The Night Before Christmas-Clement Clarke Moore

The Night Before Christmas (also known as A Visit From Saint Nicholas) purportedly written by Clement Clarke Moore, is a sweet children's story about a man's encounter

with Saint Nicholas when he visit's the house of the man and his family. It is a big reason for the current image of Santa Claus, his reindeer's number and names (excluding Rudolph who wasn't alive yet) his mode of transporation, and his penchant of getting into people's houses through their chimneys and out again. It is a sweet, rhythmical story perfect for children to hear especially around Christmas time! The poem was first published in 1823.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is an enduring Christmas classic for many reasons. The story of an unfeeling, pragmatic person coming to an understanding that his inaction is going to lead to not only a bad end for himself but for others as well, and making a change for the better is something that connects with many people. Old Ebenezer Scrooge is not a hardened criminal. He hasn't done anything illegal. But his greed and his

selfishness have made him into a mean old miser. When his old business partner's ghost (Jacob Marley has been dead for seven years) and three other ghosts, one after the other, pay Mr. Scrooge a visit, he begins to realize what an idiot he's been. While Charles Dickens is a bit wordy (writers tended to be back in those days) the story is still a wonderful tale of hope and redemption, and I highly recommend it. A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, performed by Patrick Stewart

I have enjoyed listening to Patrick Stewart's naration of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens for the past few years. It is a fantastic performance of the best parts of the book. Patrick Stewart does not narrate the book word for word, and it makes a story more powerful, in my opinion. His voice does a great job performing the voices of the various characters of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Mrs. Cratchit, and all the others.

Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is a penny pinching, pragmatic man who doesn't commit crimes, but doesn't show compassion to his fellow humans either. One Christmas Eve night, he is visited by the spirit of his old business partner, Jacob Marley who has been dead for exactly seven years. After this visit, he is visited by three other ghosts, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. And he is spurred on to change his ways, or he will die a lonely death, forgotten by everybody. But worse, little Tim Cratchit a small boy with a disease like rickets or renal tubular acidosis will die as well if Scrooge doesn't change his ways! Does Scrooge make the change to save both himself and little Tim? Read the book, or listen to Patrick Stewart's audio narration of the story, and find out! A Christmas Carol was originally published in 1843. Patrick Stewart's production was fist published in 1991.

Duchesne High School Drama Performs Big Fish! November 19, 20, 22, and 23!

Big Fish, a musical by Andrew Lippa, is currently being performed by the Duchesne High School Drama department lead by Amanda King and Ginger Thomas. I attended last night, and enjoyed it very much! The story follows the relationship between a father and son, beginning just as the son is ready to get married, and going through flashbacks to the son's childhood then returning to the father and son's current relationship. The conflict involves the son's unwillingness to believe his father's apparently tall tales about the father's adventures as a young man. As the young man works to overcome his distrust of his father, other problems come into play. How do these problems work themselves out? If you live in or near Duchesne, I suggest you come tonight, Monday, and/or Tuesday and watch this fun play! Big Fish is based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 book of the same name.

Adventures In Odyssey!

Adventures in Odyssey is a series of radio programs that are fun, wholesome, and Christian based that have been produced since 1987 to the present. Mr. Whittaker and his friends have various adventures in and around his shop named Whit's End, which is an ice cream shop and adventure emporium. Every episode teaches a bibilical moral like honesty, courage, gratitude, etc. The series reminds me of the Veggie Tales shows, and has a similar, uplifting goal. I highly recommend these wonderful programs for kids and adults!

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown is an absolutely delightful book about Roz the robot and her adventures after she has returned to the world of humans. She has been found on her island where she has lived happily with her adopted son Brightbill and her other animals friends. To keep he beloved island from being ransacked by the aggressive robots who will keep returning for her no matter how manys she fights off, she's returned to the world of humans, and has been given a job on a farm. The humans she works for are fair and kind, but she hasn't forgotten her island home or the friends she's left there. When the children who live on the farm find out that she has independent thought and misses her island home, they want to help. But will they be able to? And more importantly, can Roz even get back home without being captured again? Read this wonderful story, and find out!The Wild Robot Escapes was published in 2017.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

is a delightful book aimed at children, but which can still be enjoyed just as much by adults. When a cargo ship sinks, a crate carrying a robot washes up on an island uninhabited by humans. Rozum Unit 7134 is activated by a family of otters who accidentally push a button on the back of her head. Roz, as she requests to be called, is programmed to learn languages, help others, and survive. As she does all these things, without any interaction with humans, she begins to become more and more self aware. She makes friend with animals, and when her explorations of a cliffside lead her to accidentally cause a rockfall that kills a family of geese, leaving one unhatch egg as the sole survivor, she adopts the egg. But what happens when her makers send a pack of robots to the island to find out what happened to the cargo ship, and all their lost robots? Read the book and find out! The Wild Robot was first published in 2016.

