That Dodger Horse by Delos W. Lovelace

177 pages
Published in 1956
by New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company

Note: This is another book that I read in 2010, but I am only now getting around to reviewing. Please pardon the delay.

As regular readers of this blog will remember I am a big fan of Maud Hart Lovelace, so much so that I host an annual Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge every autumn. In the months leading up to the 2009 challenge (and during the challenge) I re-read Maud's popular and well-known Betsy-Tacy series as well as her recently republished Deep Valley series. Then in 2010 I expanded my reading to books outside the familiar and I read Gentlemen From England, a novel Maud co-wrote with her husband, Delos W. Lovelace. This in turn led me to pick up another novel by Delos, one written for young readers titled That Dodger Horse.

I am particularly intrigued with Delos, not only because he was an avid writer (journalist, biographer, and novelist), but also because he was the man that Maud loved. If she were Betsy then he was her Joe. In fact, she makes it no secret that she used many aspects of Delos when she created the character Joe Willard in her Betsy-Tacy books. And so, when I picked up That Dodger Horse and read that it was inspired by some of the adventures Delos had as a child while visiting his uncle's farm, I knew I was going to enjoy the read. It seemed exactly the type of book that Joe Willard would have written.

The Plot:

"A farm in Minnesota sounded like the end of the world to Glen. Any baseball teams there were certain to be small-town stuff, and even rumors of a tricky Morgan horse didn't intrigue him.

It was a big surprise to get out of the plan, meet Uncle Orlando, and find that Minnesota was a pretty nice place. It was a bigger surprise to find he liked the farm, and that it wasn't hard to make new friends. There was even a shortstop berth on the Grassy Point baseball team. it wasn't a bad team, either, though Otto Bolger, its star batter, seemed to dislike anyone he thought was a city slicker. It was Otto who dared glen to explore the dangers Indian Woods and got him into bad trouble.

The best part of the summer came with Dodger. Uncle Orlando bought the Dodger horse, a horse everybody knew you couldn't trust because he was so full of mischief. No doubt about it, Dodger was an extraordinary animal. He proved it that disastrous summer afternoon when the dark, whirling tornado hit.

From start to finish, it was an unusual vacation. By September Glen has changed a lot of his ideas. And those who read this lively, entertaining story will agree with Glen that a summer in the country with that Dodger horse is about the best thing that could happen to anyone." (Summary courtesy of the publisher.)

My Thoughts:
That Dodger Horse is a charming story filled with the innocent and fun loving adventures typical of children from my father's generation. As I read I could imagine my dad, as a young boy in the 50s and 60s, doing many of the same things -- playing baseball or dropping off a rope swing into a fishing hole or maybe exploring nearby woods with one of his friends.

The only drawback is that the book is a little dated, but that is to be expected of a book that is nearly 60 years old. The obvious difference is with the language (i.e. vocabulary, slang, a turn of phrase, etc.) are clearly from a different time, but rather than finding them hokey, I felt they made the story that much more interesting and fun for me to read. The only objectionable scene that I can remember is after Glen disobeys his uncle, which nearly results in some terrible consequences. To some this part of the story may be objectionable, but I believe taken in context of the time and place where the story is set it doesn't darken the story and perhaps a lesson can be learned by more then Glen.

Overall That Dodger Horse was a light and entertaining read and I am glad I tracked down a copy (even if it is a slightly marred library discard). I think, depending on the reader, That Dodger Horse could easily be enjoyed by young and old readers alike. Yes, the clothing styles and turn of phrases have changed, but the love for adventure that is born in every child's heart remains the same from generation to generation.

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Related Links:

If you like the sound of That Dodger Horse then be sure to check out a few other titles that you might likewise enjoy:

* Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield
* A Dog Called Scholar by Ann H. White (reviewed)
* Homer Price by Robert McCloskey (reviewed)
* Henry Huggens by Beverly Cleary
* Smoky, The Cow Horse by Will James (reviewed)
* My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craigshead George (reviewed)
* The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall (reviewed)
* Mr. Wilmer by Robert Lawson (reviewed)
* Freddy Goes to Florida by Walter R. Brooks (reviewed)

A Dog Called Scholar by Anne H. White

158 pages

Published 1963

The Viking Press

New York, NY

A few weeks back I was browsing the children's book section for stories to read aloud to my daughter when I passed by the Juvenile section and A Dog Called Scholar caught my eye.

Out of curiosity I did a little digging on the Internet, but couldn't find much about A Dog Called Scholar or its author, Anne H. White. Apparently this book hasn't fared as well as other books from the same era, it and its author didn't even warrant a spot on Wikipedia. And because of this I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I discovered it wasn't even properly listed on Shelfari, someone had posted the book but with the illustrator as being the author! (Yes, I changed it.)

But despite it's near anonymity I really enjoyed A Dog Called Scholar, so I'm hoping to draw some attention to it through this review.

The Plot:
A Dog Called Scholar is set in the present day (of publication, around 1963) in what I suspect to be a rural New England town. As the story opens a litter of Golden Retriever puppies has been born to two of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward Wilson's most prized "Wonder Dogs." Unfortunately while most of the litter appears to carry on their parents beauty and breeding, there is one little ball of fluff that appears different. Not exactly the runt, but definitely a little slow, this puppy is dubbed, Little Moo. It doesn't take long for Mrs. Wilson to decide they must be rid of Little Moo and as soon as possible before he has a chance of clouding the Wilson Wonder Dog name as well as their popularity.

Enter the Tucker family with their two children, Clem and Susie. Some time previous to this story the Wilson's stayed with the Tuckers while both family's were abroad in Europe. It is when Mrs. Wilson considers Little Moo's fate that she remembers she never properly thanked the Tuckers for their hospitality by way of a gift and that giving Little Moo to the Tuckers would be the solution to all her problems.

The Tuckers (excepting Mr. Tucker) are delighted to have their very own dog and it isn't long before Little Moo is adopted into the Tucker family and renamed Cubby... and then later Scholar. The rest of the story follows the comedic adventures of Scholar with the Tuckers and around town. The climax of the story actually comes in the last chapter when the Wilson's return, having learned what a wonderful dog Scholar turned out to be, and try to buy him back much to the distres of everyone, but Mr. Tucker. From this point until the end of the chapter and likewise the end of the book the story becomes a page-turner. What will be the fate of Scholar?

My Thoughts:
From start to finish A Dog Called Scholar is a delightfully charming and funny story about a dog and his family. In some ways it reminded me of a 1960s children's version of the popular Marley and Me (reviewed), but only a little (Scholar is not quite as crazy as Marley). A Dog Called Scholar is a great read for dog lovers of all ages, but especially for children. I would even say it could make for a great read-aloud to younger children and I'm adding it to the long list of books I want to share with my daughter when she gets a little older, as she is a big fan of dogs.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate A Dog Called Scholar a 4. It is a charming, yet dated story (there are lots of references to life during the 1960s which would be quite foreign to a child of the millennium), still it is a fun read and one that should not be quickly forgotten. Check your local library, they might have a copy. If not, used copies can be found online at a very affordable price (under $5).

