Review: Baby-sitters on Board!

Summary: Members of the Baby-sitters Club travel on a cruise ship to the Bahamas and to Disney World. -- Scholastic

I couldn't help by share in Booking Daughter's excitement when My Friend Amy announced Babysitters Club Week. Not only did Booking Daughter want to participate by writing a review, but she also wanted me to read and review one of the books. As much as it kills me to say this, I have never read a Babysitters Club book because I was too old for them when they first came out.

Ever since Amy came up with the idea for Babysitters Club Week, Booking Daughter and I have been rooting around all of the used bookstores trying to collect them -- it's our new hobby! I think we've managed to snag around 40 books the past few weeks. I told Booking Daughter that she could pick any one of the books for me to read; and she selected one of her favorites -- THE BABYSITTERS CLUB SUPER SPECIAL: BABY-SITTERS ON BOARD! by Ann M. Martin. She just knew I'd love it!

I was teasing her that the Super Special is a lot thicker than the other Babysitter Club books. Evidently the traditional Babysitters Club books were mainly about one of the girls. The Super Specials are longer because they are written in alternating chapters in multiple characters' voices. When I first started this book, I kept thinking that I probably should have started with a "normal" book because I just couldn't keep the characters straight. There are five girls in the club, their parents and siblings, the kids they babysit (one family has eight kids); and it was very confusing for me. After reading about 50 pages, I decided to ask Booking Daughter for a little clarification. Needless to say, Booking Daughter thought it was hilarious that I was having problems with the names; and she even offered to write down all of the names and relationships for me. I didn't think she was so funny, but I did go back and start the book over once I had the characters and their names down pat.

I doubt that I'm going to read many more Babysitter Club books -- much to Booking Daughter's dismay; but I have to say that I did enjoy BABY-SITTERS ON BOARD! And, I can totally see why young girls just adore these books. In BABY-SITTERS ON BOARD!, the characters all take a cruise to the Bahamas and then visit Disney World. Since we just got back from our family vacation at Disney World, I appreciated the scenes where the characters were visiting Epcot and Magic Kingdom (keep in mind that the books are so old that there wasn't Disney Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom.) I loved reading about the classic rides like Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain; and I couldn't believe how much Epcot has changed. I think Booking Daughter picked the perfect Babysitters Club book for me to read because I did get to "meet" all of the characters; and she knows how much I love anything Disney-related!

I think one of the biggest draws to these books are the characters themselves. Since there are five girls in the club, most girls will find at least one that they can relate to. (I personally liked Dawn the best.) I enjoyed that the girls and their actions seemed realistic; and I even liked that the girls had issues that they had to work out -- like disagreeing with each other. As a mom, I am thrilled that my daughter wants to read all of The Babysitter Club books because I don't have to worry about anything inappropriate happening in the stories. She loves the stories and she can even learn some valuable lessons through the characters' actions.

I also really appreciated how the author handled the whole boy thing. These girls are pre-teen and early teenagers, so it's natural that boys are on their mind a lot! There were certainly crushes and secret admirers in this story (and even a kiss), but everything was so sweet and innocent -- exactly how it should be in a middle-grade book.

I am definitely glad that I read BABYSITTERS ON BOARD! and I definitely recommend these books for young girls. Thanks to Amy for hosting Babysitters Club Week!

Guest Review: The Babysitters Club: Dawn and Whitney, Friends Forever

Summary: Accepting a job as companion to a 12-year-old girl with Down's syndrome, Dawn finds an unexpected friend in Whitney and worries that Whitney may learn that Dawn is being paid to be with her. -- Scholastic

When My Friend Amy had the idea for a Babysitters Club Week, I knew Booking Daughter would want to participate. She just loves these books and can read one (or more) a day! Good thing I can pick them up at Goodwill and Salvation Army!

Here are Booking Daughter's thoughts about THE BABYSITTERS CLUB: DAWN AND WHITNEY, FRIENDS FOREVER by Ann M. Martin:

I was really excited when my mom told me that My Friend Amy was hosting a Babysitters Club Week. I love the Babysitters Club books a lot, and I've been reading them for two years. I think I've probably read over 40 books so far. They are one of my favorite series in the world.

I had to decide which book in the series that I wanted to review. It was a hard decision because I like so many of the books, but I picked THE BABYSITTERS CLUB: DAWN AND WHITNEY, FRIENDS FOREVER. I wanted to write about this book because it made me laugh and cry.

