WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth
Jarrett is used to his life being disrupted by the foster babies his mom takes in. This time is different, though. This time his mom has taken in a baby and her older brother. Kevon is older than Jarrett and is sharing his room. People expect them to be friends. Jarrett doesn't think they can even get along. Everything about Kevon rubs him the wrong way.
A little way into this, and I'm entranced by the writing style. It's so conversational. Jarrett is a very distinct voice. If the book continues as it has begun it is likely to be my favorite this week.

What did you recently finish reading?
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
When Zita set out to rescue her friend Mouse (at the end of The Legend of Zita the Spacegirl) she was immediately captured by the Doom Squad. This volume finds her imprisoned on Dungeon World, an inescapable fortress, and set to work mining the planet's core. True to nature, this seemingly hopeless situations isn't enough to stop Zita or her friends.
With the first volume, I was an instant Zita fan and this book just reinforces my fan-hood. I will say that this story is perhaps a little more serious than the first two, a little more exploratory into inner natures and the like. Still, a fantastic adventure with plenty of action and lots to explore in each panel. A must read for all young graphic novel fans.

What do you think you will read next?
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
The story of a twelve year old boy living in a suddenly quite busy smuggler's inn, discovering clues and unraveling a mystery. I can't help but imagine the beginning of Treasure Island and the Admiral Benbow Inn when I read the description of this book.

or 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Jazz gets involved in the investigation of a murder after suspicion falls on him, a result of his serial killer father. I just got the ARC of Blood of My Blood, so I'll be reading this one and the sequel Game in the very near future in preparation.

Book review - Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

Title: Frank Einsteing and the Antimatter Motor
Author: Jon Scieszka
Genre: Sci-fi/humor
Similar books: Tesla's Attic by Neal Shusterman
                     Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Rating:

Funny, sneakily educational

Summary: Frank is a kid genius and inventor who loves tinkering with gadgets in his grandfather's fix-it shop. When an electrical storm animates a robot he designed, Frank knows he has a chance to win the town science prize and pay his grandfather's bills. Trouble comes in the form of his rival, Edison, who is determined to win the prize himself. He has much bigger plans, plans that could affect the whole world.
My opinion: Take basic science concepts, add in a rivalry, loyalty, and Scieszka's signature humor. This book combines all those elements with spectacular results. Frank and his best friend Watson are a truly likeable pair. The real gems, though, are the robots Klink and Klank. Klink is your classic comedy straight man with a heavy dose of robot logic. Klank is a loveable, not too bright, goofball reminiscent of the Abominable Snowman from Bugs Bunny cartoons. It's an entertaining story with a message about responsible science and loyalty as well as a plethora of scientific facts. A great book for the young scientist.
More information: Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor releases August 19.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley. 

A crafty trio

I had intended to make some big, grand craft project Saturday. Then we had absolutely gorgeous weather all day and I spent 20 minutes watching a seal in the river (and perhaps an hour waiting for the seal to show again so I could try to get a picture). So instead I have three smaller craft projects.

1. Duct tape sling with hidden wallet (original design found in Stick It! by T.L. Bonaddio)

If you look closely, you can see the duct tape says "I heart bacon". Ironically, I don't actually eat bacon though I do find it funny to put on a wallet.

This sling should come in handy when I'm out walking with my camera and don't want to mess with a purse or a bulky wallet stuffed into my pocket. Also, I think I can clip my water bottle onto the buckle.

2. Monster plushie

The first of what is likely to be several designs

This little monster is the prototype for a giveaway at my upcoming Monster Tea Party storytime (more details on this in a couple of weeks). He's made of t-shirt scraps with fabric paint features.

3. Zita peg doll

You can't see it in this picture but she has her green cape on her back

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I've been spending part of my weekend rereading the Zita the Spacegirl books and I was inspired to make this little peg doll. She now holds a place of honor on my desk.

