tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21326988876979840752024-03-14T11:50:05.055-07:00LoraLee Evans, AuthorLoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.comBlogger589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-42274345902242779062024-03-01T19:58:00.000-08:002024-03-01T19:58:26.367-08:00Susan Wardle, wonderful neighbor and friendMy sweet friend and neighbor, <a href="https://www.hullingermortuary.com/obituaries/susan-wardle?fbclid=IwAR1OYOw12RhAdwg02BibxR6cJJE8lynMbwvKORFjGfuz-y2LRSXdc0mYbb8">Susan Wardle</a> passed away the other day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rks1UvuchJI8eZ6nusWvDw2R3mneKEGPXwW8yNNzZh2SpuVXhsMWmya1R9MlC74i4JnFSrNVGXNt1cRY7KPeWNDTqiHErfXp0dsOM7XvJUA_RzdXXVhDDzxn4zhBj9fDAwRrsSlZmEIsCK3yLxenPJidSPO1lvzY5O1-jtDNclv3XOA-41YRGI2hqsat/s398/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rks1UvuchJI8eZ6nusWvDw2R3mneKEGPXwW8yNNzZh2SpuVXhsMWmya1R9MlC74i4JnFSrNVGXNt1cRY7KPeWNDTqiHErfXp0dsOM7XvJUA_RzdXXVhDDzxn4zhBj9fDAwRrsSlZmEIsCK3yLxenPJidSPO1lvzY5O1-jtDNclv3XOA-41YRGI2hqsat/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> I am so lucky to have been her neighbor. And I'm so glad I was able to dedicate my most recent book to her before she passed. If anyone deserved to have a book dedicated to him/her, it was certainly her. She was a wonderful friend to me and my children, and we will miss her. Follow the link above, or <a href="https://www.hullingermortuary.com/obituaries/susan-wardle?fbclid=IwAR1OYOw12RhAdwg02BibxR6cJJE8lynMbwvKORFjGfuz-y2LRSXdc0mYbb8">HERE</a> for more funeral information. LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-33703486283963618272024-03-01T19:47:00.000-08:002024-03-01T19:48:27.589-08:00Review by Diane Donovan for my book Ephraim's Garden <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJeDu-R_ypLSxAr70e3q01aa0ZeG8pQZ_aiWTGHxaZstmfKO_ma_GjSdhOAZguH3Ed2u-TmJKFPehpF-zbfzz0f0zqJ7HVYMR0VMlBreCuRBfvqBcZ9Tnkp8Fe5VH-pxYc50eoZkDoC7qUsRxSHRCPRC8vDYLZ6X4vCm9dsWdhP3E5a9BrWcq1B-dKHn1/s1348/Ebook%20Cover.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJeDu-R_ypLSxAr70e3q01aa0ZeG8pQZ_aiWTGHxaZstmfKO_ma_GjSdhOAZguH3Ed2u-TmJKFPehpF-zbfzz0f0zqJ7HVYMR0VMlBreCuRBfvqBcZ9Tnkp8Fe5VH-pxYc50eoZkDoC7qUsRxSHRCPRC8vDYLZ6X4vCm9dsWdhP3E5a9BrWcq1B-dKHn1/s200/Ebook%20Cover.jpg"/></a></div> Diane Donovan, senior reviewer for MidWest Book Review, has kindly written a review for my book Ephraim's Garden, and the review has recently gone live! You can read the review <a href="http://donovansliteraryservices.com/march-2024-issue.html#eg2">HERE</a> and read about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ephraims-Garden-Loralee-Evans-ebook/dp/B0CR9SHTK2/">Ephraim's Garden</a> on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ephraims-Garden-Loralee-Evans-ebook/dp/B0CR9SHTK2/">HERE</a>!LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-64966962865214472192024-03-01T19:32:00.000-08:002024-03-01T19:32:21.752-08:00The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Nephew-Chronicles-Narnia-Book-ebook/dp/B001I45UF2/">The Magician's Nephew</a> by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.S.-Lewis/author/B000APXBPG?">C.S. Lewis</a> is a delightful story about how all the comings and goings between Narnia and our own world began. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IVe6Ch8aP8V8uwqSgWZjtkpEAP4hVMaPwqbWN0VAdmy8F3jJHTKClMxDu1wQhkFa4XHvLVLPTVnz3kaqMAySIkd4xofB7PHUGrpD_1PeZOpEm6MvOghvSTArI-gEfN0ITCPfxjC1kFfywglKy3ccJ4fZZtxkqBICPD9XszT6qOwBUTU5oVNMEB9yzQqq/s445/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IVe6Ch8aP8V8uwqSgWZjtkpEAP4hVMaPwqbWN0VAdmy8F3jJHTKClMxDu1wQhkFa4XHvLVLPTVnz3kaqMAySIkd4xofB7PHUGrpD_1PeZOpEm6MvOghvSTArI-gEfN0ITCPfxjC1kFfywglKy3ccJ4fZZtxkqBICPD9XszT6qOwBUTU5oVNMEB9yzQqq/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>Though it happened first chronologically in the timeline of the Narnia adventures, it was one of the last books written in the series, and is one of my favorites. Diggory Kirk and Polly Plummer, two friends, find themselves tricked by Diggory's unscrupulous uncle into a magical experiment, and are whisked off on an adventure through multiple worlds, including the doomed Charn, and the new Narnia just being born. This story is a delightful adventure for both children and adults! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-22851267089489861952024-03-01T19:18:00.000-08:002024-03-01T19:18:53.992-08:00Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Chocolate-Factory-Bucket-Book-ebook/dp/B0093X805W/">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a> by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Roald-Dahl/author/B000AQ0WGQ?">Roald Dahl</a> is a delightful children's story about sweet, honest Charlie Bucket whose family is poor, and only gets one bar of chocolate as a present on his birthday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY5z0bnYGxVSpRFhvh1RSTvy9FRGEN4pQceHFEx5Hg5gPxdc0nrukbpep9gP4pnxsQlIYpnxTrWKgN4L3VMCnz1vsdok2eDSAd-QmYq8Ag-wR_BA0qR6BMFb8e6aFHFIXo0naGrZ-J9HHDv4mRY-wBNiq_VnlThDJbtv88D4Q_YMWEzfEz_C6qyZ4V8Mn/s445/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY5z0bnYGxVSpRFhvh1RSTvy9FRGEN4pQceHFEx5Hg5gPxdc0nrukbpep9gP4pnxsQlIYpnxTrWKgN4L3VMCnz1vsdok2eDSAd-QmYq8Ag-wR_BA0qR6BMFb8e6aFHFIXo0naGrZ-J9HHDv4mRY-wBNiq_VnlThDJbtv88D4Q_YMWEzfEz_C6qyZ4V8Mn/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> Though he would love to see the inside of Willy Wonka's amazing chocolate factory, he hardly has a chance to win a golden ticket that will admit him inside. After all, there are only ten golden tickets in the world! This is a fun book for kids where the kind, deserving child is rewarded, and the children who are less kind get appropriate consequences for their poor choices. I recommend this book to both children and adults! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-38916823226905986922024-02-10T22:00:00.000-08:002024-02-10T22:00:37.545-08:00Review for Ephraim's Garden, Midwest Book Review<a href="http://www.donovansliteraryservices.com/">Diane Donovan</a>, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, has this to say about my newest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ephraims-Garden-Loralee-Evans-ebook/dp/B0CR9SHTK2">Ephraim's Garden</a>:
"Ephraim's Garden will appeal widely as both a read-aloud book that adults can enjoy for the very young, and as an attractive fable story for kids up to age ten.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AljD2GyWFqQkRZpy4rhmMKrD4djlA3jfSfXZu0MV6m0ACSAiaylaUL-WpOA3sHambeEMbnJNm5QtCNXJz64Q1iwxwDkLD2oUcWaoo9xPydFjZs_sKlD3TCbd8iYRhIg5yyHZMsWMaUfTCoj8FiIQqvEFh7cNxVk1LkflmRFhluLZfKJfz8jkxUKL6ZZO/s1348/Ebook%20Cover.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AljD2GyWFqQkRZpy4rhmMKrD4djlA3jfSfXZu0MV6m0ACSAiaylaUL-WpOA3sHambeEMbnJNm5QtCNXJz64Q1iwxwDkLD2oUcWaoo9xPydFjZs_sKlD3TCbd8iYRhIg5yyHZMsWMaUfTCoj8FiIQqvEFh7cNxVk1LkflmRFhluLZfKJfz8jkxUKL6ZZO/s200/Ebook%20Cover.jpg"/></a></div>
The green valley of Ephrath is tended by gardener Ephraim, who has built an attraction for all ages through his efforts, interesting young, would-be gardeners who both appreciate the beauty and aspire to become garden guardians themselves.
Ephraim gathers his young followers and gives each of them a plot to tend in preparation for planting. He warns them that "... the work is not easy, and you will not see the results of your hard work right away."
Jared is a young person who believes in hard work, the garden, and Ephraim's promise. His dedication (and that of fellow avid young plot-tenders) attracts the interest and derision of bullies who aren't interested in putting out that kind of effort.
Their scorn brings tears to his tenderhearted friend Lissa, who is always easily affected by what others think. She tells him the root of her sorrow:
“They said that we’re fools to work this hard, and that if Ephraim really cared about us, he would give us gardens that are already beautiful, not plain patches of dirt.”
By now, it's plain to see that Loralee Evans has crafted a story about much more than gardening. She surveys matters of the heart, reasons behind emotions and reactions to them, and teaches young readers survival strategies that embrace understanding and better responses, as the story unfolds.
Lovely, large-size, colorful images from Shutterstock.com pepper the tale and enhance it with beautiful accent points of children and gardens as Lissa's dilemma unfolds and Jared is called upon to tap unfamiliar resources in order to support her.
The notes about real-life conundrums go far beyond a simple portrait of bullies and victims, creating an in-depth inspection of such related topics as self-doubt, courage, kindness, and supporting others' choices as they navigate obstacles in their lives.
The result is a picture book story that is packed with wisdom, insight, and discussion material suitable for parents and kids and any adult working with children to build greater understanding about how to be a friend and how to address life's challenges.