Whitney is a young girl who has Down's Syndrome. She wants to be normal and treated like a 12 year old girl, and that means not having a babysitter. Dawn, one of the old members of the Babysitters Club, becomes Whitney's "friend;" but she really is kind of watching her and getting paid for it.

I cried when Whitney bought Dawn a friendship necklace because it was so sweet. Dawn was so happy that Whitney spent her own money to show her how much she meant to her. I also felt sad when Whitney asked for the friendship necklace back from Dawn. Whitney discovered that Dawn was really babysitting her, and she didn't know if Dawn was her friend.

There were also some parts of this book that I really liked and laughed at. I thought it was funny when Dawn got Whitney to do things by doing them herself first. Whitney liked Dawn so much that she would copy her. I also liked how Whitney and Dawn eventually made up at the end of the book.

I definitely recommend this book and the entire Babysitters Club series to all young girls. I think they will enjoy the characters and the adventures they get into.

Wondrous Words Wednesday - November 11, 2009

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Kathy aka Bermuda Onion where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. Feel free to join in the fun.

PERFECT TIMING by Jill Mansell

gannets - They ate like gannets too. (p. 23)

gannets: any large, web-footed, seabird of the family Sulidae, having a sharply pointed bill, long wings, and a wedge-shaped tail, noted for its plunging dives for fish.

trilby - The next moment she lost her balance and toppled over, losing her trilby in the process. (p. 245)

trilby: a hat of soft felt with an indented crown.

ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN: THE JOURNALS OF MAY DODD by Jim Fergus

peripatetic - However peripatetic our wandering of the past weeks may seem, there is a genuine method to it. (p. 187)

peripatetic: walking or traveling about; itinerant.

parfleches and travois - The women do all the work of packing the parfleches, dismantling the lodges, rigging and loading the horses and travois, and at the end of the day's travel, remaking the camp in exactly the same formation as the last. (p. 187)

parfleches: a rawhide that has been dried after having been soaked in a solution of lye and water to remove the hair; or an article or object, as a case, pouch, etc., made of such rawhide.

travois: a transport device, formerly used by the Plains Indians, consisting of two poles joined by a frame and drawn by an animal.

What new words did you discover this week?

Review: One Thousand White Women

Summary: One Thousand White Women is the story of May Dodd and a colorful assembly of pioneer women who, under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians. The covert and controversial "Brides for Indians" program, launched by the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, is intended to help assimilate the Indians into the white man's world. Toward that end May and her friends embark upon the adventure of their lifetime. Jim Fergus has so vividly depicted the American West that it is as if these diaries are a capsule in time. -- St. Martin's Press

I received ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN: THE JOURNALS OF MAY DODD by Jim Fergus last December from a fellow book club member. Each year, we bring a wrapped new or used book to our holiday meeting and do a Yankee swap; and I lucked out and ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN. I was absolutely thrilled to receive this novel because I had heard such good things about it. Unfortunately, I didn't get around to reading it until my friend (the same one who gave it to me) selected it for our November 2009 book club pick.

I thoroughly enjoyed ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN, and I have to say that I thought the storyline was terrific. In 1874, the Cheyenne chief Little Wolf goes to Washington, DC to try to make peace with the white men (and at the same time assure his tribe's survival.) The Indians and the U.S. government agree to trade 1000 white women for 1000 horses with the hope that these women would marry men in the Cheyenne tribe and have babies. The government thought the women would civilize the Indians; and the Indians wanted to use their children to save their tribe and enter the white world. The idea that 1000 white women leave their current situations in life to head west and marry Cheyenne Indians sounded fascinating to me. I admit that I was a little curious about what type of woman would agree to this program.

While this agreement between the U.S. government and the Cheyenne Indians never really happened, the book was written in such a way that the reader could totally believe these incidents occurred. I thought Mr. Fergus did a wonderful job of telling this story and making the characters and incidents seem real. I also appreciated his descriptions of the west as well as the Indians' way of life. This book did not read like fiction or even historical fiction to me -- it seemed very authentic.

I'm always a little hesitant when a male author decides to write a book in a female's voice; however, I thought Mr. Fergus did a very good job with it. There were a few times when I wondered if a woman would really think or act as May did; but overall, I found her character to be believable. Although May was very ahead of her time as well as very outspoken, so she didn't have to be portrayed as a typical 1870s woman.