As a side note, during my online research I discovered Ms. White published a few other novels, including one that Robert McCloskey illustrated. I definitely want to check that one out.

Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery

274 pages
Copyright 1939, reprinted 1992
Bantom Books
New York, NY

I cannot believe I waited this long to read Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery! As I have mentioned before, I read through the first five books in the Anne series while I was in high school, but never any further. At the time I wasn't interested in reading beyond Anne's House of Dreams because I didn't think I would enjoy the stories after Anne was "old and married with lots of children." How silly is that?

Maybe it's because I am older now and married with a child that I enjoyed this book so much, but I doubt it. Anne of Ingleside is such a great book I think that had I given it a chance years ago I would have loved it just as much then as I do now.

The Plot:
In Anne of Ingleside "Anne is the mother of five, with never a dull moment in her lively home. And now with a new baby on the way and insufferable Aunt Mary Maria visiting -- and wearing out her welcome -- Anne's life is full to bursting. Still Mrs. Doctor can't think of any place she'd rather be than her own beloved Ingleside. Until the day she begins to worry that her adored Gilbert doesn't love her anymore. How could that be? She may be a little older, but she's still the same irrepressible, irreplaceable redhead -- the wonderful Anne of Green Gables, all grown up... She's ready to make her cherished husband fall in love with her all over again!" (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
Anne of Ingleside is shared with stories of Anne and her adventures and stories of the Blythe children and their adventures.

As is always the case in Montgomery's books Anne of Ingleside includes comedic adventures, quirky characters, and endearing coming-of-age stories of children and their fantastic imaginations. The Blythe children have such unique personalities and adventures which means there is never a dull moment at Ingleside or within the book. I particularly loved how Montgomery portrayed the relationships between each member of the Blythe family -- between Anne and Gilbert and their children and between the children themselves. It made for a fun and pleasing read and I look forward to getting to know the Blythe children better in the next book, Rainbow Valley.

Anne is perfection as a herioine. Now her in mid 30s, Anne has grown up, but she hasn't totally changed, she's still Anne. While she has blossomed as a wife, mother, and friend she still day dreams, is enchanted by life and nature. She still loses her temper and has her moments of silliness, but they are fewer and she handles them in a mature way. Gilbert is perfection as Anne's beloved friend, husband and lover. Even though his part in the books has always been a little to the background, I've always found his character romantic and endearing. Gilbert isn't moody or vengeful; he is steady, strong, faithful, and loving. He is the constant Anne needs and adores her as every woman wants to be adored. I loved their relationship in this book. That even after 15 years of marriage two beloved friends could still be friends and lovers. Anne of Ingleside is a romantic read.

The Summary:
On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Anne of Ingleside a 5. It is one of my all-time favorites within the series and I am thrilled to finally have it as part of my personal library along with the other books in the series. If you haven't read this book in the series yet don't put it off any longer!

Stay tuned for my review of Rainbow Valley later this month.

Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace

107 pages

copyright 1953

First Harper Trophy edition, 2000

Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.

New York, NY

In addition to the ten books that make up the Betsy-Tacy series, Maud Hart Lovelace also wrote three more books about life in Deep Valley during the turn of the last century. The three books include Carney's House Party (c)1949), Emily of Deep Valley (c)1950) and Winona's Pony Cart (c)1953). Although I have long been a fan of the Betsy-Tacy series until last week I had never read any of the Deep Valley books.

And so, having just recently finished Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, I thought it as good a time as any to pick up and read Winona's Pony Cart. (Especially since the next book I'm to read in the Besty-Tacy series takes the girls from their childhood and into the world of high school, football games, and house parties.)

Winona's Pony Cart is set some time between Betsy, Tacy and Tib (when the girls are 7 going on 8) and Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (when the girls are 8 going on 9). Readers of the Betsy-Tacy series will most likely remember Winona Root from her appearance in Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, when she becomes friends with the threesome and invites them along to view a matinee at the Deep Valley Opera House.

In this book the story centers on Winona Root and her well-to-do family. It is autumn in Deep Valley; the trees are bursting forth in beautiful color and Winona is very much looking forward to her eighth birthday. At first she is hoping for a miniature printing press, like what is used at the Deep Valley Sun newspaper where her father works. But then she decides she wants a life-sized baby doll, which sounds perfect.... Until she realizes what she really wants above all is her very own pony! But even though her father says no to the pony Winona is still hopeful. In fact, she's so hopeful that she starts to believe that she IS getting a pony and even tells her classmates, including Betsy, Tacy, and Tib about the gift; never stopping to think what might happen if she is wrong. To add to this mess, Winona decides to extend party invitations to her classmates and acquaintances even though her mother has set a limit of fifteen, all of whom have already been invited. As the party day approaches Winona has two things on her mind... What will she name her pony? And what will her mother say when all the extra children show up? What happens next makes for quite a story. The end result is another sweet story by Mrs. Lovelace that is both whimsical and comical.

But as much as I enjoyed Winona's Pony Cart I just didn't like it quite as well as the Besty-Tacy books. I think a big part of it has to do with the fact that Winona Root is a spoiled child. While she is a nice child, she has some annoying habits, including bragging to her friends and getting carried away with her expectations. Still the story turns out all-right and lessons are learned. Overall I found it to be a clean and entertaining story that works great as a read aloud to young children, or a read-alone for young readers.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Winona's Pony Cart a 4. It's a great story by Mrs. Lovelace, but just not quite as good as her other works. (Maybe I'm just prejudiced to the Besty-Tacy books?) One bonus is the illustrations by Vera Neville, they are simply beautiful. In closing, fans of the Besty-Tacy books who are looking for some more Deep Valley stories shouldn't miss the Deep Valley books.

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Note: I don't remember where I got my copy, it was bought some years ago and is the only Deep Valley book that I own. Unfortunately all the Deep Valley books are currently out of print, but used copies can be found on a varying scale of prices for those interested.

Smoky, The Cow Horse by Will James

310 pages

copyright 1926, renewed 1954

Charles Scribner's Sons

New York, NY

As I mentioned in my What's On My Nightstand May post, I stumbled upon Smoky: The Cow Horse by Will James while browsing the fiction section of my local public library. As has happened many times in the past, once I discovered the book I was determined to bring it home and read it, not only because the story plot seemed interesting, but also because the book smelled so incredibly good, just as an old book should.