A Caterer's Guide to Holidays and Homicide by Jessica Thompson

I am excited to let you know about my friend Jessica Thompson's newest book, A Caterer's Guide to Holdiays and Homicide! If you enjoy Holidays, and if you enjoy murder mysteries, read on! Deck the halls…with a personal chef, a snowed-in lodge, and a sprinkling of murder! “Watch the knives!” While acting as personal chef for a friend’s mountain retreat, Violet and her husband, Jake, must set aside their stress over infertility and create a magical and delicious holiday – until tragedy crashes the party. Being snowed in and unreachable from town, Violet and Jake end up hired for a different kind of job – finding out which of the guests committed murder and why they’re trying to frame their hostess. Violet must find a balance between following her gut and keeping it all under control until the police can reach them, while still managing the kitchen. But can she sniff out the killer before anyone else bites the big one? A Caterer’s Guide to Holidays and Homicide will give you a culinary holiday you won’t forget!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a favorite Halloween story of many people in much the same way that The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol are beloved Christmas stories. Poor Ichabod Crane is picked on and bullied by Brom Bones. Ichabod wants to marry Katrina VanTassel, as much for her money as for her, but Brom wants Katrina for himself! Ichabod has a supersticious streak, and believes in all sorts of supernatural things. Brom knows this. So what happens after one Halloween feast when Ichabod, broken hearted from Katrina's break up, is headed home at midnight? Something is waiting for him in the woods! And it isn't very friendly...

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling is the exciting 3rd book in the Harry Potter series. A prisoner has escaped from the notorious and seemingly inescapable wizards' prison of Azkaban just as Harry's 3rd year at Hogwarts is beginning. If that's not bad enough, the prisoner is accusing of killing Harry's parents, and seems to be after Harry himself! What's a 13 year old wizard to do? At least this year's defense against the dark arts teacher is competent. But will Professor Lupin, the

other teachers, and his friends be able to help Harry fend off a crazed murderer? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was first published in 1999.

Ranger's Apprentice Book 2: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan is an exciting fantasy adventure geared toward young teens, but exciting for anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure. Halt and Will have been a great team of master and apprentice, but when Will has to go as an ambassador to the north will he be able to do what needs to be done? Especially when Lord Morgareth does something sinister and unexpected from his hide out in the Mountains of Rain and Night? The story has very little down time, and moves at a quick pace. It also has a twist at the end that will lead into the next books.

The Burning Bridge was first published in 2006.

The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore

The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore (only 5.99 right non Kindle!) is based on the true story of Bob Inama, an American soldierand Luisa Voigt, a West German woman who work to help people escape across the Berlin Wall.

Bob is glad to speak fluent German, and to use his skills to help people. But what happens when Bob is caught and sent to an East German prison? Read this exciting book to find out!

Heather Moore is a great writer who creates exciting, suspenseful stories with believable, interesting characters who are as real to me as if I knew them in real life. If you enjoy historical fiction with a gripping, fast paced plot, you will enjoy The Slow March of Light!

Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Foreman

When 15 year old Alex sees a sign in the window of a cluttered bookshop advertising for adventurers to apply within, he doesn't think much of it until he looks away, looks back, and the sign has changed! Wanting to find out

what sort of mechanism changes the sign, he goes inside to ask the shop owner about it. Before he knows it, he's whisked off on an unexpected adventure, making friends with elves, dwarves, and others, and on his way to battle a dragon who's been terrorizing the countryside! While I found the story a bit predictable, and the characters somewhat one-dimentional, it is overall an enjoyable story that middle grade to YA readers would enjoy. Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Foreman was first published in 2009.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling follows the adventures of 12 year old Harry Potter and his friends during his second year at Hogwarts. Someone or something is attacking muggleborn witches and wizards and petrifying them! Even Nearly Headless Nick, a ghost, has been petrified! Who or what could do that to someone who's already dead? As Harry and his friends work to solve this mystery before someone is killed, they find themselves deeper and deeper in danger!

Will they be able to solve the mystery and defeat the heir of Slytherin before someone is killed? Read this exciting middle grade novel and find out! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was first published in 1999.

My Newest Book! Puppies and Portals!

I am so excited to announce that Puppies and Portals, my newest book, has just been published! And right now, the EBOOK is only 99¢! The PRINT version, for anyone interested, is 12.95. It is a middle grade time travel adventure that kids and adults who like stories about time travel with plenty of action and danger will enjoy!

