I can read for pleasure again - Hallelujah!
I've been reading quite a few things lately, which after a difficult summer, is in many respects heaven for me.
I've been reading a lot of picture books and easy reader type stuff. Partly because I love the instant gratification of finishing a good (But shorter) book, partly to enjoy the pictures, and partly because I'm doing everything in my power to learn how I can get my own non-novel stories to be economical.
Over the summer I discovered the Houndsley and Catina series and currently have two of the books in the series. The art is charming and I love how straightforward it is. It never feels boring, while at the same time has
I've always loved books by Candlewick Press, and these are no exception.
Also part of Candlewick's Sparks Line is Squirrel's World, which I admire for its playful (If frenetically helpful) title character, nice art, and fast gripping pace. Seriously, the story moves almost as fast as Squirrel talks, while still being understandable.
I'm still trying to figure out how the author maintained such a gripping pace without dragging the antics on too long.
I also started reading Judy Moody goes to college over the summer, but I didn't finish before taking it back to the library, I plan to buy my own copy next month. I can say this though, I wish I had this book when I was a kid; it would've made me feel less fearful and tyrannical about math.
That said, the fact that Megan McDonald could get a math-phobic like me EAGER to improve their math skills of my own conviction, long past third grade, is nothing short of a blessing. I'd recommend this to any parent of a school age kid who's finding math a real pain, along with those "Miss Math" books I've heard much about. They may still find math a pain, but they'll feel a lot better knowing they're not alone.
Note: As far as the Miss Math books go, if you can get your boys to look past the title, the lady on the cover, and fairly girl-centric subject matter, this book may give them more confidence in improving their math skills.
And like Judy Moody, remind them they're not alone, I'm sure even the world's most renowned mathematicians had moments of relentless frustration with math, even if they LOVE it. Kind of reminds me of us writers, but thankfully fiction doesn't have to be as black and white as most mathematics.
I just bought The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter, and it came in the mail on Monday. I haven't spent too much time with it yet, but I'm glad to finally have the one book everyone keeps recommending to me once they learn of my animal story obsession.
Skeptics say what you will. One thing that can't be denied is that woman could draw.
It's rare these days to see the level of detail she did in her artwork. She really had a talent for getting her vision as razor sharp in her art as well as her words. If I had half her skill, I'd illustrate at least some of my PBs myself. I've thought of taking an art class someday, at least so I can get a feel for it. I know I won't achieve art like this, at least not without years of practice, but I'm a firm believer that everyone has a style they're most comfortable with. The one that feels the most natural and semi-effortless. Be it in prose-writing, poetry, or art. I want to find mine.
Finally on the younger side of things, I've starting getting into the Flatfoot Fox Series by Eth Clifford (Don't know how to even begin pronouncing that name, no offense to the author in any way, mind you). These books rely on two key elements, simplicity, and pacing. The stories move fast and the while the structure is fairly linear, it never feels overly formulaic, partly because of the fast pacing, and in part because of the subtle wit and humor. My only two nitpicks is that I wish there was more to the mysteries themselves, at least one red herring or mix-up, and that the pictures were in color.
That said, the covers are nice and really stand out.
Otherwise, a solid 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.
As far Novels I go I'm really getting into The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush by S. Jones Rogan. This is definitely an author I'm glad I discovered on my many hunts for cool and beautifully written books. This has it all, the action, the drama, intrigue, secrets, and just a splash of danger to keep even the most hyper readers entertained.
I'm currently halfway through it and I can already say that I haven't read something this well crafted since I plowed through the first three books in the Hermux Tantamoq series.
And just like the series mentioned above, I read a sample of it online at Barnes and Noble and bought the sequel that came out this year along with the first. I hope they'll be many more stories in this world.
I should note that this book is for younger readers and the subject matter isn't as mature as it is in the Hermux Tantamoq series, but perfect for readers who love stories of this type.
I'd recommend it to anyone who loves the Redwall series, but wants something different from the sword and sorcery fair, who love pirate stories, and high quality writing that won't go over your head. You may have to crack open a dictionary a few times though.
Speaking of Hermux Tantamoq, I also started the fourth awhile back, Time to smell the Roses. Still just at the beginning, but it's proving to be just as good as the other three, plus, no I can't mention that, it'll spoil the surprise. Like the book mentioned above, this has it all, plus romance, I couldn't ask for anything more. I maybe a guy, but I have no shame admitting I'm a love story fanatic. I've read many books I otherwise would be too afraid to even touch if the story didn't involve a romance of some kind. Even if the love is unrequited or "can't" be, it's a welcome break from the harsher qualities a story may have. While all 4 books stand alone, there is merit to reading them in order so you better understand the in-jokes and dynamics of the recurring cast.
At the very least, you might want to check out the first book, Time Stops for No Mouse, just so you understand certain key relationships without getting too lost. That said, the author does a good job of cluing the new readers in without boring those who've been along for the ride since the start, I want to learn that technique, since I rarely write many stand alone novels.
Every time I think I'm done with a character and that particular world, more stories flow out like the Cheyenne River. I sure hope M. Hoeye comes out with a new book soon, preferably another Hermux since there isn't indication that this was the last one in the dust jacket, but if the writing's as interesting as in these books, I'm more than willing to see what other worlds he can take us to.
Anyway, those have been my recent reading adventures, with more just around the corner.