Published in 1926, Smoky was an instant hit. The book was published in September of that year and reprinted ten more times before the end of year! It won James the Newbery Medal for children's literature in 1927. It also caught the attention of Hollywood which resulted in three film adaptations over the next forty years, including a version with Fred MacMurry (a favorite actor of mine) in 1946, a version which was narrated by Will James himself in 1933, and most recently in 1966.

Smoky is the story of a horse, born in the wild and trained by a cowboy to become one of the best cow horses in the western United States. The book, told in the third person, but from Smoky's perspective, chronicles the adventures Smoky encounters throughout his life, as well as the friends and enemies he makes along the way.

I believe what Will James wrote in the preface of the book illustrates perfectly what the story of Smoky is all about: "To me, the horse is man's greatest, most useful, faithful, and powerful friend. He never whines when he's hungry or sore footed or tired, and he'll keep on going for the human till he drops. The horse is not appreciated and never will be appreciated enough, -- few humans, even them that works him, really know him, but then there's so much to know about him... The horse I wrote of in this book is not an exception; there's quite a few like him... Smoky is just a horse, but all horse and that I think is enough said."

Generally I am not a big fan of westerns. I enjoy them, but I don't read very many of them. I guess growing up I saw more than my share of western movies (my family owned the entire John Wayne collection of movies on VHS). For a long time I felt a little burned out when it came to tales of cowboys, horses, and shoot-'em-up westerns. And so, when I began reading Smoky I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, but I can honestly say I did.

Smoky is an interesting, fast paced, and humorous read. James' writing style is unique -- he wrote as he talked , which means the book includes its share of slang and informal English. Still the book was an easy read and I found the book realistically and beautifully depicted what life was like in the wild west for both man and beast during the early part of the 20th century. I think it's important to note that because Smoky was intended as a children's book there is a lack of extreme violence and language. But it isn't missed. I was impressed, though not surprised with how well the story is told (including the bad), how black the blackguard is depicted, all without spelling it out in a vulgar or profane way.

Overall, I really truly enjoyed Smoky. I learned a lot about horses, cowboys, ranches, rodeos and the like all the while being caught up in the exciting adventures that Smoky encountered. My heart strings were pulled, I laughed, and when I reached the end of the story I was pleased and inspired to imagine what happened in Smoky's remaining days.

Yes, Smoky was a fun read. A true American classic from the 20th century that should not be forgotten. It is a great read for young and old readers alike and a fun read aloud for young children who have an interest in cowboys and horses. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Smoky: The Cow Horse a 4. I really enjoyed this book and hope to share it with my children one day. While I borrowed this copy, I am on the lookout for any used copies of James' novels. If the others are as enjoyable as Smoky they are books I'd consider adding to my personal library.

As a side note, for those interested: Will James wrote and illustrated 23 books, all of which include his own beautiful pen and ink illustrations. For more information check out the Nevada Writer's Hall of Fame website, the Will James Art Company, and The Will James Society.

Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery

227 pages
Bantom Classic Books, 1992
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, NY

This was my second reading of Anne's House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I read through the first five books in the Anne series as a teenager, but never further. Last fall I picked up the series again this time determined to read my way through to the very end, Rilla of Ingleside.

Published in 1917, Anne's House of Dreams opens in the weeks leading up to Anne and Gilbert's wedding and then proceeds through the first two years of their marriage and life in their new home, Anne's very own house of dreams. It is a beautiful story with some of Montgomery's best island imagery. Reading a book by L. M. Montgomery will make any reader feel as though they've lived for a time on P.E.I. -- or at least that they MUST visit it.

In my opinion Anne's House of Dreams is the perfect finale of Anne focused books. From Anne of Ingleside to Rill of Ingleside the story focuses more on Anne's family than on Anne's adventures and dreams or "coming-of-age". Not to say they aren't good, I've heard they are wonderful, but I did feel a little sad as I closed Anne's House of Dreams. Anne is no longer a starry-eyed girl with a wild imagination. I'm nearing the end of the series!

I think Anne's House of Dreams is one of my two favorite novels in the Anne series. I just love getting to eavesdrop on Gilbert and Anne's relationship (something I missed as it was very one-sided in the letter form of Anne of Windy Poplars). And then there are the comical and endearing characters including Miss Cornelia, Captain Jim, Leslie, Susan, and Owen with their own assortment of drama and adventures. Which helped to make up for the lack of beloved Green Gables/Avonlea characters.

I bought my copy of Anne's House of Dreams, as I am slowly collecting the entire series for my personal library. I definitely encourage readers who have never read the Anne books (or in a long while) to take some time to read through the series. The books are not difficult to read (i.e. they are easy to follow, understand, etc.), they are very sweet and entertaining stories, are relatively short (less than 300 pages), and are easy to access (almost every public library has the series in paperback, some also in audio book format).

Anne's House of Dreams is a comfort read for me. It made me want to snuggle down in by a crackling fire in a little cottage by the sea, just like Anne and Gilbert. It made me wish for a simpler, slower paced life...but then I'd remember all the conveniences we have in the 21st century and feel maybe I wasn't so wishful after all. One thing is certain, life was so different 100 years ago.

On a scale of one to five, one being horrible an five being excellent I would rate Anne's House of Dreams a 4.5 to 5. I loved this book. I look forward to reading the next in the series, Anne of Ingleside, especially since I have yet to read it.

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As a side note, I know many fans of the Anne books have seen the atrocity that Kevin Sullivan called Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story. I saw his adaptation (a.k.a. Anne of Green Gables overhaul and re-write) when it first aired on TV and I cannot tell you how disappointed I was with the story as a whole. It robbed the viewer of the best scenes, the best characters, of the real Gilbert and Anne. Take their wedding. I mean, all that build-up, all that waiting... and Anne and Gilbert's wedding is over in 10 seconds and nothing like in the book. I was shocked and annoyed. Well, all I can say is skip the movie, it's a waste of time. Montgomery's version of the wedding, of Anne and Gilbert's relationship and life together as laid out in Anne's House of Dreams is exactly as the reader hopes it to be. Which makes sense, as after all she did create the characters.

Betsy And Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace

180 pages

Copyright 1943, renewed 1971

Published 1979 First Harper Trophy edition

New York, New York

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown is the fourth book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. Besty, Tacy, and Tib are growing up. At 12 years-old they permitted to do lots of things on their own including trips together or alone to downtown Deep Valley. Even Julia and Katie (Betsy's and Tacy's older sisters) are growing up. They are in high-school and have boys carrying their books. It won't be long before before Betsy, Tacy, and Tib leave their childhood behind and follow the older girls into Deep Valley High. In a way, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown is the perfect story to segue between the girls adventures as children and the adventures they have as young ladies. I think because of this and because of the books strong focus on the arts (literature, theatre and music) Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown is my favorite book covering Betsy's early years.