After one nerve-wracking time travel escapade with her friends, Amy Yellow Horse is happy to be doing something normal. Like babysitting Leah Walquist, Jax and Ani’s little sister. But when a girl shows up at the Walquists’ house with technology that can only be from the future, Amy realizes her day isn’t going to be normal after all! Thank goodness her friend Will Taylor shows up when he does. But even together, can Amy and Will figure out how to help their new friend get back to her own time? And what should they do when the girl’s mischievous puppy plunges them all (including little Leah!) into another harrowing journey through time? And please take a look at a Sample Chapter from Puppies and Portals HERE!

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis is a delightful story that highlights the beginnings of all the comings and goings between Narnia and Earth, in particular how the wardrobe in Professor Kirk's house became a magical portal to begin with. In the story, young Diggory Kirk and Polly Plummer make friends and decide to go exploring in the shared crawl space above the attic rooms in the houses where they live. (They live in a long row of houses, and the crawl space evidently goes all the way from one end to the other.) Trying to get into the abandoned house for some exploration that is just beyond Diggory's

house, they make a mistake and end up in the attic room of his house. By bad luck, Diggory's mad uncle is there, and tricks Polly into picking up a magical ring that transports her to some other dimension. This of course, forces Diggory to go after her to rescue her. (His uncle is not decent enough to go after her himself.) And this begins the two friends' adventures wherein they meet the evil queen Jadis, and the noble lion Aslan. And will Aslan be willing to help Diggory find something in Aslan's new and growing world of Narnia that will cure Diggory's terminally ill mother? Read the book and find out! The Magician's Nephew was first written in 1954.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

The first book of Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling will always be one of my favorite works of fiction. (Trailing not far behind The Hobbit.) In it, young Harry Potter, orphaned as a baby and living with his dispicable aunt, uncle, and cousin, discovers with the help of a bumbling but lovable and strangly tall and hairy fellow name Hagrid, that he, Harry, is a wizard! Not only that, but he has been accepted to

Hogwarts, the school for Witchcraft and Wizardry in the U.K. (It's American counterpart, incidentally, is Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry located in Massachusetts.) But all is not rosy and easy for Harry. He discovers as he begins his studies at Hogwarts, that the evil wizard Voldemort who tried to kill Harry as a baby, is still out there, somewhere biding his time. What will Harry do if he is confronted by Voldemort and Headmaster Dumbledore isn't there to protect Harry? After all, Harry is only 11! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was first published in 1995.

Early Man, Movie directed by Nick Park

Early Man directed by Nick Park is a fun family movie about a group of cavepeople who come up against a technologically advanced culture that has mastered bronze. The advanced group led by an entertainly wicked leader, takes the valley the cavepeople had been living in, forcing them out into the less hospitable land. One

of the young cave people sneaks in, and discovers that the bronze using people enjoy football (soccer, not American football) and decides that since they can't fight to get their valley back with brute strength (bronze weapons would beat stone weapons any day) he decides that he wants to play a game of soccer against the bronze using culture's professional team. The leader of the bronze culture is happy to accept, because he thinks that the cave people don't have a chance at winning. But do they? Early Man is a super cute movie that is appropriate for all ages, and is perfect for fans of Wallace and Gromit or Shawn the Sheep. Early Man was copyrighted in 2018. View a trailer of Early Man HERE.

Vespers Rising by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, and Gordan Korman

Vespers Rising by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, and Gordan Korman is an action adventure book aimed at young readers. It is the eleventh book in the series, but I didn't feel lost as I listened to it (I listened to the audio book) despite not having read the others. The Cahill family has been at odds with the Vespers (and with each other) for centuries. The Vespers, a secret organization, have been looking for the 39 clues in order to take over the world, and the Cahills have been working to protect them. Amy and Dan, the modern day protagonists are working to stop the bad guys. But will they succeed?

Being in a series, the book ends with some questions answered, and others not. Young readers who enjoy books in a series and clues to follow will likely enjoy this book. Vespers Rising was published in 2011.

Rabbit Ears World Tales Volume Six: The Firebird and The Monkey People

Rabbit Ears World Tales Volume Six: The Firebird and The Monkey People is an enjoyable CD with two stories from different parts of the world. The Firebird is from Russia, and The Monkey People is from South America.

In The Firebird, a young man and a princess work together to outwit and defeat a wicked greedy king. And in The Monkey People, a group of people become so comically lazy that they want the monkeys (created magically from leaves) to do all their work for them. What eventually happens to the people? And do any of them learn not to be so lazy? This volume was published in 2007.

