My New Book, Felicity and the Raccoons!

I'm so excited to announce that my lasted book, Felicity and the Raccoons has been published recently!

Felicity Sparrow and hr best friend Cairn have faced all sorts of dangers on the many adventures they've had togethere. But when thet two sparrows meet a couple of friendly young raccoons who talk about historical figures lik Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass as if they're alive right now, the sparrows aren't sure what to think! And when the raccoons claim that a famous person...from history needs help, Felicity and Carin realize that they're about to head off on their biggest adventure yet!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Narrated by Patrick Stewart

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a delightful Christmas story and the version narrated by Patrick Stewart is very well done.

He doesn't narrate the novella word for word as it was written by Dickens, but focuses on the key scenes, keeping the richness of the original language. Patrick Stewart is a master at narrating, especially with a book like A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge is a selfish, money hungry man who doesn't treat others very well, and sees people as only a means to get money. But when he's visted by his dead business partner Jacob Marley and three ghosts, The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present, and The Ghost of Christmas Future, Mr. Scrooge learns some things. He especially develops some empathy for Tiny Tim, the son of his employee Bob Cratchet, and realizes if Scrooge doesn't change his ways and increase Bob's salary, Tiny Tim will die. Tim's inclusion in the story was important in my opinion, because it is crucial for the readers to see that Scrooge's change to a better man wasn't just because of his fear for himself, but because of his compassion for Tim Cratchet and others. A Christmas Carol has 1800s language in it, so young kids might need some help understanding the vocabulary. Otherwise, it's a great story for kids as well as adults.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a powerful middle grade novel about a boy named Conor dealing with the pain of his mom's illness, his fear of her dying, and his guilt that he just wants her pain and his pain to endeven if it means losing her.

He doesn't know what to do to deal with his wish for the pain to end, and thinks it makes him a bad person. But along comes a giant monster formed out of a neighborhood yew tree to show him some tough love and realize certain things about himself. It's a great book with deep emotions that readers of all ages can connect to.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume was a favorite book of mine growing up, and I listened to it on audiobook recently.

Sheila is an interesting girl, scared of dogs, but afraid to admit it. Her family goes to Tarrytown, New York for the summer, the neighboring town of the famous Sleepy Hollow made famous by Washington Irving's story. She meets and makes friends, but one drawback for her is that she's too scared to admit she can't do things, like yo yo, or that she's scared of things, like swimming. Will Sheila be able to get over this flaw by the end of summer? Read the book and find out!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a fun story appropriate for all ages, especially enjoyable when one has a good grasp of vocabulary, about a derpy fellow named Ichabod Crane who is a bit of a gold digger and aiming higher than he can realistically reach.

He is a teacher in Sleepy Hollow, New York in the early days of the U.S., teaching in a tiny one room school house. Aside from having an almost crippling fear of ghosts and monsters, thanks to his believing in books like Cotton Mathers's The History of New England Witchcraft, he gets by well enough. Until he develops a crush on Katrina Van Tassel. And her money. Brom Bones who already was interested in Katrina, won't have any of it, though. And what happens after a Halloween party where stories about the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, is anyone's guess. But Ichabod Crane doesn't have a very good night after starting on his way home. This is a fun story, and adults and children will enjoy it.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a well-written coming of age story about a young man named Ponyboy Curtis. He lives with his two older brothers. The oldest, Darry, is taking care of the younger two since their parents died in a car accident. They live on the poorer side of town, but get by and have the support of their group of friends, Steve, Two-Bit, Dally, and Johnny.

Ponyboy and Johnny are close, being the youngest two, and one night, after helping out a couple of girls from the rich side of town after Dally was rude to them, get in trouble with the girls' boyfriends. When the boys try to dunk Ponyboy under the water of a fountain, Johnny, certain they're trying to drown him, does what he feels he has to do, to save his friend's life. This begins a difficult and uncertain journey for the two friends. It's a great book about growing up, friendship, and struggling to make your way in the world.

Fablehaven: Rise of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven: Rise of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull is the third book in the exciting series. A strange plague is turning the creatures of fablehaven in wicked creatures. Even creatures who are normally benign and helpful are turning evil!

Will Kendra and Seth find out what is causing the plague, and will they be able to save Fablehaven and its creatures, or will evil take over Fablehaven once and for all? And is the Sphinx a good guy or bad? This book is great for both kids and adults. I really enjoyed it!