As is the case with the three previous novels, Mrs. Lovelace packs the short novel with many exciting experiences and has the girls uncovering wonderful surprises. It would spoil some of the fun if I were to list them all here, so I will only mention a few such as... making surprising new friends, matinees at the Deep Valley Opera House (theatre), riding in the first horseless carriage (automobile) to arrive in Deep Valley, and (my personal favorite) exploring the new Carnegie Library.

I found a few details of Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown quite amusing. For starters, as the story opens the girls have discovered dime novels, which are in general frowned upon by the girls' parents. What made me laugh was which book it is that causes the ruckus in the Kelly and Ray homes -- none other than Mary Elizabeth Braddon's Lady Audley's Secret (1862). I laugh because in 2009 that book is considered a classic right alongside the works of Dickens, Austen, and Wilkie Collins, yet in 1901 it was still considered "cheap literature" and a sensational or controversial read that is by no means equal to Dickens or Shakespeare. It is interesting to see how public opinion and literary tastes/opinions change over time. And interesting too that it is a book I really enjoyed. What does that say of my literary tastes? Hmm...

Another aspect that I enjoyed was Betsy's introduction to the new Carnegie library. During the first two decades of the 20th century the millionaire philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie funded over 1,680 public libraries in the United States in order to further self-improvement in citizens through reading. One such library came to Deep Valley (the fictional town version of Mankato, MN) and Betsy's parents encourage her self-improvement by letting her spend every other Saturday at the library on her own. Some of my favorite quotes from Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown are found in the chapters where Betsy first visits the library:

"She thought of the library, so shining white and new; the rows and rows of unread books; the bliss of unhurried sojourns there and of going out to a restaurant, alone to eat." (Chapter 6, page 78)

"The Children's Room was exactly right for children. The tables and chairs were low. Low bookshelves lined the walls, and tempting-looking books with plenty of illustrations were open on the tables. There was a big fireplace in the room, with a fire throwing up flames and making crackling noises. Above it was the painting of a rocky island with a temple on it, called The Isle of Delos. 'That's one of the Greek islands,' said Miss Sparrow. Miss Sparrow was the young lady's name; she had told Betsy so. 'There's nothing more classic than Greece,' she said. 'Do you know Greek mythology? No? Then let's begin on that.' She went to the shelves and returned with a book. 'Tanglewood Tales, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Mythology. Classic,' she said. She went back to the shelves and returned with an armful of books. She handed them to Betsy one by one. 'Tales from Shakespeare, by Charles and Mary Lamb. Classic. Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes. Classic. Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift. Classic. Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. Classic, going-to-be.' She was laughing and so was Betsy. 'You don't need to read them all today,' Miss Sparrow said." (Chapter 7 page 84-85)

As you can guess, I just loved Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown. It was a fun story and filled me with warm happy memories as I read; especially of my childhood libraries. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown a 5. This is definitely a series to buy verses borrow. The good news is the early years (books 1-4) are still available in paperback and I've read that the later years (books 5-11) will once again be available in paperback later this year.

For more information about the earlier Besty-Tacy books check out my reviews here. And for the later books, stay tuned. Reviews to come.

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Hill is the third book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. As the novel opens Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are 9 going on 10 years old and they believe they have finally reached teh perfect age. After all, isn't it when you have two numbers in your age that exciting things start to happen. Like the previous two novels in the series, this one is a sweet, simple, but entertaining read. The three girls have their share of adventures, including traveling over the Big Hill to visit a new settlement in Deep Valley, Little Syria.

One of the aspects of the Betsy-Tacy series that I love is how real the stories feel. I know for a fact that Mrs. Lovelace used people and events from her own childhood when creating Betsy and Tacy's world, so the feeling of reality makes perfect sense, but what is more subtly noted is that she also incorporated historical people, places, and current events from the early 20th century. Two examples of the latter are found in Besty and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. The first is the mention of the Flatiron building, which upon its completion in 1902, was one of the tallest skyscrapers in NYC. Another example is the coronation of King Alfonso of Spain, whom Betsy, Tacy and Tib (because she didn't want to be left out) fall in love with. Unfortunately this eventually leads the three girls into the biggest argument ever between them and Betsy and Tacy's older sisters. It takes some ingenuity on the part of several people before the argument is resolved and it is decided who will be Queen of Summer on the Big Hill.

Another aspect that I found of specific interest to me as I read Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill was the small Syrian community. Having recently read a book about women from the Middle East I was struck by the fact that in 1902 many people were emigrating to the US because of religious persecution by the Mohammedans -- something that still happens today. Another interesting characteristic of these emigrants was how patriotic they were. They were in America and they wanted to be treated as Americans. They worked hard to learn American history, to become fluent in English and they put aside their foreign ways and dress, except on special occasion or in the privacy of their home. They wanted to be Americans.

The last aspect of this novel that I found interesting was how much fun the children had without the modern forms of technology this current generation must have. Every evening they would gather outside and play games until it was dark and time to retire for the evening. The children knew the Star Spangled Banner by heart, something that a lot of children don't know today and organized patriotic parades as part of their play-world. The world, or more specifically the United States was certainly a different place and culture 100 years ago.

Overall, and as you might have already guessed, I loved Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. It is such a delightful story and like the two preceding it, I cannot wait to be able to read it aloud to my daughter when she is a little older. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate this one a 5. This is definitely a series that readers with young children in the home, or fans of the Anne series should add to their library.

And although only the first four books in the series are currently in print, I recently discovered some good news. According to the Betsy-Tacy Society the last seven books (the high school years) will be back in print by the Fall of 2009. Check out the Betsy-Tacy Society for more information.

Next... Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown. Stay tuned, look for my review in early May.

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Note: I've always been curious why Tib is not included in the title of this book. Unfortunately in reading the book I am no closer to solving this mystery. I'd say it's because the series is the Betsy-Tacy series... and yet the second book in the series included Tib in the title. Interesting....

The Door in the Hedge by Robin McKinley

Years ago I read Beauty by Robin McKinley, which is a retelling of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. I don't remember a lot about the book, but I do remember that I really liked it and for a time it was a favorite. Recently I saw mention of Beauty on another book blog and my interest in McKinley's books was once again sparked.

I chose The Door in the Hedge because I understood it held a long time favorite of mine, the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. But I was in for a surprise because the book is not just the retelling of the dancing princesses, but a collection of four fairytales.

The first tale is The Stolen Princess and is about a kingdom that borders the land of Faery. The subjects of the kingdom suffer year in and year out when the fairies come and steal away their children (boys as infants and girls at the age of 17). After the second princess is stolen on her 17th birthday the royal family decides enough is enough and sets out through the door in hedge to the land of Faery to find and recover the princess. Along the way they solve man a mystery and peace comes at last to the kingdom and the land of Faery. (Although nothing like it, The Stolen Princess did remind me the movie Stardust, but only in the sense that a "wall" separated the mortals from the faeries and the story climax is when the mortals cross over in search of the answer to a mystery in the land of faeries.)