Rabbit Ears World Tales Volume Three Anansi and East of the Sun, West of the Moon

I listened to another CD titled Rabbit Ears World Tales #3. It contained the folk Tales East of the Sun, West of the Moon, from Russia and Anansi from Jamaica. Anansi is a silly fellow. He is mischevious and clever, not bad-hearted, but gets into trouble.

He reminds me of the character Coyote from Ancient American stories. In one story, he wants to be the keeper of all the stories instead of Tiger. Is he successful in his goal? In another story, he wants to appear important during his mother-in-law's funeral and decides to go all week without eating. Does he make his goal, or does his pride backfire on him?

In East of the Sun, West of the Moon, a young girl goes on a journey to free her boyfriend who has been bewitched. She has to go "east of the sun, and west of the moon" to save him! Will she be successful?

Rabbit Ears: Native American Heroines

I listened to the single CD of Rabbit Ears: Native American Heroines, and really enjoyed it. The narrators did a wonderful job. One story was the relatively well known tale of Sacagawea and everything she did. I liked how the reunion with her brother was portrayed. The other story was the tale of a chief's daughter, Princess Scargo, who received a giant pumpkin filled with live fish!

She kept them similarly to how a child today might take care of fish in a tank. But what will she do, when the rains fail, and the fish in the rivers begin to die out? Her people are able to dam up a small lake, but so many fish have been killed by the drought, that her people are afraid they may not be able to repopulate for years and years. So what does she do? Listen to the story and find out! This audiobook was first published in 2007.

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

The Ruins of Gorland by John Flanagan begins with young Will hoping to be accepted as an apprentice warrior. Or at the very least, a trainer for the warrior's horses. But because he's so small, he isn't accepted in either of those schools, or any of the schools that are looking for apprentices.

He has too big a reputation of getting into trouble. But...the Rangers want him to join their mysterious and secretive group. He has skills they've noticed. Being able to keep from being seen, hiding in the shadows, climbing into places an ordinary person couldn't. And why do the Rangers want him? War is brewing, and they need all the help they can get. The evil lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night is looking for revenge. This is a fun book, and appropriate for all ages! Kids and adults who enjoy action and fantasy would enjoy this book. The Ruins of Gorlan, the first book in the Ranger's Apprentice series was published in 2006.

The Berenstein Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstein

The Berenstein Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstein is a short story good to be

read at a child's bed time. The story explores the adventures Brother and Sister Bear have going back to school, or going to school for the first time, as in Sister's case. It is good for children who may have anxiety about going to school. It helps them see that others go through the same thing, and helps them understand that transitioning to school or going back to school after summer is over is not as insurmountable a thing as they may at first think. The book was first published in 1978.

Juneteenth

On 19 of June 1865, 2000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas where Gordon Granger, a U.S. Army officer issued General Order no. 3, informing the people of Texas that every person who had been enslaved up to that point in the borders of the United States, was free. This came some years after the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln, which was issued January 1, 1863, a few months after January 31, 1865 when the 13th Amendment passed in Congress, and some months before December 6, 1865 when the 13th Amendment, officially ending slavery throughout all the United States was ratified.

The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the Border States of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, and later West Virginia which became a state in 1863. When Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, he worried that the border states mentioned above would leave the union and join the South making the war all the more difficult to win for the North. And so only slaves in the Confederacy were officially freed by the Proclamation. This Proclamation included all slaves in the south, including Texas, but because information traveled so slowly in those days, the slaves in Texas did not know they were free until Juneteenth. Juneteenth did not mark the complete end of slaverly in the U.S. since the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to the border states. It was only after the 13th Amendment to the Constitution became law December 6, 1865, that the slaves in the border states were free. The Emancipation Proclamation, General Order no. 3, and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution are fantastic victories that enforce the understanding that slavery is fundamentally immoral, and that basic human rights are God given, and should not be taken away except in the rare instance when someone has committed a crime and needs to be incarcerated for the safety of others. They enforce the idea that the freedoms spoken of in The Declaration of Independence should apply to all people, male and female, regardless of race. ******************************************************* What Is Juneteenth?. (2021). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth********** Gordon Granger - Wikipedia. (2021). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Granger **************** National Archives Safeguards Original ‘Juneteenth’ General Order. (2020). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/juneteenth-original-document********************************************* The Emancipation Proclamation (article) | Khan Academy. (2021). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/civil-war-era/slavery-and-the-civil-war/a/the-emancipation-proclamation***** The Emancipation Proclamation. (2015). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation********************** 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of Slavery. (2016). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/13th-amendment ***** 13th Amendment ratified. (2021). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/13th-amendment-ratified************************************************** The Declaration of Independence. (2015). Retrieved 19 June 2021, from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration?_ga=2.263441740.1345254968.1624119945-1476364428.1624119945

