to carry over into the final book not yet been picked up for publication.

The positives do not balance the negatives. The author destroyed much of what made this series strong. Grandpa Smedry one of characters who carried the series is almost absent from the book. If this were a TV series, you would wonder if they were contract negotiation issues or the actor was sick. The absence leaves holes in the plot that end up with contrived plot tricks to cover his missing time. The author attempts to create growing adolescent tension between Bastille and Alcatraz, but instead just makes Bastille into a flat, dull, character. She has finally lost the energy, strength, and personality that made her so interesting in the first two books. While the author is trying to create a final plot twist for the last book with Alcatraz's parents, the premise is weak and not supported. Finally, while Alcatraz has been a funny storyteller up to this point his voice is lost in the last book. Many reviews have complained about the constant use of the word stupid. That was only a minor annoyance compared to the loss of his voice in the story. When reading the first three and then hearing the first one on CD the attraction has been Alcatraz's narration. There are many fantasy adventure stories on the market. What was appealing about this one was the narration.

As I came to the end of the story, I did have that momentary conspiracy theory wondering who wrote the final book. Either the author had a few bad months of writing, or he farmed this one out to someone with an outline. It lacks the style, voice, and structure of the previous books. This book has the feel of someone trying to write in the style of another author to finish a book. As I said, it was a moment, not a full-blown research project. I have no idea what happened after the author completed the second book. I can only say the quality has decreased dramatically to the point I do not recognize the style in the last book.

I hope Sanderson does get his voice back and finishes the series in the style his readers deserve. Alcatraz deserves better.

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia

I was very excited to start Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia. I should have read the title more carefully. It gives the reader a very large hint of what Alcatraz faces in this book. I thought it referred to his support of his friend Bastille. I was wrong as was made clear by the end of the novel.

This book gave readers more information about the mysteries of the Librarian conspiracy. It also provided more information about Alcatraz's family history that was hinted at in the previous novel,Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bones. Some of the jokes are getting tired which some of the diehard fans think defines the difference between real fans and casual fans. Some of us just think the author needed more ideas. The conflict between Alcatraz and both his parents looks like it is being established for later books.

The first two books did a great job of managing action, mystery, and foreshadowing. This book seemed to drop more chunks of story background, but the action was less smooth. While Bastille was allowed to redeem herself at the end, her character lacked definition for most of the third novel.

I am still looking forward to reading Alcatraz Versus The Shattered Lens. According to reviews I have read, there are supposed to be more plot solutions for interested readers. However, there are criticisms similar to ones I have made about the third book. There also does not seem to be a resolution with Scholastic regarding the last book.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones

The library copy of Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bones was available and I was finally able to finish it last night. The family reviews of the sequel were wonderful. Some of the online reviews more critical regarding the quality of the book. Therefore, I was unsure as I approached the novel what to think.

I have been listening to Alcatraz Versus The Evil Librarians on CD during my workouts. Charlie McWade brings Alcatraz alive and the story even more interesting than it was when I first read it. I have carried that voice into the reading of the second book.

There is definitely continuity between the first novel and the second. In fact, the main character is highly critical of those who skip the first novel and jump to the sequel. While the author reveals more information about the mystery surrounding the family and the mission, he presents new mysteries. The intentions of all the characters are not clear leading into the third book.

I was able to pick up the third novel from the library. The final novel needs to be reserved so I can pick it up. There still is no information available regarding the final novel. Talks seem to have broken down between Scholastic and the author. Perhaps if there is enough demand, talks will resume.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

I was amazed I had to do an extended interlibrary loan to find this book, but pleased by the time it came in to find my own library already has the sequels. Alcatraz Versus The Evil Librarianshad three generations of readers interested over Christmas vacation. My niece, her parents, and grandparents all were scrambling to finish the first novel before Grandma went back to Florida. By New Years, my niece was already working through the set I bought her for Christmas. I had preordered the last one released at the beginning of December to be sure it would be ready for Christmas.

My understanding is there are currently four books available.

Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bones

Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia

Alcatraz Versus The Shattered Lens


The rumor is Scholastic wants six books and the author only wants to write five. So readers who have finished the fourth are left waiting breathlessly while either the author finds another publisher or Scholastic gives in to angry readers who are demanding that the series be allowed to conclude. Scholastic is heavily dependent on loyal children reading their offerings so it is possible they could cave to pressure.

