Saturday, May 7, 2011

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Author: Grace Lin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316038636

Book Description:

This Newbery Honor book features magic, adventure, friendship, and even a dragon who can't fly!

In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat, returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

My thoughts:

I thought this would be a book for children only, but found on reviewing it that it appeals to all ages. It is beautifully written; magical; elegant; lyrical; an enjoyable read. Many are saying this will become a children's classic--I agree.

(Thank you to Hackette Book Group for my review copy.)

Friday, May 6, 2011

Smells Like Dog


Author: Suzanne Selfors
Reading level:
Ages 9-12
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316043977

Book Description:
Meet Homer Pudding, an ordinary farm boy who's got big dreams-to follow in the footsteps of his famous treasure-hunting uncle. But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.

Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?

And who will continue Uncle Drake's quest-to find the most coveted pirate treasure in the world?

Join Homer, his sister Gwendolyn, and Dog on an adventure that will test their wits and courage as they leave their peaceful farm and head into a world where ruthless treasure hunters hide around every corner. Where they discover that Dog has a hidden talent and that treasure might be closer than they ever imagined...

My thoughts:

Great read for boy or girl age 9 through 14.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)