How to Get Rid of Bad Dreams by Nancy Hazbry and Roy Condy

How to Get Rid of Bad Dreams by Nancy Hazbry and Roy Condy is a fun and entertain short story for children. I enjoyed reading it, and I thought the suggestions given for getting rid of bad dreams were fun. It is a good bed time book that I find entertaining, and I especially like the way it helps children develop accountability and the idea that they are in control of their own thoughts and attitudes. It is very empowering. How to Get Rid of Bad Dreams was first published in 1983.

Rachel Yoder- Jumping to Conclusions by Wanda E. Brunstetter

In Rachel Yoder-Jumping to Conclsions by Wanda E Brunstetter, young Rachel Yoder always seems to be landing in trouble of one kind or another. This is mostly

because of her habit of listening to other people's conversations, and misunderstanding what they're saying! At one time, she thinks her widowed grandfather is about to propose to a widowed old lady Rachel doesn't like, but at other times, she thinks people are deathly ill without hearing the whole story! Is Rachel going to learn to stop eavesdropping, or is she going to get herself and others, into even more serious trouble? Read this delightful book about a young Amish girl and her friends and family, to find out! Rachel Yoder-Jumping to Conclusions was published in 2013.

Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster directed by Scott Jeralds

Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster directed by Scott Jeralds is a fun adventure cartoon movie when Scooby and his human pals travel to Scotland to help Daphne's cousin Shannon Blake host the Highland Games on the shores of Loch Ness. While there, Scooby and Shaggy have a run in with the Loch Ness Monster, or so they think. Additionally, the gang has to navagate between the arguments of a man who believes the Loch Ness Monster is a myth, and a woman who is completely convinced that Nessie is real! What will happen as the kids work to find out what is really going on? Watch the movie and find out! The movie's primary audience is children, but all ages would find it enjoyable. The movie was published in 2004.

Bach's Fight for Freedom by David Devine

Bach's Fight for Freedom by David Devine and directed by Stuart Gillard is a story about a small section in the life of Johann Sebastian Bach when he was in his early 30s and working for Duke Willhelm. A young pre-teen protagonist named Frederick comes in contact with him when Fredrick is

assigned to be Mr. Bach's assistant. Though the two butt heads at first, they soon come to realize that they are kindred spirits. Each of them has dreams he wants to fulfill, but is stifled by the constricts of society, Duke Wilhelm's wishes, and family expectations. The most inspiring scene in the movie for me, was when "If there's something in this world that you are meant to do, then just go out and do it. People will only discourage you if you let them." I enjoyed the movie very much, and recommend it to fans of classical music, especially of J.S. Bach's work. But the story can be enjoyed by anyone who likes inspiring stories of friendship and overcome difficulty. It was first made in 1995.

Audiobook: Build Your House Upon a Rock by Hank Smith

I just finished listening to a very inspiring talk by Hank Smith that was recorded and put on an audiobook by Covenant Communications called Build Your House Upon a Rock by Hank Smith. The talk is directed at young people, ages 12-17, but as an adult I still found it inspiring and educational. Hank Smith talks about the parable from the Bible about a man who build his house upon a rock versus the man who built his house on sand. The house on the rock stayed firm when a storm came, and the house on the sand was washed away. Hank Smith joked about when he was little, he imagined the man with the house on the rock building it literally

upon a massive rock, having to use a ladder to climb up to it. But he later learned that translated from Hebrew and Greek, the word "rock" is synonymous with "foundation". He said back in ancient Israel, people built their houses on foundations just like we do, nowadays. And the story about the man building his house on a rock was just about a man building his house on a strong foundation that was able to withstand the storm. He compared the foundation of the house in the parable to a person's private life. He mentioned that when you look at a house, you don't really notice the foundation. The house that is visible he compared to a person's public life. He said that who you are in your private life, your foundation, may not be visible to others. But eventually, who you are in your private life shows up in your public life. If you have a poor foundation, the house, the public life, will eventually crumble for all to see. But if your private life is sound, strong, moral, etc. Then that will show in your public life. The way Hank Smith presented his talk was fun and friendly, yet very straightforward, honest, and inspiring. Build Your House Upon a Rock was first produced in 2016.

