The Willoughbys

Title: The Willoughbys

Author: Lois Lowry

Published: 2008

Length: 2 hours, 56 minutes

 www.goodreads.com

Well, the more I read children's literature, the more I'm convinced that most of it is made up of things like strict teachers, lost dogs, rainy days, and parent-less children.  This old-fashioned novel though contains at least one of these...sort of.  The children are about to become parent-less...especially if their parents have their way.  

"Shouldn't we be orphans?" Barnaby B asked..."we are like children in an old-fashioned book."

Follow along this journey with Tim, Barnaby A and Barnaby B (twins), and Jane (who thinks girls should have names with more than one syllable) as they find a baby, become parent-less, get a nanny, and actually gain a few family members by the end.  Also be sure to stay tuned for the Glossary of terms at the end, along with a Bibliography of old-fashioned books referenced throughout this novel.

I opted for the audio version of this book.  I enjoyed it so much, I found myself just driving around town so I could listen to it in my car.  It is definitely going on my top ten favorites list!  Hope you are able to check it out!

xoxo,
Kelly   

 

 

Ghostgirl

Title: Ghostgirl

Author: Tonya Hurley, narrated by Parker Posey

Published: 2009

Length: six hours

www.audible.com

The never outgrown teenager side of me thoroughly enjoyed this book. This deliciously dark tale is mesmerizing enough, and Parker Posey really brings it to life...or death depending on how you look at it. 

The old cliche of dying of embarrassment would be a slight improvement for Charlotte who dies from choking on a gummy bear.  But before you get all choked up, just know that Charlotte isn't going to take this lying down.  No, a little thing like death can't keep her from getting her long obsessed-over man Damian.

The review I read suggested the audience as Grades seven and above, but the book does contain some provocative scenes along with curse words.  Parents...use your best judgement, and kids...go for it before they find out!

xoxo,
Kelly      

Hollow City

Title:  Hollow City, The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Published: 2014

Length: 11 hours and 10 minutes

 www.goodreads.com

OK first of all, isn't Ransom Riggs just the best name ever?  I am really into names, and I just love his!  Well, the author of Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children has now brought us an amazing sequel.  

The peculiar children are on a journey to London in hopes of saving their beloved teacher Miss. Periguine.  They are constantly on the run from the evil Whites and when they are kidnapped by a band of gypsies, and their peculiarities come to light, they go from being prisoners to guests of honor.   Will one of their own kind be able to help them finally board a train to London?  

Although much more emotional than the first novel, this book was well written and very engaging.  I can't wait to see if there will be a third one!  Cuddle up with Ransom Riggs in this audio version of Hollow City, and enjoy his armload of peculiar pictures!  Hope you check it out!

xoxo,

Kelly

A Tale Dark and Grimm

Title: A Tale Dark and Grimm

Author: Adam Gidwitz

Published: 2011

Length: 4.75 hours

 www.adamgidwitz.com

"Are there any small children in the room now?  If so, it would be best if we just...hurried them off to bed.  Because this is where things start to get, well...awesome.  But in a horrible, bloody kind of way."  

If some opening lines like that don't get your attention, then you probably don't have a pulse.  Author Adam Gidwitz really scared the pants off his listeners with this one!

Hansel and Gretel have some bad luck when it comes to parents/caregivers...what, with having their heads chopped off, and almost being cooked up and eaten...you know, that sort of bad luck.  What most people know of the Brothers Grimm version of Hansel and Gretel is only the beginning!

Listen in on this grim tale if you dare.  And, if you don't go completely mad and end up in a mental institution, let me know!  lol  :)  

xoxo,
Kelly

 

The Eddie Dickens Trilogy

Title: The Eddie Dickens Trilogy

Author: Philip Ardagh

Published: 2003

Audio Length: Not long enough

Philip Ardagh wrote over the top, entertaining stories to his nephew Ben when he was away at boarding school.  Fortunately for us, they came to be known as the published Eddie Dickens Trilogy.  

The first book, A House Called Awful End, is described on the website as...

"Set in a 19th-century world of blotchy skin, runaway orphans, and a stuffed stoat called Malcolm, this wonderfully ridiculous adventure story was Philip Ardagh’s first full-length work of fiction and provides pure entertainment for children aged 8-80."

You can check out the website by clicking here.  And, if you enjoy it as much as I did, you can also read or listen to The Further Adventures of Eddie Dickens.

xoxo,
Kelly