The second tale is a retelling of The Frog Princess called, The Princess and the Frog. While this story is fairly straightforward, it is a short and unique version and unlike the others I've read.

The third tale is The Hunting of the Hind and is the story of Princess Korah's heroics in saving her kingdom and more particularly her brother, the Crown Prince. Korah's kingdom has been plagued with rumors of a beautiful Hind (deer) that when seen by a hunter will drive him insane. It is when the Crown Prince goes hunting and returns deathly ill and out of his mind that Korah sets out to find the Hind and put an end to its mysterious spell and bring happiness and peace to her kingdom.

The fourth and last tale is The Twelve Dancing Princesses. This story follows the traditional version was definitely my favorite of all four tales.

Overall I thought the story collection contained in The Door in the Hedge was ok, but not McKinley's best work and nothing to compare with what I remember of Beauty. Not to say that Robin McKinley doesn't have a gift for the telling and retelling of fairytales, because she does. Her books are pure fairytale/folklore fantasy, but this one just wasn't as good as I hope it would be. McKinley's books are written and intended for young readers (ages 9-12) and perhaps a younger reader would have enjoyed The Door in the Hedge more than I. Personally I would suggest readers unfamiliar with McKinley's works should start with a copy of Beauty.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate The Door in the Hedge a 2.5. It was ok, but if you wish to read it I'd suggest borrowing from your library rather than buying... unless you're a fan of McKinley and own her books.

In spite of my opinion of The Door in the Hedge, I'm not giving up. Sometime in the future I would like to read McKinley's re-telling of Sleeping Beauty, Spindles End, so stay tuned.

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Those of you who have heard of The Spiderwick Chronicles are probably thinking of the movie starring Freddie Highmore, but before it was a movie it was a series of five books by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi chronicling the adventures of the Grace children at Spiderwick manor.
Curious about the movie and finding the books small (less than 200 pages and measuring 4"x6") and readily available in the children's section of my local library I decided to find out for myself more about this story.

In Book 1: The Field Guide, nine year-old Jared, his twin brother Simon, and their older sister Mallory arrive at their new home, Spiderwick Manor. A nasty divorce between Mr. and Mrs. Grace is the reason that Mrs. Grace and the children have had to move; something none of them are happy about, especially when they see how dilapidated Spiderwick Manor is. Trouble begins before they have a chance to unpack and settle in. Something or someone is causing mischief in the house and blaming it on Jared. As the children investigate Jared finds a secret room and a secret book, Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You -- a book about faeries. The adventures have only just begun.


In Book 2: The Seeing Stone, the adventures continue as Jared, Simon, and Mallory investigate the strange happenings around their new home. Things take a nasty turn when Simon is kidnapped by a band of goblins and it is through the use of a special "seeing stone" that Jared and Mallory are finally able to get a glimpse of what is really going on. Along the way they make a couple surprising friends.






Book 3: Lucinda's Secret begins with a visit to Great-Aunt Lucinda Spiderwick, who is currently living in a pyschiatric hospital (thanks to her belief in faeries). While there Jared, Simon, and Mallory learn more about the history of Spiderwick Manor and Arthur Spiderwick, as well as the dangers that lay before them if they do not destory the Field Guide once and for all... Unfortunately the Field Guide has gone missing... and it must be found before it gets into the wrong hands.





Book 4: Adventure and mystery abounds in The Ironwood Tree. Mallory disappears after one of her school's fencing matches and it's up to Jared and Simon to find and rescue her before something worse happens. At the same time the boys see their enemy, Mulgarath, for the first time and realize how dangerous he is and how badly they need to find missing Field Guide before he does.







Book 5: The Wrath of Mulgarath is the final novel in the series and in typical fantasy fashion ends with a great fight between the good-guys and the bad-guys. The entire Grace family and the world as we know it is in danger of the evil Mulgarath. Using wit and ingenuity Jared and his siblings work together to save the day and bring peace and quiet back to Spiderwick Manor.

Overall the Spiderwick Chronicles follow a typical children's fantasy: the good-guys stumble upon a mystery, they encounter the bad-guys, trouble ensures, the bad-guys seem to be winning, the good-guys fight back, and in the end with the help of loyal friends the good-guys save the day. And yet The Spiderwick Chronicles aren't your average children's fantasy. This fantasy has a darker tone and the illustrations are proof enough as the trolls, ogres, and goblins look like something out of a nightmare. I must admit, the more friendly faeries and creatures are reminiscent of characters in The Borrowers or Chronicles of Narnia, but only slightly so.

The five books are short (less than 200 pages depending on the publication) and an easy children's read (they were written for 9-12 years old).

As mentioned above, there are some negative aspects to the books. First the aforementioned darker theme, which includes ogres, trolls, and some gore. Then there is also the aforementioned divorce between Mr. and Mrs. Grace, which is alluded to several times in the book, including its negative impact on the children. Last thre are the children's squabbles, fights, and name calling. Their relationship is hardly loving, though through the series they do seem to bond and stand by each other, showing in the end that they truly love each other despite their differences and personal issues. Still, these negatives can be overlooked if the reader is mature enough to handle them, or if a parent takes time to read and discuss with their child.

I wasn't able to draw my final opinion of the books until I had finished the series. At the end of the first book I just didn't know enough to draw an opinion and by the middle of the series there were still so many unanswered questions. But as I closed the fifth and final book I had my opinion. Overall I thought the series was a clever and an entertaining read, but it wasn't a favorite. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate the entire series of The Spiderwick Chronicles a 2.5. It was ok, but not something I'd readily recommend to other reads and not something I would include in my personal library. However, if you are curious I would suggest you check a copy out at your local library and decide for yourself. (They are short enough fast readers can finish a book in an hour or less.)

The authors have taken on a sequel-series in the Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, but I doubt I will read them.

As a side note, if you have seen the movie I would love to get your feedback. Please feel free to leave a comment about your thoughts on the movie, or if you've read the books and seen the movie, then your thoughts on both.

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

Last fall while browsing the local library I stumbled upon the first book in a series following the adventures of the Penderwick family. I read and enjoyed The Penderwicks so much that I immediately added its sequel, The Penderwicks On Gardam Street (published in 2008) to my TBR list hoping it would be equally as good. I was not disappointed.