Libraries will also want to recommend Ephraim's Garden to discussion groups for young readers, as it holds many insights perfect for kids learning hard lessons about perseverance, friendship, and choice."LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-14442615951941893392024-02-03T12:17:00.000-08:002024-02-03T12:17:05.148-08:00How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Became-Pirate-Melinda-Long-ebook/dp/B0095K8KR6">How I Became a Pirate</a> by <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/melinda-long-77534">Melinda Long</a> is a delightful book for children. It follows the adventures of a little boy on the beach when he sees (or imagines he sees) a group of pirates land on the beach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaAOQ8A1YyJHVvLFnOX-NY7cnwfxUsPSYxww4Nht-8hSL9d7Wb3hmb_QJYskkC0V6foDH_ef8VA_JeaLH-HDMGtLnB0Xq9ofFg7LhaUNngPffsa4Xfj2OWSaebCEZSN1Jvbo4zh5oitigp9Eo_Chwd3lxnGzo6NwM8GWPYxFW4HkALU_5eC3I1t1h_spC/s328/book..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaAOQ8A1YyJHVvLFnOX-NY7cnwfxUsPSYxww4Nht-8hSL9d7Wb3hmb_QJYskkC0V6foDH_ef8VA_JeaLH-HDMGtLnB0Xq9ofFg7LhaUNngPffsa4Xfj2OWSaebCEZSN1Jvbo4zh5oitigp9Eo_Chwd3lxnGzo6NwM8GWPYxFW4HkALU_5eC3I1t1h_spC/s200/book..jpg"/></a></div> (His parents don't react to the presences of the pirates, so I suspect he's just got a great imagination.) He leaves home with the pirates and has lots of fun until he realizes that it's not all fun and games. Will he be able to get home, or is he stuck on the ocean with the pirates forever? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-58196999466815199892024-02-03T12:08:00.000-08:002024-02-03T12:08:33.824-08:00Nurk The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew by Ursula Vernon<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nurk-Strange-Surprising-Adventures-Somewhat-ebook/dp/B003K16PZA">Nurk The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew</a> by <a href="https://www.redwombatstudio.com/books-for-kids/">Ursula Vernon</a> is a humerous there and back again tale about a young shrew named Nurk. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_2yQ54ZSLydG1OKOyUL1f-HkhiMl720eNtwhPluOq6b7IfqyE9mkQHgyRMaGc1guhT8JXqSgCJMA88oc8yfK8Kdmgx55CqpImalEXMRVCCifUPx1ujlof95u_sN6GmeAE5QAhTcnaSYCwzmIwTtUj4A_CGkHEwIinLVIJ1n00TGJcyp4mQKTSLtXZ7Tz/s380/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_2yQ54ZSLydG1OKOyUL1f-HkhiMl720eNtwhPluOq6b7IfqyE9mkQHgyRMaGc1guhT8JXqSgCJMA88oc8yfK8Kdmgx55CqpImalEXMRVCCifUPx1ujlof95u_sN6GmeAE5QAhTcnaSYCwzmIwTtUj4A_CGkHEwIinLVIJ1n00TGJcyp4mQKTSLtXZ7Tz/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>He lives comfortably at home. His grandmother, Surka, was an adventurer, but not him, thanks. Until one day a hummingbird comes with an urgent request. The prince of the dragonflies has been kidnapped! Nurk, despite being of the non-adventurous type, is still a compassionate soul, so he decides to go help. Will he be successful in rescuing the dragonfly prince? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-90177567653780590812024-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:002024-02-03T11:53:22.500-08:00Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Heaven-Jennifer-L-Holm-ebook/dp/B0010SEMV4/">Penny from Heaven</a> by <a href="https://www.jenniferholm.com/">Jennifer L. Holm</a> is a delightful story about a girl just beginning to grow up in the years just after World War 2 ended. While Barbara is her given name, everyone calls her Penny. Her dad, who died when she was a baby, loved the song Pennies from Heaven by Bing Crosby. She is eleven, going on twelve. She loves her family, both sides, and playing baseball with her cousin Frankie and their friends. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEndhZuv6BqVFprY7xPqH_y1UXwTCVL_b3N3fUZS_YgGsCWZjZS4oHx_iolwTIy_LV7JzyqWwNoMLwaD1C9dtHkkS3AGMQImeir55rt3NSBodN6dMSx9lb6IV5ur5QjH9TqTZxPPHnq6faycsYNgQqiPn-rjUlimAlawDgfqRB6sXlSxJJdHpXHDEv2F4X/s384/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEndhZuv6BqVFprY7xPqH_y1UXwTCVL_b3N3fUZS_YgGsCWZjZS4oHx_iolwTIy_LV7JzyqWwNoMLwaD1C9dtHkkS3AGMQImeir55rt3NSBodN6dMSx9lb6IV5ur5QjH9TqTZxPPHnq6faycsYNgQqiPn-rjUlimAlawDgfqRB6sXlSxJJdHpXHDEv2F4X/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>But she does wonder about a lot of things. For one, why doesn't her mom want to have much to do with her dad's large Italian family? And why does everyone hush her up or change the subject whenever she asks them how her dad died? Her mom's family and dad's family don't have a lot to say to each other, but when an emergency happens, will they pull together to help each other? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-51077283332910381652024-01-02T20:16:00.000-08:002024-01-02T20:16:23.315-08:00My Newest Book! Ephraim's GardenI am so excited to announce that my newest book was recently published! Ephraim's Garden is an illustrated story for children about two friends, Jared and Lissa. Right now, it is available in paperback and ebook, and the ebook is only 99¢, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR9SHTK2/">HERE</a>! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVtRi8vQd85sjqw-ihElwBhfhnQmwk4ZBvT9I6nPZzTkkHiJQLxvp0XIei7M3WWpIlmSxLgRq0i2GLhExKBArHQd_xNheZUlS7_bwOuXD0K0HaDgenvf9QLrifWI4tifZNcPM9hyphenhyphenbrplP9V2iZxcHWdbrCHXBh1874E4wp8RHovu7k4eA1klkLzBCATxC/s1348/Ebook%20Cover.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVtRi8vQd85sjqw-ihElwBhfhnQmwk4ZBvT9I6nPZzTkkHiJQLxvp0XIei7M3WWpIlmSxLgRq0i2GLhExKBArHQd_xNheZUlS7_bwOuXD0K0HaDgenvf9QLrifWI4tifZNcPM9hyphenhyphenbrplP9V2iZxcHWdbrCHXBh1874E4wp8RHovu7k4eA1klkLzBCATxC/s200/Ebook%20Cover.jpg"/></a></div>
Best friends, Jared and Lissa want to be like Ephraim, the caretaker of a lovely garden in a beautiful valley called Ephrath. But when other children tease Lissa for working in her garden, she feels discouraged. Will she give up? Or will Jared and Ephraim convince her to keep trying? If you have littles who enjoy reading stories, or if you enjoy reading short stories for children yourself, you will likely enjoy this book!