One thing that I found very entertaining about this book was the character development. I thought the author did an excellent job of creating female characters who were credible and had situations in life that would make them leave their families and homes to head west for the unknown. I also liked how the author developed these characters throughout the book and showed how each of them adapted to their new living conditions in their own way. Since the book told May's story through her journals, I especially appreciated her character. I found May to be a very strong and loyal woman; and she also had a great sense of humor. By reading her journals, I felt as if I really got to know and understand her; and I even liked seeing her fears and vulnerabilities come through in her writing.

The book's ending really packed a powerful punch to me. I guess I shouldn't have been all that surprised with it, but the last few pages of May's journal managed to affect me a great deal. I liked that the author included a Codicil as well as an Epilogue at the end of the book (written by different characters at different points in time) because it actually brought the entire story to a close for me. I also think these parts really contributed to the feeling that this book was a true story.

This evening, the Preschool Moms Book Club will be meeting to discuss ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN, and I'm predicting that it's going to be a very interesting meeting. I have spoken with a few of the women and they all seem to like the book. There is a readers guide available from the publisher with ten questions and another one available on the author's website with eleven questions. We certainly won't have a shortage of things to discuss. Personally, I'm very interested in talking about May's personality and actions, and I can't wait to see what my friends thought of her.

Review: One Child, One Planet

Summary: Children of all ages will be captivated by this loving tribute to Mother Earth, her gifts and her greatest concerns. Young or old, everyone’s actions make a difference. Loose-rhyming text and awe-inspiring photography are woven into a family treasure that will create excitement and responsibility toward the planet. -- Sams & Stoick

Since today is the day for the Green Books campaign, I thought it was an appropriate time to review another book that I recently received from my sister-in-law called ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET: INSPIRATION FOR THE YOUNG CONSERVATIONIST by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn. This beautiful picture book tells children (and parents alike) how very special our planet is and how we should take care of it. And in keeping with the overall conservation message of this book, the pages printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.

I have to admit that the very first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. I think it's just gorgeous and I love how the little girl's toes are painted in different colors of polish. And then when I opened the book, I was absolutely blown away by the photography. The pictures in this book are amazing -- one is more beautiful than the next! If you'd like to take a peak at some of the pages, you can click here.

ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET not only has beautiful pictures but it also has catchy rhyming prose (although, I did have a few issues with the rhyming cadence, but that's probably just me!) I think this book will most appeal to children probably between the ages of 5 through 10. Younger children will enjoy the photos; however, the book and text is a little long for many to sit through. I also think the the greenhouse effect message might get lost on them. I especially think school age kids will appreciate this book; and teachers might like to use this book as part of their lessons on conservation.

It's pretty evident that the author feels very strongly about protecting the earth and that she wants to share that message with the future inhabitants of our planet -- the children. Ms. Llewellyn is a mother of four girls, and she's very passionate about protecting the Earth. I think she's right to target the kids; and by writing ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET she is getting the parents attention, too.

It's hard to argue with the messages in this book -- protection of the Earth, conservation, recycling, etc. When combined with pictures that show how gorgeous our planet is and how lucky we are to live here, I think ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET conveys a very effective message. I recommend it to parents and teachers alike who want to share the importance of protecting our Earth.

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book.

Green Books Campaign - Review: I Can Save the Earth!

Summary: A new “green” series!: Little Green Books will educate children on what they can do to be more eco-friendly. The books in this line will be made from recycled materials, and the storylines will cover subjects such as improving the environment, learning about endangered animals, recycling, and much more.

Meet Max the Little Monster. He is a cute, furry green monster who is an environmental nightmare. Among other things, he leaves on all the lights, keeps his computer plugged in, blasts the TV, hoards his old toys and uses so much toilet paper it clogs the toilet until finally, his excessive ways cause a power outage. With no TV to watch, computer to play on, video games to play with, Max finds there is a whole big world outside that he can make a difference in the environment.

Kids can follow Max the Little Green Monster's journey to environmental awareness and learn tips on how they can become little green monsters themselves. A kid-friendly glossary of terms is included in the back of the book.