"In the second book about the Penderwicks, the sisters are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure! But the adventure they get isn't quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick's sister has decided it’s time for him to start dating—and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster. Enter the Save Daddy Plan—a plot so brilliant, so bold, so funny, that only the Penderwick girls could have come up with it. But in the meantime, they have some other problems to deal with. Rosalind can’t seem to get the annoying Tommy Geiger out of her hair—and she can’t stand him, really. Skye loses her temper on the soccer field in a most undignified manner. Jane’s love of creative writing leads her into deep waters. And Batty’s getting into mischief spying on the new next-door neighbor. As for Hound, he’s always in trouble. It’s high jinks, big laughs, and loads of family warmth as the Penderwicks triumphantly return!" (synopsis courtesy of Jeanne Birdsall's website.)

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street is another Penderwick adventure complete with plenty of action, drama, and mystery; as well as lessons in love, friendship, honesty, and humility. Like its predecessor, Gardam Street is a fast paced and fun read and although intended for young readers (age 9-12), it is also a great read for adults.

Having finished two books by Mrs. Birdsall I can honestly say I really enjoy her writing style. There is something about her characters and stories that remind me of older books (i.e. published 50+ years ago). Not to say they are old fashioned, because they're not, but I find them a step above many of the currently published and often popular children's fiction I see at the book store and library. To add to this Mrs. Birdsall's writing is so clear and creative that it wasn't until I finished the book I even realized there are no illustrations printed in the book! The writing is just so descriptive my imagination filled in pictures without me realizing.

In a very short time I've come to love the Penderwick family and their crazy adventures and I am excited that there are more to come. Mrs. Birdsall is currently working on the third book in the series of five. I can't wait until it becomes available. In the meantime, I'm planning to add the first two books to my personal library.

On a scale of one to five, one being horrible and five being excellent, I would rate The Penderwicks on Gardam Street a 4.5, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

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Note: As a side note, fans of The Penderwicks series should check out Jeanne Birdsall's website. I found the additional information on the author and a FAQ section were particularly interesting.

One Hundred And One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Before it was the 1961 Walt Disney animated film One Hundred And One Dalmatians it was a children's story by Dodie Smith. I never knew this until I stumbled upon a copy of the book at my local library book sale.

For the most part the plot remains the same between the novel One Hundred And One Dalmatians (a.k.a The Hundred And One Dalmatians) published in 1956 and the animated film, though there are several discrepancies between the two when it comes to details. (More on that later.)

For those unfamiliar with the story, One Hundred and One Dalmatians is the story of two dalmatians, Pongo and Misses Pongo (a.k.a. Misses) who live with their "pets", Mr. and Mrs. Dearly and the Dearly's former Nannies, Nanny Cook and Nanny Butler. Not long after the Dearlys and the Pongos both get married Misses gives birth to a litter of 15 puppies. Also around this same time the entire household encounters a former classmate of Mrs. Dearly, Cruella deVil and her husband, Mr. deVil. The deVils are in the fur trade -- Mr. deVil makes fur clothing and Cruella wears it. And it is immediately obvious that the only animals Cruella likes come in the form of a fur coat or stole.

The story takes a sinister turn when the puppies mysteriously disappear after a visit from Cruella. Through the "twilight barking" (a form of communication amongst the dogs of England) Pongo learns the puppies have been dog-napped by henchmen hired by Cruella and they will be made into fur coats.

With the aide of various dogs and cats across the English countryside, Pongo and Misses set out to rescue their puppies only to discover they must save not only their 15, but another 82 puppies of varying sizes.

The rest of the story follows very much the same story plot that the 1961 animated film does, with a few minor variations. The most obvious changes from the book to the film were the details of who made up the 101 dalmatians. In the movie it is Pongo and Perdita and 99 puppies, but in the book the adults are Pongo and Misses (as referred above) with two additional adult dongs, Prince and Perdita, and then the 82 puppies. Another interesting variation from the book to the film has to do with the Dearlys. In the film they are named Radcliffe and Mr. Radcliffe is a musician, but in the book Mr. Dearly is a financial wizard who makes a fortune solving the English government's financial problems.

Overall The Hundred And One Dalmatians is charming and fun and imaginative read. The villains are villainous, but the good guys win and all is put right with a proper happily-ever-after ending. I really enjoyed the story and plan to read it to my daughter when she's older. I would definitely recommend this to readers, both young and old.

At 199 pages it makes for a great read aloud to children, but could be read easily enough by older children on their own. I found the book a relatively fast read that had short chapters and a clear writing style. The only objectionable material would be in the villainous behavior of Cruella, but Ms. Smith makes a point of depicting Cruella in a very devilish way so any objectionable behavior should be able to be excused by the reader as par to Cruella's wickedness.

On a scale of one to five, one being horrible and five being excellent, I would rate One Hundred And One Dalmatians a 4 or 4.5. I really liked this book. I found it a refreshing change from another work I read by Ms. Smith earlier last year.

Readers should be able to find a copy at their local library to borrow, but I think this is one book that readers should consider adding to their personal library, it's that good a read.

As a side note for those who have read One Hundred And One Dalmatians, Dodie Smith wrote a sequel, The Starlight Barking, but from what I can tell it is much more fantastical of a story and not quite up to par with the original.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

I stumbled upon The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy while browsing the juvenile section of my local library. And what a great find!

"Meet the Penderwicks, four different sisters with one special bond. There’s responsible, practical Rosalind; stubborn, feisty Skye; dreamy, artistic Jane; and shy little sister Batty, who won't go anywhere without her butterfly wings. When the girls and their doting father head off for their summer holiday, they're in for a surprise. Instead of the tumbledown cottage they expected, they find themselves on a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon the girls are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel's sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the most wonderful discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel's owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures..." (synopsis courtesy of Jeanne Birdsall's website.)

Published in 2005, The Penderwicks is the first in a current series of five books by Jeanne Birdsall and a National Book Award winner (2005). Although intended for children ages 9-12 I still found it a book adults could enjoy. At 262 pages it makes for a reasonably fast read, though obviously not quite as fast for younger readers.

Mrs. Birdsall's writing is simple, but clear and creative and she keeps the story believable. When one character faces several difficult problems, Mrs. Birdsall doesn't make them magically go away, but has them dealt with in a true to life and age appropriate way leaving an ending that is satisfying and believable. I really enjoyed The Pendericks; it was a fun read.

Currently Ms. Birdsall is writing the third book in the series. I look forward to reading more of the Penderwicks adventures and plan to read her second book, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street (published this year), before the third book is released.

As a side note, The Penderwicks reminded me of another book I read earlier this year (pre-blog, so sorry no review), which was Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott. So if you've enjoyed one, you may very well enjoy the other. Although, I did find Under the Lilacs a little slow at times.

As I mentioned above, I borrowed my copy of The Penderwicks from the library, but it may be one that readers with children in their home may wish to add to their library. On a scale of 1 to 5 (one being horrible and five being excellent), I would rate this book a 4. I really enjoyed it.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

Ballet Shoes is the first in the "Shoes series" by English author, Noel Streatfeild. Published in 1936, the book has become a children's classic and although not every book of the "Shoes series" is currently in print, the books do appear to be making a comeback.

