School vacation

This week was school vacation in our area. During February break we try to have special activities for school-aged kids. Our selections this week were: chess and board games, art, snowman day, and our monthly puppet workshop. I thought of lots of things I could write about our programs but I've decided to let the photos speak for themselves.

Chess and board games

 

Art

 

 

 

Snowman day
(I will add that our snow was not particularly good for snowmen, though we managed to make a few small sculptures)

photo courtesy of Nicholas Navarre

photo courtesy of Nicholas Navarre

photo courtesy of Nicholas Navarre

photo courtesy of Nicholas Navarre

Puppets

Point of clarity - this is Modok and Captain America

Book review - A Darker Shade of Magic

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: V.E. Schwab
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
                     Tandem by Anna Jarzab
Rating:

pretty epic

Summary: There are four realities, linked by parallel Londons. Once, the way between them was open but now only travelers, supremely magical beings, can go between them. Kell is the Red Traveler. Officially he carries messages between realities. Secretly, he's a smuggler. It's this secret that gets him into trouble when he carries through a dangerous object that could see him executed for treason. Now Kell is on the run with Grey London thief Delilah Bard. To escape from treachery and the darkest magic, Kell and Delilah will have to travel between worlds, danger hard on their heels.

My Opinion: This is exactly what we like to see in a fantasy novel. Distinct worlds. Magic with strict rules that are carefully followed rather than changed to suit the plot. Fully fleshed out characters to the extent that even minor characters, those introduced only to die paragraphs later, have motivation. There is enough description to provide a sense of place but not so much as to become annoying. An excellent start to a new series.
More Information: A Darker Shade of Magic releases February 24.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic Novel Spotlight: Binky the Space Cat

Binky the Space Cat series by Ashley Spires

Binky is a great graphic novel series for young readers. Apart from being downright silly (Binky does fight aliens that are actually bugs) each book includes a lesson in teamwork, perseverance, trust, and the like (not to mention exclamations like Holy Fuzzbutt!). They are short adventures sure to thrill and amuse. The humor is layered so parents will enjoy this alongside their kids.

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
Disappear Home by Laura Hurwitz
After years at the commune Sweet Earth Farm, Shoshanna and her mother and sister are on the run from it's leader, Shoshanna's father Adam. In the relative safety of Southern California life seems like it's going to be good at last. The girls are thriving until their mother become paranoid that Adam is after them. Shoshanna must decide whether to continue to take care of her mother or put herself first.

I've only just started reading this one but I love the premise.

What did you recently finish reading?
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler
Jessica has always been average. All of that changes one day in geography class when she starts to disappear. Soon she discovers that she can turn invisible at will. Where did this mysterious ability come from? With the help of her friends Izzy and Tom plus a few other kids who are showing signs of abilities of their own, Jessica is going to find out - and maybe even avert a disaster in the process.

There are a lot of different approaches to superpowers and this is certainly a unique one. This one relies on a "serum", the explanation for which is both vague and overly technical. Read this one not for the abilities but for the interactions between the kids. Middle grade books explore a lot of emotional growth and understanding. This is a solid addition to that effort.
 
What do you think you will read next?
Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan
Weight issues meet sports. We'll see how this one plays out.

Book Review - The G-Man Super Journal: Awesome Origins

Title: The G-Man Super Journal: Awesome Origins
Author: Chris Giarrusso
Genre: humor / superheroes
Similar books: the Big Nate series by Lincoln Pierce
                     Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities by Mike Jung
Rating:

fun for young superhero fans

Summary: Michael G would like nothing more than to be a superhero like his idol, Captain Thunderman. Some of Michael's classmates have started to develop powers. Michael goes looking for a way to get powers of his own. Of course, if he gets his wish, what will he do with them?

My opinion: If the world of Diary of a Wimpy Kid had superheroes, the result would look something like this book. Character-wise, Michael reads more like Big Nate than Greg Heffley, more likely to get into accidental trouble than as a result of direct scheming. This is a fairly simple story and some of the plot points are rather weak. Still, I imagine this will go over well with young readers. Read it for entertainment rather than depth.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

The Great Owl Repaint Project

I have a well-known fondness for owls, particularly those that most would call kitschy. A couple of years ago I was given a box of such owls. They are a variety of styles and colors. A few of them are in kind of rough shape, which is what first made me think about painting them. It didn't take long for that idea to take hold. So, today I bring you the first installment in what I've come to think of as The Great Owl Repaint Project.

The Before:

I love the look of this owl, but as you can see the corners are pretty chipped.

The After:

I modeled the coloring of this owl after the Northern Saw Whet Owl

An afternoon with my nephews resulted in all nine owls being named and declared part of a family. I believe was one of the daughters. Her name is Clara.

Time Travel and TYCTTL

We had two big programs for kids at my library this week. Wednesday night we invited kids to time travel to ancient Egypt. Among other activities we made headdresses, played a game, wrote hieroglyphics, and made a mummy. 

Our "mummy" before being wrapped

Saturday we participated in Take Your Child to the Library Day. This is an initiative to get young families into libraries and for kids to get library cards (check out their website here). For us, this means storytimes, crafts, and plenty of decorations.
 

Working on crafts

A new library member!