Right there in front of Captain Hammer, between Dr. Horrible and Gerkin the gentleman-gnome

Zippety and Mr. Harley

The only program I helped with this week (apart from storytime) was our Wednesday night performer, Mr. Harley. The highlight for me was definitely at the beginning. We brought out Zippety wearing his blue shirt for a photo with Mr. Harley. Mr. Harley was not only willing to pose for a photo, he suggested several other poses we could try.

Book review - Fleabrain Loves Franny

Title: Fleabrain Loves Franny
Author: Joanne Rocklin
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Similar books: The Miniature World of Marvin & James by Elise Broach
                     The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone
Rating:

Cozy, like chatting with a friend, while also expanding your mind

Summary: Franny is recovery from polio and is incredibly lonely. All of her friends are avoiding her for fear of catching the dreaded disease. When she becomes enthralled by the recently published Charlotte's Web, Franny starts looking for a Charlotte of her own. She finds her inspiration in Fleabrain, a super-strong flea that lives on her dog's tail. Together they explore the wonders of the world and of the people around us.
My Opinion: What a lovely book. Rocklin captures Franny's loneliness as well as the magic of new friendship, magic that blinds us to flaws. As Franny discovers the wonders of the world around her, avoiding the difficulty of her new reality, we the readers are also pulled into reexamining our own realities. The author's note at the end was fascinating and taught me far more about polio than school ever did and the discussion questions were fantastic. I could imagine discussing such concepts even with a group of adults. I also really appreciated the lesson Fleabrain learned about books.
More information: Fleabrain Loves Franny releases August 12.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Picture books for everyone

This new feature comes from a conversation I had the other day with my sister. While her kids are now high school and junior high aged we were discussing picture books that they might still enjoy.  Apart from the simple fun factor, some of these books are visually beautiful, ask kids to interpret a great deal visually, or even address some intellectually high concepts. So, I thought I would occasionally share one of these books here. 

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

Really, most of Mo Willems's books will appeal to kids of all ages with their quirky humor. I've decided to highlight this particular book because every time I've read this to my preschool storytime, it's gotten more laughs from the parents than the kids. Between the visual elements and the subtle jokes it should go over well with older kids exploring it on their own or families reading it together who might point out these elements to younger kids. My personal favorite parts are anything to do with the dinosaur who happens to visiting from Norway.

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin
Franny is recovery from polio and is incredibly lonely. All of her friends are avoiding her for fear of catching the dreaded disease. When she becomes enthralled by the recently published Charlotte's Web, Franny starts looking for a Charlotte of her own. She finds her inspiration in Fleabrain, a super-strong flea that lives on her dog's tail. Together they explore the wonders of the world and of the people around us.
I have a few chapters left in this one and I can honestly say it may well be one of my favorite books this year. Franny and Fleabrain are very strong characters and Rocklin's writing style is engrossing.

also

Manga Classics: Les Miserables originally by Victor Hugo adapted by Crystal Chen, Stacy King, and TszMei Lee
Personally, I haven't read the original so I can't speak to how faithful this representation is, but I have seen the most recent movie. At the halfway point it seems to be holding fairly true to the movie version, just adding in some side plots and connections that were absent in the movie.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Scieszka
Frank is a kid genius and inventor who loves tinkering with gadgets in his grandfather's fix-it shop. When an electrical storm animates a robot he designed, Frank knows he has a chance to win the town science prize and pay his grandfather's bills. Trouble comes in the form of his rival, Edison, who is determined to win the prize himself. He has much bigger plans, plans that could affect the whole world.
With a great cast of characters (the two robots, Klink and Klank, are especially awesome) and a solid plot this book is already pretty cool. Add in nicely integrated science facts (of which there are dozens) and even an introduction to sign language and this book pretty much sells itself to both kids and parents.
 
What do you think you will read next?
Zita the Spacegirl Legends of Zita the Spacegirl and The Return of Zita the Spacegirl
The first two are a reread for me but we just got book 3 in yesterday and I've been looking forward to reading it for months. I'm celebrating by reading all three in a row.