A Whole Nother Story

Posted on October 17, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

A Whole Nother Story (2010)
by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

A hilarious and wacky kids’ novel that tells the adventures of a family on the run. Dr. Cheeseman is trying to fix the time machine he and his now-deceased wife built, but there are several evil organizations chasing him down. Cheeseman and his three kids are constantly moving to new towns and creating new identities to keep themselves and their time machine safe.

This is Dr. Cuthbert Soup’s first book, and it is so incredibly well done. His comedic timing plays out effortlessly on the pages, as if you are watching the scenes unfold before you. The characters are quirky and likable, even the “bad guys.” I am so pleased to see there is a sequel available!

A Whole Nother Story (2010)
Some quotes:

“The hot afternoon sun seemed to melt the horizon like a gooey grilled cheese sandwich…” ch 4

“Always lift with your legs, no matter how tempting it might be to use your hands.” Advice on Avoiding Back Injuries

“Parrots repeat what they hear,” said Mr. Cheeseman. “And they have a brain the size of a walnut. I suggest you choose your words more carefully.” ch 20

“Why is it that we can put a man on the moon yet we can’t seem to devise a more efficient, cleaner-burning engine than the one that put a man on the moon?” Advice on the Dangers of Technology

The Year of the Dog

Posted on October 16, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Year of the Dog (2008)
by Grace Lin

As Ms. Lin herself writes in the author’s note, “My favorite chapter books when I was younger were…stories (that) took place in school, in (someone’s) home, and in (someone’s) neighborhood.” And this story is just that. While not the “adventure” story that Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is, this debut novel is exactly the kind of book I would have read and enjoyed in grade school. As a blend of memoir and fiction, The Year of the Dog tells the everyday stories of young Grace growing up as a Chinese American.

In this new lunar year, young Grace is trying to find her “purpose.” The book follows Grace and her friends and family through their daily events such as school contests, Halloween parades, summer vacations, and so on. But intertwined in all of this, the reader gets a glimpse at how Grace sorts through the traditions of her family and the surroundings of her American life.

The anxieties, excitements, confusions, joys, and pangs of Grace’s year are told with a genuine simplicity and humor. I laughed out loud several times. Ms. Lin’s illustrations throughout the book are entertaining without detracting from the story or the reader’s imagination.

The more Grace Lin I read, the more I love her. On her website, she offers activities and real-life photos from some of the events in the story. The end of the book offers reader discussion questions as well.

The Year of the Dog (2008)

How to Catch a Star

Posted on October 14, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

How to Catch a Star (2004)
by Oliver Jeffers

This picture book, about a boy who wants to catch a star, is a simple story. The boy wishes he had a star. He makes a plan to catch one, he runs into conflicts, and eventually, his wish comes true. Simple, and yet such a wonderful picture book. Oliver Jeffers, of The Day the Crayons Quit fame, has illustrated How to Catch a Star beautifully. The pictures accompanying this sweet story are child-like, while still remaining fresh. The book as a whole is a winner!

Themes: stars, goals, brainstorming, perseverance, happy endings

(Search for the YouTube stop motions of this book. While they aren’t exactly true to the book, they are seriously darling!)

How to Catch a Star (2004)

The Curious Garden

Posted on October 13, 2016June 16, 2023 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Curious Garden (2009)
by Peter Brown

A young boy living in a dreary city happens upon a small bit of earth and decides to take care of it. As the boy’s garden grows and thrives under his care, the rest of the city begins to join in, creating unique gardens of their own.

While so many “environmental” books end up leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or even a bit discouraged, this enchanting and subtle picture book leaves the reader feeling irresistibly optimistic. By doing something he’s drawn to do, young Liam inspires change that is wide-reaching and quite beautiful.

I can’t wait to read more of Peter Brown’s books!

Visit Peter’s website, peterbrownstudio.com, for wonderful interviews, unique items for sale, and free, downloadable activities, including coloring pages, activity pages, and a poster.

Also check out videos about the Highline. Highline history, Walking the Highline or check out their website

The Curious Garden (2009)

The Boy on the Porch

Posted on October 13, 2016September 14, 2022 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Boy on the Porch (2013)
by Sharon Creech

This is a very quick read. I read the whole book in my evening reading time before bed last night. There was really no way to stop reading it. The chapters are short, and the “mystery” of the story kept me going.

At first, the general plot sounded similar to the recent Odd Life of Timothy Green movie. A young boy suddenly shows up at a couple’s farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere and they begin to take care of him. That is where the similarities end though- no sprouting leaves here. The boy doesn’t speak, but instead uses tapping to communicate. It’s hard to tell too much of the story without ruining it, but it is a very beautiful story about love, parenting, generosity, and finding your purpose.

The Boy on the Porch (2013)
Quotes:
“It’s okay,” Marta whispered to the sleeping child. “I will sit here all day, if need be.” ch 2

“Even if we never see him again, we know he was here.” ch 48