The paperback is $11.95, and is available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPYMMMHQ?">HERE</a>! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-21204420351021814212024-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:002024-01-02T17:25:45.899-08:00The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Benedict-Society-Prisoners-Dilemma-ebook/dp/B002Q1YDS6">The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma</a> by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Trenton-Lee-Stewart/author/B001H6Q4EC?">Trenton Lee Stewart</a> is a delight book for young kids, though anyone who enjoys fun adventure stories with intelligent youngsters for protagonists would enjoy this book. The four friends, Renny, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are on another adventure.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tDNEX10qP5qOF_cHbonTf9VkjCaQketfiGhw9mGD4b7RfwYJD9qSzcSu2vUQ9C2y43e8u-ORKYcgdWKi4S90EYzOCUKZxjojxzNJqvittLLRXhKaE4wRhEr8J_uvxvAUlQaMhK2cxBpZ8KD47L83qapUhpjUWvqNlf7YKX2xhqu0UCq8TR77fyeTGhhv/s445/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tDNEX10qP5qOF_cHbonTf9VkjCaQketfiGhw9mGD4b7RfwYJD9qSzcSu2vUQ9C2y43e8u-ORKYcgdWKi4S90EYzOCUKZxjojxzNJqvittLLRXhKaE4wRhEr8J_uvxvAUlQaMhK2cxBpZ8KD47L83qapUhpjUWvqNlf7YKX2xhqu0UCq8TR77fyeTGhhv/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> This time, Mr. Precious, a local wealthy man with ties to Mr. Curtain, the children's nemesis as well as the sinister twin of their mentor, the kindly Mr. Benedict, is claiming that Constance is his daughter, and wants to take her away! Constance knows it isn't true, but can she prove it when Mr. Precious has fake documents claiming he's her father? Will he get away with it? And how will the kids and Mr. Benedict help Constance escape Mr. Precious, and Mr. Curtain? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-20141667782710304952024-01-02T17:17:00.000-08:002024-01-02T17:17:47.292-08:00The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Benedict-Society-Perilous-Journey-ebook/dp/B0011UGLLK/">The Mysterious Benedict Society</a> and the Perilous Journey by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Trenton-Lee-Stewart/author/B001H6Q4EC">Trenton Lee Stewart</a> is the second book of a delightful series. Renny, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are three kids with amazing talents and intelligence whose mentor, Mr. Benedict is in trouble!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiRxrdcbcL4UmjZm6d50lyh5a-cUVGgxoOUMPw4KwuHXmZabedV34XNpj7dCqJ605jBaEhJIHyX7GkVzcw0TTS-8zyNpHGR-v0FcOIi_M4PevOC6GWxvKczlq3QDRGXYBrg_k3x5je2hSE3lo7BU6cIzJVpeg42XDtOgVVEJBx0WQl8h8cRAF6wxk2GH6/s425/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiRxrdcbcL4UmjZm6d50lyh5a-cUVGgxoOUMPw4KwuHXmZabedV34XNpj7dCqJ605jBaEhJIHyX7GkVzcw0TTS-8zyNpHGR-v0FcOIi_M4PevOC6GWxvKczlq3QDRGXYBrg_k3x5je2hSE3lo7BU6cIzJVpeg42XDtOgVVEJBx0WQl8h8cRAF6wxk2GH6/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> Mr. Benedict's devious brother, Mr. Curtain has kidnapped Mr. Benedict, as well as Mr. Benedict's adopted daughter, Number 2. Determined to rescue their friends, the kids set out to save them, following various clues along the way. But in their goal to save their friends, can the kids determined whom they can and can't trust? And will they be able to find where Mr. Curtain has taken Mr. Benedict and Number 2? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-24147683059939247862024-01-02T17:08:00.000-08:002024-01-02T17:08:33.640-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that 2024 is a safe, happy, and prosperous year for you! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-89643494149728455692023-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:002023-12-01T18:41:56.062-08:00A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens-ebook/dp/B07LBXKYDS/">A Christmas Carol</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Dickens">Charles Dickens</a>, first published in 1843, is the story of a cranky old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, and what happens to him one Christmas Eve night when an old colleague, Jacob Marley, comes to visit him. What's astonishing, is that this old colleague has been dead for seven years! What does this old colleague tell him? <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2MMzcl8FdnbtXEvE6-_Nqg0MYD-O5sYU-nV9jb9-w94W6yAIWqzO9cyuQfySJWmdCOy0qb5xsTbDltpunBcQ3mWpQZ2yjtCdIqUMA-18lHujGA4Foo02fGtuZB4GVok0fjQ4wV1UL7un8bS0rWa5bXVqruZigyCDy7q7Fxk5vYlD5yzRq9axYyeQi-QQ/s408/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2MMzcl8FdnbtXEvE6-_Nqg0MYD-O5sYU-nV9jb9-w94W6yAIWqzO9cyuQfySJWmdCOy0qb5xsTbDltpunBcQ3mWpQZ2yjtCdIqUMA-18lHujGA4Foo02fGtuZB4GVok0fjQ4wV1UL7un8bS0rWa5bXVqruZigyCDy7q7Fxk5vYlD5yzRq9axYyeQi-QQ/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>That he's got to change his ways if he doesn't want to meet the same fate! Jacob Marley is chained up, and doomed to wander the world witnessing what he can't share, but might have shared in life if he'd been a nicer man! Jacob Marley has also enlisted the help of three other spirits to show Scrooge the error of his ways. Will this be enough to convince Scrooge that he needs to be a nicer man? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-73290433823266241062023-12-01T18:32:00.000-08:002023-12-01T18:32:50.903-08:00Mustaches for Maddie by Shelly Brown and Chad Morris<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mustaches-Maddie-Chad-Morris-ebook/dp/B076124FZD/">Mustaches for Maddie</a> by <a href="http://www.shellybrownwriter.com/about-the-author.html">Shelly Brown </a>and <a href="https://shadowmountain.com/author-book/chad-morris/">Chad Morris</a> is an absolutely wonderful book based on a true story. Young Maddie, who loves mustaches, imagining, and her friends, is suddenly struck with the reality that she had a brain tumor and will need an operation. The reality of this situation is heavy for a young girl to deal with! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmyC91v9nhso9IP_zBG8UWhX34oUUX4BxfWDOwVZiela79r5UDLK3MSqSA8rKWXwyeO3ukYYgE9XBwyLATf96oas5UeYujbrIhcB3oNlR09aiQEZ1Eg4OIzsBkIMNXTDXRaow0-NNC58MPn6dMiMOXK96XUKjM4xk19fqpbH-0YHaQ3yAkymHefpD0ets/s401/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmyC91v9nhso9IP_zBG8UWhX34oUUX4BxfWDOwVZiela79r5UDLK3MSqSA8rKWXwyeO3ukYYgE9XBwyLATf96oas5UeYujbrIhcB3oNlR09aiQEZ1Eg4OIzsBkIMNXTDXRaow0-NNC58MPn6dMiMOXK96XUKjM4xk19fqpbH-0YHaQ3yAkymHefpD0ets/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>Thankfully she has the support of her family, and she finds out who her real friends at school are. Will her operation be successful? Will she figure out how to deal with the mean girl at school? And will she do a good job in the school play? Will she survive to perform in it? Read the book and find out! This book is a great book for middle grade readers up to adults! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-53526609618844430382023-12-01T18:21:00.000-08:002023-12-01T18:21:46.419-08:00Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz and Jack Gruener<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prisoner-B-3087-Ruth-Gruener/dp/054545901X/">Prisoner B-3087 </a>by <a href="https://www.alangratz.com/">Alan Gratz</a> and <a href="http://www.redemptionbluesfilm.com/90/">Jack Gruener</a> is based on the true story of Jack Gruener when he was younger, and his first name was Yanek (Polish for Jacob). Because Yanek is Jewish, he is in great danger when the Germans invade Poland. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YPlsYMNyH_eZIof2s4pWAdIYy_5B7sMfKpXkDSq3LGN1yTRlGIyDji5SDHM9RNZjcvYHct6vg04xFgQqAjlnlQ8Qd79nTFkqXNABVd7Cxtm1sVtseA4vfJCCKOIC4R6HelFusebWbRhV4efHl9tBkYf7Ln59Bd7rdPwpkcFT8NrMjWLIgVeAh0EHIerc/s397/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YPlsYMNyH_eZIof2s4pWAdIYy_5B7sMfKpXkDSq3LGN1yTRlGIyDji5SDHM9RNZjcvYHct6vg04xFgQqAjlnlQ8Qd79nTFkqXNABVd7Cxtm1sVtseA4vfJCCKOIC4R6HelFusebWbRhV4efHl9tBkYf7Ln59Bd7rdPwpkcFT8NrMjWLIgVeAh0EHIerc/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>Moved around from one concentration camp to another, Yanek doesn't know if he'll survive one day, let alone until the end of the war. Will he survive long enough for the Allies to reach him and rescue him and his fellow prisoners? This is a wonderful book that young people and older people would enjoy reading especially people interested in reading stories about World War 2. LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-74142343859937408252023-12-01T17:59:00.000-08:002023-12-01T17:59:48.951-08:00Leven Thumps and The Ruins of Alder by Obert Skye<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leven-Thumps-Ruins-Alder-Obert/dp/1606411462/">Leven Thumps and The Ruins of Alder </a>by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Obert-Skye/author/B001JP32OQ?">Obert Skye</a> is the fifth and final book in the Leven Thumps series. The series is aimed at middle grade readers who would likely enjoy it. In it, Leven finds himself on the island of Alder trying to keep the dream world and reality from destroying each other. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-QPrLEAkWp9V15ShLMNlz4cfnqYgO9iFZIhUmM1r8xKqf40QaDSklHEX61JNmIHxCSiuo-YOvecv_zYJhTrW_1DTpCah2AIwBdye6fYvjG2CHKUhTT6lC2JIeKiuovMFb69hIuDXFT4gY5aW6WPOs_9r2nTCbxjdTvwTVsxQpVvbW8J8xD0YHqB3JlN/s445/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-QPrLEAkWp9V15ShLMNlz4cfnqYgO9iFZIhUmM1r8xKqf40QaDSklHEX61JNmIHxCSiuo-YOvecv_zYJhTrW_1DTpCah2AIwBdye6fYvjG2CHKUhTT6lC2JIeKiuovMFb69hIuDXFT4gY5aW6WPOs_9r2nTCbxjdTvwTVsxQpVvbW8J8xD0YHqB3JlN/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>Meanwhile, in reality, the Dearth is wreaking havoc with Winter, Geth, and Pheobe doing what they can to stop it, which isn't much. On Alder, Leven has to go from one trial to another to get to the oldest tree. What will happen there when he gets there, and will he succeed in saving the dream world and reality? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-61901772648697956852023-11-18T09:42:00.000-08:002023-11-18T09:42:05.654-08:00High School Musical performed by Duchesne High School DramaLast night, I attended a really fun dinner theatre where Duchesne High School's drama department performed High School Musical. Gabriella is new in town, trying to find a place to fit in and make friends. She wants to try out for the high school musical, but is she being pulled in too many directions? <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaXUZoUs1FKsSO7fHULVsmcJxlcUI1yhlXspGgsCsoOxHBb-y8SZlv-stP7iMtLoa1VcPoGnk50R4YTQI05cIL4Cs_DzezAOWTBlB5XFitEnILT_U_kYLGVMxBRUU8fqp8YiZzM-OG5d-bgoPyqx_Dx4gqM8UaZqLT8G4sE2VvBiR0l_DNcPKo0L6sWVx/s320/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaXUZoUs1FKsSO7fHULVsmcJxlcUI1yhlXspGgsCsoOxHBb-y8SZlv-stP7iMtLoa1VcPoGnk50R4YTQI05cIL4Cs_DzezAOWTBlB5XFitEnILT_U_kYLGVMxBRUU8fqp8YiZzM-OG5d-bgoPyqx_Dx4gqM8UaZqLT8G4sE2VvBiR0l_DNcPKo0L6sWVx/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>And will Troy a basketball player, and a budding actor, help her find her place, or is he too wrapped up in basketball to care for anything more than that? There are three more performances; one tonight at 6:30 at the elementary, one this coming Monday at 6:30 at the high school, and one this coming Tuesday at the Elementary. Tonight and Tuesday there will be a dinner served before the show. The musical was fun, and I really enjoyed it! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-89999764430485424642023-11-01T18:22:00.001-07:002023-11-01T18:22:17.359-07:00Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. RowlingIn <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1338815288/">Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</a> by <a href="https://www.jkrowling.com/">J.K. Rowling</a>, thirteen year old Harry is getting ready to start his third year at Hogwarts. Despite a bumpy end to the summer where he accidentally put a magic spell on his horrible uncle's equally horrible sister, Harry seems to be forgiven by the Ministry of Magic. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLe1M_-Hha6Vm8aLQ4XeybpahUBp189-oIEGwbYEUJcKlUnp9z_R3w5sXnwLc3vjkWrieLqkX4djKZ1eFLpqW4faqsNbFDiM_QjpRiaXcMhIwLqoS1XY8dIs7YBVdifIVf_L5bkVdZrqaTYs41J_tjs9fCGULj_zus7lCirTOYbmPH5l5Q5Kkemhs_x3F/s350/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLe1M_-Hha6Vm8aLQ4XeybpahUBp189-oIEGwbYEUJcKlUnp9z_R3w5sXnwLc3vjkWrieLqkX4djKZ1eFLpqW4faqsNbFDiM_QjpRiaXcMhIwLqoS1XY8dIs7YBVdifIVf_L5bkVdZrqaTYs41J_tjs9fCGULj_zus7lCirTOYbmPH5l5Q5Kkemhs_x3F/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>But when he finds out that Sirius Black, a convicted murderer has escaped from Azkaban, the infamous wizards' prison, he realizes that he needs to be careful. Sirius Black, after all, is the one convicted of helping to kill Harry's parents. And everyone is convinced that Sirius is after him! What is Harry going to do this year at Hogwarts? How will he be able to concentrate on his lessons when there's an insane murderer looking for him? And what will he do if he ever does come face to face with Sirius Black? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-64935565186689151382023-11-01T18:12:00.002-07:002023-11-01T18:12:58.740-07:00Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. RowlingIn <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192CTMW8/">Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</a> by <a href="https://www.jkrowling.com/">J.K. Rowling</a>, Harry is eager to start his second year at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His aunt, uncle, and cousin have been awful to him and to his owl Hedwig this summer. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINN8JygHYrTl6V89gl77fMIaOIRwpAlmsN0ARQnB3h03g-TK0r8jbyRARumMDOC5jRwv3pcNxvy5ha1St0MkDElSdf44MpUqkuZi-7tBsbSWbg9wrWzx_I1SYBpuOOzDHxGiPxCF9ooNt-TIakW4z0DbBzWj7ye6N-UfknhPnsQyhXq9ezIq09LkvEXsP/s445/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINN8JygHYrTl6V89gl77fMIaOIRwpAlmsN0ARQnB3h03g-TK0r8jbyRARumMDOC5jRwv3pcNxvy5ha1St0MkDElSdf44MpUqkuZi-7tBsbSWbg9wrWzx_I1SYBpuOOzDHxGiPxCF9ooNt-TIakW4z0DbBzWj7ye6N-UfknhPnsQyhXq9ezIq09LkvEXsP/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>But to Harry's despair, a house elf shows up and tells Harry he mustn't go back to Hogwarts because of danger that will be waiting for him there. But Harry has to go back! Hogwarts is his home, and he doesn't want to be anywhere else. But what is Harry, and his best friend Ron going to do when the portal to Platform 9 3/4 won't let them through to get on the Hogwarts Express? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-88427192900370864872023-11-01T18:03:00.001-07:002023-11-01T18:03:21.818-07:00A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0763660655/">A Monster Calls</a> by <a href="https://patrickness.com/">Patrick Ness</a> is a wonderfully written story for teenagers and adults about the complexities of human emotions, and dealing with those feelings. Young Conor O'Mally, too old to be a kid and too young to be a man, is dealing with the emotions surrounding his mother's progressing illness.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1li0F_-7QqwIe17mVM497-CqO_-nvUgns22pgU9Ka63CGqev1BrKqURKnCB9WdxC79BR5h1LdmaGWVDaFe8athyTcCHjQ9r-FsVlppu_pQ3mjy3u7ZObhBCm6jBk0MhOfroiYV29vF7xlyHWQGLAJRQcJ39i_YDSxeoYhuKdeaGwNhRaQMWKfHojB_pJA/s301/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1li0F_-7QqwIe17mVM497-CqO_-nvUgns22pgU9Ka63CGqev1BrKqURKnCB9WdxC79BR5h1LdmaGWVDaFe8athyTcCHjQ9r-FsVlppu_pQ3mjy3u7ZObhBCm6jBk0MhOfroiYV29vF7xlyHWQGLAJRQcJ39i_YDSxeoYhuKdeaGwNhRaQMWKfHojB_pJA/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> A terrible nightmare, in which he is trying to pull his mother out of an abyss where a terrible monster is trying to pull her in, plagues him every night. His guilt and shame at finally letting her fall in his nightmare wakes up an interesting and unique friend in a yew tree that morphs into a humanoid shape and comes walking