two more reviews...

Two more reviews! I'm almost caught up. Yay!


Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Kendra and Seth aren’t too happy about spending part of the summer with grandparents who have always seemed distant and somewhat unwelcoming. Expecting it to be a boring time, they are beyond surprised to the realities of their grandparents’ vast estate. Awaiting them are adventures beyond their wildest dreams, for their grandparents are caretakers of a secret sanctuary for mythological creatures of all shapes and sizes. This will be one summer they will never forget!

What a fantastic tale! The author creates a world within our own, filled with the sort of beings that dreams, fantasies…and nightmares…are made of, without managing to scare the pants off of younger readers. Kendra and Seth’s personalities and relationship are realistically drawn, as is the world surrounding them at Fablehaven. I’ve already started the second book in this series, and passed my copy of this book on to others!

The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey by Louise Borden

Curious George is a beloved book character whose antics have delighted generations of children. He is also a character that was nearly lost during World War II.

This wonderful biography tells the story of how Curious George survived the war – as his creators narrowly escaped Nazi occupied France and traveled to America. Written in a way that younger elementary school students can understand, the text does not trivialize the danger that H. A. and Margret Rey experienced. The book is filled with photographs – many taken by Margret Rey, drawings – some are H. A. Rey’s work, and pictures other historical documents and memorabilia, such as the couple’s visas and letters to publishers. This book was different than I imagined, and so much more wonderful than I expected.