Rush Revere and the First Patriots by Rush Limbaugh

Rush Revere and the First Patriots is the second book of a five book series by Rush Limbaugh. In this book, the main protagonist Mr. Rush Revere and four students, Kam,

Tommy, Freedom, and Elizabeth, along with Mr. Revere's talking, time traveling horse Liberty of course, travel back in time to both England and New England just before the Revolutionary War. They participate in the Boston Tea Party, visit with Benjamin Franklin and other patriots, and even visit with King George III and find out a little about his thinking as well. Like the first book in the series, Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, I thought that this was an entertaining and educational look into history, particularly the history of the United States. Rush Revere and the First Patriots was published in 2014.

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh was a fun historical story that I feel children would enjoy. In the story, history teacher Mr. Rush Revere and his magical, talking, time traveling horse Liberty, bring history alive for his students at Manchester Middle School, especially Tommy and Freedom, two bright young students

who accompany him and Liberty to meet people like William and Dorothy Bradford, Miles Standish, Squanto, Samoset, and Masasoit. While the story did not ignore the fact that some of the pilgrims died that first winter (including Dorothy Bradford) the story doesn't dwell on it more than I felt was appropriate for a children's story. It was a fun and age appropriate look at one of the important parts in the history of the United States. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims was published in 2013.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo is a fun story for children. When Mercy Watson, a lovable, corpulent piggie crawls into bed with her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, her

weight is too much for the floor, which begins to crack, threatening to spill all its occupants into the first story of the house. But not to worry! Mercy goes to the rescue! Or does she? Follow Mercy Watson on her adventure to...get sugar cookies? Or was it alert the fire department? This story is a funny tale for small children to enjoy, and it brings a smile to the faces of grown ups reading the story to children! This story was first published in 2009.

Author J. Scott Savage

One of my favorite authors, and lucky for me, a good friend as well, is J. Scott Savage. As of the writing of this post, he is the author of 18 novels, including The Far World series, (Water Keep, Land Keep, Air Keep, and Fire Keep), the Mysteries of Cove series, (Fires of Invention, Gears of Revolution, Embers of Destruction) and The Lost Wonderland Diaries which has just begun. I love J. Scott Savage's books for the fun adventures they contain, the action that hardly lets up until the end, the surprising twists that happen, and the positive morals they teach kids (and adults) without being overly didactic.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The novel The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is one of my favorite books of all time.The reluctant hero, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins sets off on a quest to help a group of dwarves regain their homeland, an extinct volcanic mountain that is hollow inside, from a dragon that took it from them.

Hobbits, incidentally, are a human-like species that, when full grown, are only about 3.5 feet tall, at the tallest. Their feet are extremely tough, and therefore they don't need to wear shoes. Even in winter. On his adventures with his new friends, Bilbo Baggins encounters all sorts of trouble, from trolls to giant spiders. Will he succeed in his quest? And will he return home alive? Read the book and find out! The Hobbit was first published in 1937.

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull follows the adventures of three friends, Nate, Summer, Pigeon and Trevor as they become aquainted with Mrs. White, the proprietor of The Sweet Tooth Ice Cream and Candy Shop, a new candy story in town. At first thinking that she is a sweet but otherwise unremarkable motherly middle aged lady they quickly discover that she has special candy. Candy that has magical properties.

It's pretty great to be able to pop a candy into your mouth, and then bounce around like you're on the moon, right? But Mrs. White doesn't just want to share her magical candy with the kids. When she starts asking them to do illegal things for her, the kids balk. And that's when Mrs. White shows her... not so sweet side. Can the kids avoid her wrath? And along with that, will they be able to help John Dart and Mr. Stott keep her from her ultimate goal...of taking over the world? Read the book and find out! The Candy Shop War was first published in 2007.

Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz

Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz was an enjoyable middle grade about a middle school girl, Filomena Jefferson-Cho who finds herself whisked away from the real world into the fairy tail world of her favorite books series. The story itself was entertaining, and I feel that while I didn't like it as much as I had hoped, I'm not the target audience. As an adult, I found a lot of plot holes, unnecessary gaps, and big chunks of time jumped where things happened quickly, but needed, in my opinion, to be explained more.

I can understand the appeal to middle grade readers. Filomena is an awkward child, overprotected by the parents who adopted her, and picked on by the school bullies. A character many middle grade readers can empathize with. And as many middle grade readers also imagine and dream about, she is wisked away to a world where she is no longer awkward, but one of the key heroes. A very fun and relatable tale for younger readers. This book was first published in 2020.

The Wielder Series by Franca Ogbonnaya

The Wielder Series by Franca Ogbonnaya is an exciting series of books set in a fantasy world populated with fascinating and diverse species. So far, there are two books, and a novella. I have read both books, The Novice Wielder and The Wielder Trials. The main character of both books is a young lady named Britea. The first story begins with her thinking she is an average teenager with nothing unusual or special about her, until she exhibits the ability to wield water.