to tell Conor stories and help him deal with the emotions he is struggling to process.The story is sweet and sad, and a great book to read both because it is entertaining, and because it connects to readers by showing them how feeling contrasting emotions is a very human, and normal thing. Conor felt a lot of unneccessary guilt over his feelings about his mom's illness, but with the monster's help was able to learn to process them in a productive way. But how does the story ultimately end? Read the book and find out.LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-78376295505022868062023-10-03T19:50:00.002-07:002023-10-03T19:50:59.877-07:00The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-75th-Anniversary-J-R-R-Tolkien-ebook/dp/B007978NU6/">The Hobbit </a>by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-R.-R.-Tolkien/author/B000ARC6KA?">J.R.R. Tolkien</a> is one of my favorite books of all time. It follows the story of Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant and loveable hero who is a Hobbit. As many know, Hobbits are small human-ish folk who, even when full grown, don't stand taller than perhaps the elbow of an average man (when his arms are at his sides). Bilbo, the only son of Bungo Baggins and Beladonna Took Baggins, is recruited by Gandalf (largely because of Gandalf's association with Bilbo's mother, whom, the story strongly implies, went on adventures of her own) to help some dwarves reclaim their home from an invading dragon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpLA11AnZMgKKoUpRnMPb_oar_sIpmNHtmmxvLohR4qYJfbLRq32FQ7ySIHmBJlZycBaFowlSB4P9jOdwcLxqDuXjPwkYyTtuWVQqODxnV4LmLsmm4rz1Q212H5jaMyBByTnCboBrxqQuB09S9qPK3LS48pxSLtapV30mEQWh458OEZWH6HfCZM5w0veX/s425/book..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpLA11AnZMgKKoUpRnMPb_oar_sIpmNHtmmxvLohR4qYJfbLRq32FQ7ySIHmBJlZycBaFowlSB4P9jOdwcLxqDuXjPwkYyTtuWVQqODxnV4LmLsmm4rz1Q212H5jaMyBByTnCboBrxqQuB09S9qPK3LS48pxSLtapV30mEQWh458OEZWH6HfCZM5w0veX/s200/book..jpg"/></a></div> He doesn't want to go at first, but due to Gandalf's strong influence, finally sets out on an adventure with his new companions. After quite a lot of run-ins with some unsavory characters and a restful stop at Elrond's Homely House, the dwarves and Bilbo finally reach their destination. But how will their confrontation with the dragon go? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-70991756756405500222023-10-03T19:42:00.002-07:002023-10-03T19:42:32.492-07:00Movie Review: The Outsiders based on the Novel by S.E. HintonThe Movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Outsiders/dp/B01M8PP7BZ/">The Outsiders</a> directed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppola">Francis Ford Coppola</a> was released in 1983. It follows the story of Ponyboy Curtis a young teenager living in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the late 1960s. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTqSaxPDUja3JhsmMlQpxgJnUCI7JUmGg7fKwQD1Wi-N_MMqyGK15TphsSY06e-D0hzicUBzqfE6RC0uOi62DqxasXqvduiwlvtgznb9Fr3sSaulf3e-4I0z3lwSzYwCkmPGQKYwIcvO-uM_QcDw4PJFTqjqfo-wUhgEptQgUAahEF762_8PHCgEs9Z9H/s340/book..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTqSaxPDUja3JhsmMlQpxgJnUCI7JUmGg7fKwQD1Wi-N_MMqyGK15TphsSY06e-D0hzicUBzqfE6RC0uOi62DqxasXqvduiwlvtgznb9Fr3sSaulf3e-4I0z3lwSzYwCkmPGQKYwIcvO-uM_QcDw4PJFTqjqfo-wUhgEptQgUAahEF762_8PHCgEs9Z9H/s200/book..jpg"/></a></div>He, his best friend Johnny, his brothers, and his friends are called "Greasers". They have conflicts with the Socs (pronounced like the first syllable in Social) who are the rich kids from the other side of town. When Johnny and Ponyboy are out late one night, a group of drunk Socs chase after them, and when Johnny jumps in to keep the Socs from drowning Ponyboy, trouble starts. The movie does have a few swear words in it, and underage smoking. The original movie was rated PG.LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-73628533805338052312023-10-03T19:28:00.001-07:002023-10-03T19:28:15.313-07:00The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outsiders-50th-Anniversary-S-Hinton-ebook/dp/B01M62624T/">The Outsiders</a> by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.-E.-Hinton/author/B000AQ1R5G?">S.E. Hinton</a> is a coming of age novel about Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny, his brothers, and other friends from his poor neighborhood in Tulsa, Olkahoma in the late 1960s.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVPpvU3BIBpsJ_oBQg2Oua-r1o0Qizqu-5D9u-scJmib8KJ_kMo47kJWZrRAVPuuK9JGZGCx7PsdSzsvL-yWHicATiPlm4YJWHNCUu8vgOhLGDaZZLOT-CyPJ6hNSPwQHAHLzpNoAxGDIMxU0e6242q5m3Q9_BHQmoFq2NODRw0Q8-4ImcY0Gy3hco0-h/s396/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVPpvU3BIBpsJ_oBQg2Oua-r1o0Qizqu-5D9u-scJmib8KJ_kMo47kJWZrRAVPuuK9JGZGCx7PsdSzsvL-yWHicATiPlm4YJWHNCUu8vgOhLGDaZZLOT-CyPJ6hNSPwQHAHLzpNoAxGDIMxU0e6242q5m3Q9_BHQmoFq2NODRw0Q8-4ImcY0Gy3hco0-h/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div> They are referred to and call themselves Greasers. Their rivals, from the other side of town, the rich, priviledged kids, are called the Socs, short for Social, and pronounced like the first syllable in Social. Trouble starts when Johnny and Ponyboy are out late after watching a movie and making friends with a couple of girls who are Socs but aren't as stuck up as the boys they've been dating. Their angry (and drunk) boyfriends find Johnny and Ponyboy, grab Ponyboy and start to dunk his head in a nearby fountain. What happens when Johnny comes to Ponyboy's rescue? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-32689735284413256692023-09-07T20:36:00.000-07:002023-09-07T20:36:03.605-07:00Review for Taigh~A Flying Squirrel's Adventure, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book ReviewsI was excited to get this review for my book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBNR242D/">Taigh~ A Flying Squirrel's Adventure</a> from <a href="http://www.donovansliteraryservices.com/">Diane Donovan</a>, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt8VYTy0PGS1pXaesnSfh7ljT-pXEmz_LnW3oelBd1zD9Zx5GytTcG9-es5T11THbhIsntkABJmHhNnARdA78qa9qucGzJBVSxYCO9f9d5_k-VPxL5WRHetf20P_MIvq5wDk9K8Xqh_49n_Ro5KM9b-rqUWA5PW3aa7_W8G2n_6rDcr8XI_aNk6JtxnsU/s2324/Taigh%20for%20ebook.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2324" data-original-width="1480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt8VYTy0PGS1pXaesnSfh7ljT-pXEmz_LnW3oelBd1zD9Zx5GytTcG9-es5T11THbhIsntkABJmHhNnARdA78qa9qucGzJBVSxYCO9f9d5_k-VPxL5WRHetf20P_MIvq5wDk9K8Xqh_49n_Ro5KM9b-rqUWA5PW3aa7_W8G2n_6rDcr8XI_aNk6JtxnsU/s200/Taigh%20for%20ebook.jpg"/></a></div>
"Taigh~A Flying Squirrel's Adventure adds another fine middle-grade animal-oriented story to author Loralee Evans' widening list of appealing tales. Like Jean Craighead George, who penned numerous books profiling animals for middle grade readers, Evans performs a meaningful and important service in bringing the animal world to life for young minds, even if her writings anthropomorphize wildlife more than Jean George's works.
Taigh Squirrel doesn't just fly. He's also an artist who paints what he sees in the forest world around him.
Like her character, Loralee Evans reflects words of wisdom given to Taigh by employing her artistry to capture Taigh's motivations, natural world, and squirrel lifestyle. Perhaps her own words best capture the sentiments driving this warm story:
"A good painting, Augustus had told Taigh, a smile curving up the corners of his ivory-colored beak, tells a story. It stirs imagination, and helps folks think and wonder and imagine. Let your paintings tell stories."
Evans uses word paintings to tell Taigh's story, capturing a world embedded with fairies, quests, art, and insights.
As Master Taigh Squirrel (friend of Felicity Sparrow and Augustus Ivory-billed Woodpecker) embarks on an adventure to find out why all the ivory-billed woodpeckers vanished, kids will enjoy the special blend of fantasy and animal facts which exist side-by-side in this enthralling adventure story.
From Spanish-speaking bats to questions that Taigh resolves in the course of his experiences, middle graders will find the blend of action, mystery, and natural history compellingly fun.
Libraries and readers seeking animal-based fantasies that feature a diminutive squirrel's proactive thinking, artistic talents, and quest will find Taigh~A Flying Squirrel's Adventure a choice that promises high entertainment value, while accompanying reflections on the natural world will lend to young reader book club discussions."LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132698887697984075.post-33993719960892665422023-09-04T15:22:00.001-07:002023-09-04T15:22:29.235-07:00Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Chocolate-Factory-Bucket-Book-ebook/dp/B0093X805W/">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a> by <a href="https://roalddahl.com/">Roald Dahl</a> is a delightful story for children about a sweet boy named Charlie Bucket who lives with his parents and all four grandparents in a tiny house on the edge of a large city. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMDXYY7230sdiKzGK9IFjRPPudy7GBzZx6y-y_oYy-A20rvn0sj8kC8woC9eOUuSUDDy1YaJydhs_LnkXQ5tqPTwkqCouHDwTAPYwZfIrwTIWm03sp8OKgbE_Uv0oYi3wjTaArhk1a1vws8Il52jlur1rfxjYoZkmvqN1vD0jWFbvLn57-1yEPAxHU7qG/s218/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMDXYY7230sdiKzGK9IFjRPPudy7GBzZx6y-y_oYy-A20rvn0sj8kC8woC9eOUuSUDDy1YaJydhs_LnkXQ5tqPTwkqCouHDwTAPYwZfIrwTIWm03sp8OKgbE_Uv0oYi3wjTaArhk1a1vws8Il52jlur1rfxjYoZkmvqN1vD0jWFbvLn57-1yEPAxHU7qG/s200/book.jpg"/></a></div>No child is more deserving than good old Charlie Bucket, but he and his family don't seem to be getting any breaks. His father is the only one working, and when he's laid off from his already low paying job and finds another job that's even lower paying, the family starts to struggle even more. Even the exciting annoucement that Mr. Willy Wonka is giving away five golden tickets to five lucky people for a tour of his chocolate factory and then a lifetime supply of chocolate doesn't do much for Charlie. There was no golden ticket in the one birthday present his family could afford (a single bar of chocolate) or in another bar of chocolate he and his grandfather buy. But then, one day as he's walking home, he finds a 50p coin on the ground, and with it, buys two Wonka chocolate bars. The first is quite normal, and hungry as he is, he wolfs it down. But the second... has a golden ticket in it! What happens next? Read the book and find out! LoraLee Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15740644472388617290noreply@blogger.com0