I first heard mention of Ballet Shoes in the film You've Got Mail, when the lead character, Kathleen Kelly, mentions it while in a bookstore. At the time I assumed Ballet Shoes was a story about... well... some ballet shoes, but I was wrong.

The story begins when Matthew Brown, a professor of geology, is traveling on one of his fossil finding expeditions and ends up rescuing a baby girl from a shipwreck. On a whim he decides to adopt the girl and brings her home to his grand-niece, Sylvia. The baby is named Pauline. Not long after, Professor Brown (a.k.a. Great Uncle Matthew, a.ka. GUM) finds and adopts another orphan, this time a Russian baby girl. She is named Petrova. And then a few years later, Posy is added to the family, after her mother (a dancer) leaves her in the care of the Professor. The girls, GUM and Sylvia become a family, but not for long. Shortly after Posy joins the family the professor departs on a lengthy expedition, which will mean his absence for no less than five years. He leaves enough money with Sylvia to cover the household expenses for five years and promises to return before it runs out… Unfortunately five years passes and it appears GUM is not going to return.

One thing leads to another and soon the sisters are attending the "Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training" with the goal that each girl, when she turns 12, might begin to earn money to help support their make-shift family. Thus begins the adventures of Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil.

Ballet Shoes is set in the 1930s, during a time that is very different from today. And yet, the story of the Fossils is timeless enough that I believe it can be read and enjoyed as much by children and adults today, as it was 70 years ago when it was written.

I liked Ballet Shoes. It’s a cute story, but I must admit there were a few moments while reading that I found myself a little bored and impatient to finish the book. I think I might have enjoyed this book more had I been younger when I read it, perhaps in the 8-12 age range (the ages of the girls in the story). That being said, I hope to share it with my daughter when she is that age. The book, at 232 pages, is a decent length for a children’s book, but it is well written and could make for a fun and easy read-aloud too. The copy I read was borrowed from my local library, but I plan on purchasing my own copy to add to my daughter's library.

Ballet Shoes does have a sequel, Theatre Shoes, which I have added to my "To Be Read" list. For more information about these books or to find out which books in the "Shoes series" are available in print check out this link.

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Two interesting side notes:

Ballet Shoes was adapted to film in 2007 staring Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Lucy Boynton (Miss Potter), Emilia Fox (Pride & Prejudice), and Eileen Atkins (Cranford) to name a few familiar faces. I haven't seen the film yet, but have requested it from my library. The movie trailers look promising and as I enjoyed the book I am excited to watch the movie when it arrives.

Last, as I was reading Ballet Shoes I was reminded of some of the adventures in English theatres that Julie Andrews includes in her autobiography, Home. If you have any interest in learning about the life of a stage actress in the 20s and 30s, this is a great book to read.

Queen Victoria by Noel Streatfeild

I don't remember what sparked my interest, but last autumn my friend Alison and I both watched the film, Victoria & Albert, a biographical movie about the life and love of the United Kingdom's Queen Victoria. The movie was very well made and the story very interesting. Alison, curious to learn more about Queen Victoria asked a used book seller she knows for a recommendation on a biography.... the result was Queen Victoria by Noel Streatfeild published in 1958.

While there may be other superior biographical works on the Queen's life, Ms. Streatfeild's work remains a worthwhile read. It is interesting, factual (sources were primary, including the Queen's personal diaries), and reads like a novel, which in my opinion is a good thing. It's also a fairly quick read at 180 pages.

The book opens with the birth of Alexandrina Victoria, Princess Royal and the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Born into a family who had no expectations of her ever becoming Queen, Victoria ended up ascending the throne at the young age of 18 and spent over 63 years ruling the United Kingdom. Queen Victoria ends with the death of Victoria. The text in between her birth and death contains much about her life, love, family and the life and times of England during the mid to late 19th century. I found the latter especially intriguing as the timeline of her life and ruling coincides with many classical authors, including Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Anthony Trollope just to name a few.

Because it is out of print Queen Victoria may be a difficult book to locate (I bought mine through Alibris.com), but if you have access to a copy I encourage you to read it. Victoria is a fascinating person and impacted so much of our world history. But the story of Victoria is more than history -- it is a fairy tale; it is a romance; it is the story of a passionate young girl who grew up to be a devoutly religious woman and a good Queen. At times she was misunderstood and at times she made mistakes, but ultimately she was loved and respected. I thoroughly enjoyed Queen Victoria and am interested in learning more of the era when she ruled.

As a side note, the author, Noel Streatfield is the same author of the "Shoes books": Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, Skating Shoes, etc. Ms. Streatfeild wrote most of her books between the 1930s and 1950s. Her "Shoes books" are mentioned by Meg Ryan's character in the film, You've Got Mail, which I admit, was the first time I had heard of the books and their author. On further research I find that four of her "Shoes books" are currently available in paperback at almost any book store and it appears more of the series will be reprinted in the upcoming years. I'm glad of this because I like Ms. Streatfeild's writing and am hoping to read some of her fictinal works in the near future.

On a further side note, I recently learned that in addition to her biography of Queen Victoria, Noel Streatfeild also wrote a biography and critical analysis of E. Nesbit titled, Magic and the Magician. As you may recall, E. Nesbit is the author of The Enchanted Castle, which I reviewed here.

The Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit

It has been a difficult week for reading. Earlier in the week my daughter came down with the flu... and then so did I. After recovering from that she started a rather miserable bought of teething... and so here we are. It's Thursday and I've done (understandably so) little reading, resulting in no book reviews, until today!

Last night I was up late and finished The Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit.... which I forgot to mention in last week's Friday Finds. I learned about this book through Fireside Musings' review posted on Semicolon's weekly Saturday Review.

The Enchanted Castle is not your average fairytale. In fact, it was the first of it's kind. Before Nesbit wrote The Enchanted Castle there were basically only two types of children's fantasy. The Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz type where the hero/heroine drops into a magical world and is trying to get back to the real world. The other type was more along the lines of The Princess and Curdie where the entire story takes place in a magical world. Nesbit's writing changed all this; she created a real world of heroes and heroines who encounter magic and fantasy without leaving their homes. Her writing actually influenced many other authors, including C. S. Lewis. (And yes, I did notice this because there were some vaguely familiar elements between the four children in The Enchanted Castle and the four children in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.)

The Enchanted Castle begins with three siblings: Gerald (Jerry), Kathleen (Cathy), and James (Jimmy) who are summering at Cathy's English boarding school under the careful watch of a French governess. (The story is set some time during the "Edwardian period" which means roughly the turn of the last century.) One day while exploring in the woods they stumble upon a large estate with beautiful gardens... and a sleeping princess! One thing leads to another and before the siblings realize they have made a new friend and become mixed up in some mysterious magic.