Like in Avatar, there are four types of elements that can be controlled by wielders, air, water, fire, and earth. Some of the species I mentioned earlier are the Dyhaeri, a water-dwelling human like species, and the Alkynaia, sea-serpents who are intelligent. Oh, and did I mention there's an evil queen who drains the lives out of young wielders, in a sort of Elizabeth Bathory situation? While the series is only two books long at the moment (plus a novella) it promises to have more excitement in future books!

I've known Franca Ogbonnaya for quite a few years as an online friend. And when I found out she had gotten some of her books published I was so excited for her! She is a great writer (she even won a writing contest I had done a long time ago to celebrate the publication of one of my books) and I was glad that her books were published! The series is aimed at teens, but anyone who enjoys exciting adventures in fantastical lands would enjoy this fun series! The Novice Wielder was first published in 2018 and The Wielder Trials was first published in 2020.

Rikki Tikki Tavi directed by Chuck Jones

The movie Rikki Tikki Tavi, directed by Chuck Jones is, in my opinion, as delightful as the written story. The storyline is mostly the same. There are a few differences, however that I noticed. Not large enough to change the story as a whole, though. One small difference is that when Rikki Tikki is found after having crawled out of the river half choked, Teddy, his young human friend, and Teddy's mother Alice find him in the written story. In the animated movie, it is Teddy and his father who find him. Other than that, there are few other deviations between the movie and written story. The animation is fun, the colors are bright, and Rikki Tikki's characterization, including his expressions are well done, making him endearing to the audience, especially to children.

As in the written story, Nag and Nagaina, male and female cobras try to ambush Rikki, but he is saved by the warning of a pair of Taylor birds. Later, Rikki confronts and defeats Karait, another snake after Karait threatens Teddy. But Rikki still has Nag and Nagaina to deal with, and when Chuchundra, the muskrat fearfully warns Rikki that the two cobras are trying to get into the house, Rikki knows he doesnt have much time! The DVD version that I watched also had a bonus story, Yankee Doodle Cricket, which I thought was also well done. The animated version of Rikki Tikki Tavi, directed by Chuck Jones and based on the story by the same name by Rudyard Kipling was published in 1975.

Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling

Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling is a short story written primarily for children. The title character, Rikki Tikki Tavi, is a young mongoose who is washed away from his home by a flood. Though half choked, a British family that has come to India to live for an undetermined time in a bungalow nearby, find him and nurse him back to health. Rikki Tikki quickly makes friends with Teddy, the youngest member of the family, as well as Teddy's mother Alice, and Teddy's father (whose name we are not told) though Teddy is clearly Rikki Tikki's favorite.

The day after he is saved by the family, Rikki Tikki is exploring the garden, and encounters two agressive cobras, Nag, and Nagaina, a male and female cobra who try to ambush the young mongoose, but fail at killing Rikki when a pair of Taylor birds warn Rikki that one of the cobras is coming at him from behind. Later, when Rikki discovers Karait, a small, dusty brown snake threatening Rikki's beloved Teddy, the young mongoose goes on the defensive, and successfully defends his human friend. But Nag and Nagaina are still out there! Rikki Tikki Tavi is an enjoyable tale, especially for children. And it can get them excited to learn more about real life animals in India. Rikki Tikki Tavi was first published in 1894.

Pumpkin Roll by Josi Kilpack

I am starting to be a big fan of Sadie Hoffmiller! She is the main character in Pumpkin Roll, by Josi Kilpack, the 6th book in a 13 book series. There are few things Sadie enjoys more than baking. She does love sharing what she bakes, and being around her boyfriend, Pete.

It's Halloween time, and middle aged Sadie is in Boston helping her gentleman friend Pete look after his three rambunctious grandsons while his son and daughter in law are working to secure a new place to live. If she left things well enough alone, things would go smoothly for her. But good hearted Sadie can't help but stick her nose into other peoples' business--when she feels someone is in need of her help, anyway. And Mrs. Wapple, across the street, who is referred to as a "witch" by Pete's grandsons, is acting strangely. Not in a sinister way, that Sadie can see, but in a way that suggests to Sadie that Mrs. Wapple needs help. So what does Sadie do? Jump in with both feet, of course to try to get help for Mrs. Wapple. But when Mrs. Wapple's sister seems less than enthusiastic about helping, and then when an old frenemy of Sadie shows up wanting to help, things start getting more complicated. This was a fun book to listen to (I listened to the CDs) and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. And I understand the print book has some of Sadie's recipes in it! Pumpkin Roll was published in 2011.