I am surprised more press has not been given to this series. I am not as current on children's literature as I was when I was in the classroom, but I still check around for good books for children. As a teacher, I was always looking for books that engaged kids. Series were a plus because when when a child finished one book, there was a desire to continue reading. This was a good thing. Sometimes it was hard to get them to break away and try new genres, but they were reading.

Another plus for this series is length. While many loved the doorstop quality of the Harry Potter novels, for challenged readers the length could be an obstacle. The Alcatraz novels are shorter making them more accessible and providing time for kids to read a variety of literature while still reading the whole series.

After polishing off my library copy, which is rather ironic if you have read the book, I have the second one on request. As I mentioned it is even available from my local library, which puts to test the author's theory that the librarians are suppressing the book as part of their evil plot to take over. You have to read the book to understand.

If you are looking for a fun fantasy series to check out for your classroom or your kids, Alcatraz might catch hold for you as it has in my family.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Nursery Rhymes, Mother Goose, and Rhyming Activities

Nursery Rhymes and rhyming books are an important education resource for children and parents. Children learn a great deal from hearing and imitating rhyming sounds. Parents and early childhood programs benefit from including nursery and other rhymes in their programs.

Coloring Pages

DLTK Nursery Rhymes with Activities

Education.com Nursery Rhyme and Phonics Activity

Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning Rhyming Worksheets

First Schools Nursery Rhymes

Gayle's Preschool Rainbow

Mother Goose Collection

Nicky's Nursery Rhymes

Quiz

Rhyme a Week

Step by Step

TLS Books





Picture Credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/playingwithpsp/ / CC BY 2.0

Flat Stanley

I was introduced to Flat Stanley by a second grade teacher in the 1970’s. The 1964 story was imaginative and a great introduction to early chapter books. Along with the Littles, Flat Stanley was what got me hooked on the fantasy genre at an early age. The story was engaging and later got me interested in reading longer books like Stuart Little that had the same quality of adventure and strange unbelievable circumstances that some how seemed acceptable within the bindings of the book.

Since 1995 Dale Hubert has been running the Official Flat Stanley Project to promote literacy, interaction, and geography among children. There is his official site and hundreds of blogs and websites that work to promote the idea of children sharing some version of a Flat Stanley character with family and friends and receiving pictures and written details of their character’s travels. Stanley has traveled far and wide visiting with celebrities, Presidents, and even making a trip in the Shuttle.

This is a great project for schools, home schoolers and parents to consider trying with their own children. It is simple to start and a great way to open communication with relatives and friends that might not have an easy time starting a conversation with your child. The Flat Stanley project is relatively simple. The flat character is mailed to the recipient who has agreed to take pictures and document the journey. A virtual flat doll can be sent and documented as well. This is a great way for children and those who they are distant from to communicate. While someone may not normally talk to a child about their garden or normal daily activities a doll can open up communication and children do seem to be more interested in Gram’s garden when Stanley or Jane is there. (Children can name the doll what ever they wish.) It is also a way to introduce the child to an area they may not get to visit often. Local areas which we are used to seeing all the time can be interesting for kids to see pictures of especially when attached to a doll’s adventure.

I found some unique patterns for the doll to choose from and you are encouraged to make your own. Dale Hubert is even moving to travel bears and I’ve included that link here. Consider a small toy that has a connection with the child and the adults that will be communicating and that can become their connection for writing to each other. A beanie dog is welcome more places than a real dog and its regular adventures can become a means of regular communication between adult and child. Just a note about communication, adults need encouragement to continue the process. If your child is not responding to the activity it can be hard to get the other party to continue. It does not require a huge response. You can write what your child dictates, have your child draw pictures, and ask questions. However, it is hard to continue with no response at all. Read More

Flat Stanley Information

Flat Stanley Curriculum

The Official Flat Stanley Project

Boston Globe Article "Where in the World is Flat Stanley?"

Yahoo Flat Stanley Groups

Flat Travelers Homeschool

Flat Travelers

Flat Stanley Materials

Create a Journal

Flat Stanley CD Travel Case

Flat Stanley Journal

Flat Stanley Journal Part 1 Flat Stanley Journal Part 2

Flat Stanley Story Paper

Flat Stanley Story Paper

Flat Stanley Templates

Flat Stanley Template

Flat Stanley Double Sided Template

Flat Stanley Template Official

Making Friends Templates

Travel Teddy

Flat Stanley Suggestions For Organization

Bella Online Article

Flat Stanley Sample Letter

Flat Stanley Sample Letter for Participants

Other Flat Stanley Activities

Flat Stanley Activities from abcteach

Flat Stanley Quiz

Picture credit konaboys flickr.com