The Enchanted Castle is quite the adventure and Nesbit's writing has both charm and wittiness. The only downfall is around chapters 9-11 of 12 where the story seems to drag a little and become even more fantastical before wrapping up neatly in the last chapter. But I pushed through this part and finished the book happy to have read it.

I obtained my copy from my local library. It was published in 1992 at 288 pages in large print (easy for young eyes) with beautiful color illustrations by Paul O. Zelinksy. Originally published in 1907, The Enchanted Castle has remained a classic over the years and is one that could be enjoyed by adult and child alike. And like so many of my recent reads, could be a fun read-aloud for those who have children in the house.

On that note, there are a couple minor matters I should mention to the reader considering sharing it with a child. First, as the heroes/heroines are children the story, it does contain some childish squabbles, but these always end well with lessons learned and apologies made. Two other matters were also minor to me, but might not be for others. First, at one point in the story a bit of magic goes wrong and results in a frightening moment for the children, but should not be so for a reader. Last, a few Greek gods and goddess and other mythical creatures are included in the magic of the story, but only lightly so and should not be a problem for most readers.

One final note, I read online that a TV mini-series was produced by BBC in the last 1970s, but has never been converted to video or DVD. I'd be very curious to see any of these episodes, but perhaps they weren't that great after all. However, today's CG graphics could make this book into a great film!

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy, who runs away from his New York City home to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains near his great-grandfather's abandoned farm. The story is told in the first person through a smooth balance of narration and journal entries. It begins in the midst of Sam's fist winter, flashes back to his arrival to the mountains in the previous spring and then follows Sam's initial survival and eventual settlement over the course of a full year.

As Ms. George states in her "author's preface" -- "Almost everyone I know has dreamed at some time of running away to a distant mountain or island, castle or sailing ship to live there in beauty and peace. Few of us make it, however it is one thing to wish to go, and another matter to do it..." I was just such a child -- I pretended I was running away, but never did. The very idea was for me and is for many children (and yes, even some adults) both exciting and intriguing. The idea succeeded in this novel.

For the most part, Ms. George's knowledge and research paid off. How Sam learned to survive: the food he ate, the friends he made, and the shelter and clothing he made were relatively believable. Not to say there weren't times when I had to suppress my disbelief. One such instance was the fact that Sam's parents let him run away and waited months before looking for him. I mean... they are loving parents, you can see that clearly in the story, but in real life what parent would let their child (be they 10, 12, 15, 18) run away and live in the wilderness without doing something after they didn't return home within hours? Was it that different fifty years ago? Or is it just part of the magic of the book? Such questions aside, My Side of the Mountain is an enjoyable and fascinating story. Ms. George's writing displays such creativity and resourcefulness in the character of Sam that it in turn sparked my own imagination in ways that haven't been explored in a long time.

Written in just two weeks My Side of the Mountain almost didn't make it to print. The editors felt publishing a story about a boy who was successful in running away from home was taboo. It wasn't until they looked at the story from a different angle that they realized what a clever and potentially successful book they had in their hands. This wasn't a story about a boy running away, this was a story about a boy running to the wilderness and learning to live off the land. My Side of the Mountain was published in the spring of 1959 and was a success. Not only did it earn Ms. George a Newbery Honor Award, but it also led her to write two sequels: On The Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful's Mountain, and was loosely adapted to film in 1969.

I really liked this book and am interested to read the rest of the trilogy at some point in the future. This story makes for a great story to be read by any child (boy or girl), but might make for even more fun if read together with a parent or as a family.

Long ago I remember hearing about this book, but I'd never read it. I don't think I've even seen the film. However, after stumbling upon the book while browsing the youth/children's section of my local library I knew I had to read it. My copy, at 177 pages, was a quick read -- although life didn't allow me much reading time over the last several days, so it took me the entire week to finish. Because My Side of the Mountain is so widely read it is easily attained through libraries or bookstores and is inexpensive for anyone wishing to add it to their library.

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** Note: You can read more about Jean Craighead George, author of over 80 books by visiting her website here.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Earlier this month I signed up to participate in Bluestockings Society's Lit Flicks Challenge. The challenge requires me to read five books which have been adapted to film and watch two of the adaptations. My list is posted here. The first I chose to read is Ella Enchanted (#3 on my list). This review focuses mainly on the book, but I do mention the movie.

I first became aware of Ella Enchanted through the 2004 movie with the same title staring Anne Hathaway. I really liked the movie -- it was clever, fun, and just a good clean story, but realizing it was based off a novel I knew I needed to read the book before I could have a final opinion. I'm not a hard and fast "read the book before you see the movie" person, though at times I do believe it is better to wait to watch the movie until after you've read the book. In this case I'm glad I did the reverse.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is the story of Eleanor "Ella" of Frell, a young girl who lives in a kingdom where elves, giants, ogres, and fairies are just as common as people, dogs and parrots; and where handsome princes are only a dance away. 

This would be just another story of a girl and a prince, but for one problem... one ra

ther unique and big problem. It all begins shortly after Ella's birth, when her fairy godmother, Lucinda, chooses to give her a special gift -- that of obedience. Ella must always obey whatever commands are made of her. At first the gift seems innocent enough, but it is not long before it becomes obvious that this gift is really a curse and Ella is likely to spend the rest of her life doing whatever anyone tells her, even to the danger of herself and those she loves... That is unless she finds her fairy godmother and gets her to reverse the curse... or unless Ella finds another way to set herself free.

Ms. Levine's humor and creativity make Ella Enchanted a fresh and unique retelling of Cinderella, but with lots of twists and turns. The story, intended for 9-12 year-olds is only 234 pages and a delightful and easy read (I finished it in a day).

As I said, I did enjoy Ella Enchanted, the movie, but having now read the book I realize how little the two have in common. The characters are pretty much the same and the curse is the same, but that is about it. The rest of the movie's story takes a completely different direction and has little to nothing in common with the ancient fairy tale about Cinderella. Not to say that it's bad, just different. Between the movie and the book I have to say I liked the book best because it had such rich detail and there is time for the reader to get to know the characters and become attached. Instead of a rushed romance between Cinderella and her prince like we see in many of the adaptations for the ancient fairy tale this story develops true friendship which blossoms into true and selfless love.

I definitely recommend this book for your reading list. I borrowed my copy from my local library, but it would be a fun addition to any reader's personal collection, especially if you have a daughter to share it with. Readers of Ella Enchanted will enjoy the movie and I believe people who've seen the movie will still find the book enjoyable, even if it lends to be more of a traditional fairy tale.

Note: If you've read Ella Enchanted you may also find Ms. Levine's other works equally enjoyable. I have reviewed one other book by Gail Carson Levine and you can read it here.