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis is an exciting story about how the visits between Earth and Narnia first began. Diggory and Polly, a boy and girl who are friends accidentally stumble into Diggory's unscrupulous uncle's private attic room while they're trying to explore the crawl space of the row of town homes in which the two friends live. Diggory's Uncle Andrew, seizing the opportunity for an experiment, tricks Polly into touching one of the magic rings he has created, which compels Diggory to go after her to rescue her. Thus begins their adventure into the "wood between the worlds" and other places, including a frightening place where they meet someone wicked who makes an appearance in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The Magician's Nephew is an exciting story for children as well as adults who enjoy fantastical adventures in fantasy worlds. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys such stories.

The Magician's Nephew was first published in 1955.

My Dearest Enemy by Jennifer Moore

My Dearest Enemy by Jennifer Moore is a sweet, and well-written love story that takes place during the war of 1812. Abigail Tidwell, a Canadian, finds a wounded American soldier in her barn, and feeling a moral obligation to help him, despite the fact that he is one of those "Cursed Americans" she uses her medical skills taught to her by her father to save his life. Thinking that is the end of her obligations to him, she is surprised to discover that he is worried about the men in his group from which he was separated during the battle where he was wounded, and needs her medical skills to help them as well. What follows is an exciting story that looks at the war of 1812 from both sides. It involves a smart, skilled heroine and a brave, valiant hero. And of course, a dastardly villain who is out to get them both. I enjoyed this story, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean, historical romance. My Dearest Enemy was published in 2018.

The Lake Quilt Mystery by S.D. Brown

The Lake Quilt Mystery by S.D. Brown starts out with Kelsey and her mom headed to what they think will be a relaxing vacation at a mountain resort. Kelsey’s only complaint is that her best friend is in the hospital recovering from a burst appendix. But then things get more complicated when clues show Kelsey that there is more to this Lake resort than she first thought.

Sinister things. Using her ability to solve clues, Kelsey starts to piece together (ha ha, quilting pun) the fragmented parts of this mystery that will uncover a deeper, darker side to this resort. Will Kelsey solve the clues in time? Kids and adults who enjoy mysteries with clever young protagonists will enjoy this book! The Lake Quilt Mystery was first published in 2013.

Beat by Jared Garrett

Beat by Jared Garrett

is a very exciting post-apocalyptic story about a young man who lives in a society that can't get too excited. Literally. They're told that if their heartrate goes over 140, that the "bug" that's in their systems will activate and kill them. So they're told. But Nik suspects otherwise. As he starts to uncover the truth, he starts to learn how controlling his society is. But he also finds himself and his friends in greater and greater danger. When he realizes what the Prime Administrator is willing to do to anyone who knows the truth, he realizes he needs to get the truth out there, all while staying away from the Enforsers. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who likes exciting, non-stop action, and post apocalyptic stories. Beat was first published in 2018.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary is a fun book that I remember fondly from my childhood. Listening to it on CD recently, I discovered happily, that I enjoyed it just as much as before. Ralph, a juvenile mouse living in a hotel, meets Keith, a young boy who has come to stay for a few days with his parents. Ralph is delighted that the boy understands him, and better, that Keith lets him use his toy motorcycle to play with. To make it run, all Ralph needs to do, is make a motor sound with his mouth! Things are going great, until Ralph accidentally ends up in a heap of laundry with the motorcycle! Worse yet, when Keith gets sick, there's no medicine to be found anywhere in the hotel. Will Ralph be able to come to the rescue, even though he can't find the toy motorcycle? Read the book to find out! I recommend this book to youngsters as well as parents who enjoy fantastical stories with animal protagonists. The Mouse and the Motorcycle was first published in 1965.

The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan are a group of short stories written by the author of the popular Percy Jackson books. The short stories are fun for anyone who is a fan of fantasy and adventure, but may be more especially appreciated by fans of Riordan's work. I am only familiar with Percy Jackson through the movies, and this is my first experience with Riordan's writing. It was well done and exciting, and I appreciated his ability to put tension and excitement into his stories. These 4 stories shed a bit more light on a few of the characters readers get to know in his other books. People who know the stories of these characters more than I do, might have their heartstrings yanked on just a bit more. Being only slightly familiar with the stories, I felt the tug as I read Luke's story, having some idea of what is coming later after the diary entries of his that I read. All around, the stories are entertaining, and I recommend them to readers young and old who enjoy Greek mythology, fantasy, and fast-paced action. The Demigod Diaries was published in 2012.