The World's Greatest Love Letters compiled by Michael Kelahan

The World's Greatest Love Letters by Michael Kelahan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the past few years I've become interested in letter writing. I write pen and ink letters on parchment to my friends and seal them with wax. This interest caused me to pick up this book and I really enjoyed reading it.
This is a collection of private letters written throughout history. It gives some interesting insight into the feelings and beliefs of famous figures in history and literature. In some cases, I was not familiar with the people, but it inspired a desire to learn more about these individuals and their relationships.
Maybe reading this book will also inspire readers to write and mail a letter the old-fashioned way. Getting a text or email still doesn't compare with getting a letter by post!

Highly recommended!

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Emperor Pickletine Rides the But (Origami Yoda #6) by Tom Angleberger

Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first 4 books, but was disappointed by book #5, which made me nervous about the final installment in the series. But, the final book restored my love of Tom Angleberger and the Origami Yoda series. It definitely did not disappoint and was a satisfying ending to the adventures of Tommy, Dwight, Origami Yoda and all the other characters, both human and origami in nature. Fun and FULL of laugh out loud moments (just ask my husband who got pretty annoyed being in the same room with me while I was reading). Great read! :)

Highly recommended.

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Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The more of his books I read, the more I adore Tom Angleberger. This book is quirky, goofy, funny and fun . . . for the kind of person who can appreciate strange, quirky humor.

Horton is a severely mistreated kitchen boy at Smugwick Manor. Everything is terrible and mundane, until M'Lady Luggertuck's "loosening". All kinds of things begin to occur around the manor, including robbery, pirating, and love. M'Lady's evil son, Luther, will try to destroy Horton, his long-time friend Bump or his new friend Celia Sylvan-Smythe through any means necessary. Will Horton escape Luther's evil scheme? Find out in this crazy story!

I loved it and hope for more (there's an allusion to more of Bump's story being told in a future book and I hope it's true)!

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Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road #1)

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A few years ago a 5th grade student recommended this book to me. I just got around to reading it and I'm glad I did! It's perfect for middle to upper elementary readers.

A grumpy, old author of children's books about ghosts (who doesn't like children or believe in ghosts) moves in to a summer home that comes with some unexpected additions. The lovely Victorian home includes an eleven-year-old boy, his 190-year-old best friend (a ghost), and a cat (did I mention the author can't stand cats?). All kinds of fun ensues.

A very cool aspect of the book is that it's written in letters with a few pictures. The whole story is told in letters written between the characters. This is a fun, cute story about friendship and ghosts.

A fun, easy read for mid-upper elementary students. Highly recommended.

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File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents by Lemony Snicket

File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents by Lemony Snicket
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lately, I just can't get enough Snicket!

I enjoyed this interjection into the All the Wrong Questions series. This is a collection of 13 short mysteries that Snicket solves while working on his "big investigation" in the town of Stain'd by the Sea. In addition to many of the regular characters and Snicket associates readers know from the series, many new strange and suspicious characters from the seemingly lifeless town are introduced in these stories.

Filled with all the quirky humour and excellent quotable quotes I've come to expect from Lemony in this series. I totally loved it!

Highly recommended!

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I got the job!

I'm going to be a school librarian!!! I am so excited to begin sharing my love of reading and books with elementary school students! My new school has a wonderful administrator and it's a supportive school community. :)

The Boxcar Children (Book #1) by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children #1) by Gertrude Chandler Warner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading The Boxcar Children. I've never read this classic before, but so glad I read it now!

I absolutely adored the tale of the 4 Alden children and their adventures. The two bothers and two sisters are orphans who find an old train car and make it their home. The children are hardworking, independent, and happy - their life is not glamorous, but they enjoy it!

Though originally published in 1942, I found this book to be really refreshing and one I want to share with children today. My hope is that it would show children the benefits of learning to do things independently, having pride in doing things the best you can, enjoying simple things and being happy with whatever situation you are in life. Lessons that everyone can benefit from!

Highly recommended!

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