This 8x8 paperback is perfect bound and will be printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink. The paper is FSC certified. -- Little Simon

This review is part of the Green Books campaign. Today 100 bloggers are reviewing 100 great books printed in an environmentally friendly way. Our goal is to encourage publishers to get greener and readers to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books. This campaign is organized by Eco-Libris, a a green company working to green up the book industry by promoting the adoption of green practices, balancing out books by planting trees, and supporting green books. A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

When I first found out about the Green Books campaign, I knew that I wanted to participate. I thought the entire campaign was a great way to share the importance of "going green" when it comes to books! Fortunately, I was able to receive an adorable picture book called I CAN SAVE THE EARTH!: ONE LITTLE MONSTER LEARNS TO REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE by Alison Inches and illustrated by Viviana Garofoli. Both of my kids really liked the story and the overall message that we all need to take care of the earth!

The basic idea behind I CAN SAVE THE EARTH! is that Max the Little Monster is a mess! He leaves a trail of trash wherever he goes and he doesn't even like to giveaway his toys even when he's too old to play with them. He lets water run when he brushes his teeth, he uses too much toilet paper, and he even wastes electricity. Until something happens that changes everything -- a blackout! Max realizes that he doesn't need all the "stuff" and that the earth has plenty of things to offer such as the oceans, animals, and flowers.

As a result of seeing all of the natural beauty on our planet, Max decides that pollution makes the world ugly and he starts cleaning things up. He also decides to "fix" all of his other bad habits -- he even watches less television and plays out side more! He learns the importance of the terms reduce, reuse, and recycle; and he is now known as Max the Little GREEN monster! The book ends by encouraging kids to help save the Earth just like Max. It really is just a precious book with a very important message.

I CAN SAVE THE EARTH! is part of a new series of children's books that help kids learn what they can do to be more eco-friendly. This book not only has a great message about being more conscious of what we can do to save the earth, but the book is actually printed on 100% recycled paper. In addition, there is a list of eco-friendly terms and what they mean in the front cover of the book; and there is a glossary in the back of the book which explains many of the green-friendly terms such as compost, pollution, and the ever-important words reduce, reuse, and recycle. After my kids and I finished the book, we actually talked about each of the terms and what they mean; and then we also talked about a few things we could do to make a difference. I love that I CAN SAVE THE EARTH! caused us to evaluate our own behavior!

Thanks to the Green Books Campaign and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Review: Perfect Timing

Summary: When you meet the man of your dreams on girls night out, it's hardly…Perfect Timing

In this fresh and funny contemporary romance by bestselling author Jill Mansell, Poppy Dunbar's whole life gets turned upside down after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger...

Never a troublemaker, Poppy had always been content with the way things were supposed to be done—which included marrying predictable Rob McBride. But that was before she met Tom Kennedy the night before her wedding. Could she really be falling in love with a stranger?

Unable to forget Tom, or go through with the wedding, Poppy runs off to London. Her new life and colorful friends are anything but predictable. Misunderstandings, family secrets, and jealous quarrels ensue, but can Poppy stop running long enough to figure out what—or, rather, who—is in her heart? -- Sourcebooks Landmark

Sometimes I think that, at 40, I might be a getting too old for chick lit books. But then, I realize that I still enjoy reading a "good one" every once in awhile. Sometimes it's just nice to sit back and read a book that deals with love, romance, and relationships. And it's an added bonus when the book can make me laugh. Jill Mansell's latest U.S. release PERFECT TIMING fits the bill on all of these accounts.

I thoroughly enjoyed PERFECT TIMING, and I definitely recommend this novel to fans of British chick lit; however, I have to admit that I don't think it's my favorite Mansell book. MIRANDA'S BIG MISTAKE (my review) still holds that honor! I thought the premise of PERFECT TIMING sounded cute though. Poppy meets the man of her dreams the night before her wedding at her bachelorette party. She ends up calling off her wedding and ruffling a few feathers along the way. Poppy then decides that she needs a new start and leaves her hometown for London. PERFECT TIMING is really about her new life in London -- her jobs, her friends, and her love-life.

While I did like all of the characters and their side stories, it took me a little while to really "get into" the story and appreciate all of the characters. I don't think I was able to relate to Poppy as quickly as I did with some of Mansell's other characters. Poppy's roommate Claudie, and her best friend Rita were also hard to really appreciate at first -- although I know that was the author's intent for these characters. They both were extremely self-centered; however, I did find many of their actions to be very entertaining and quite funny! The character that I immediately found myself liking, though, was Poppy's landlord, the gorgeous artist Caspar. His relaxed attitude and artist mentality made him very attractive!

It wasn't until about halfway through this book that the story really took off for me. At that point, I started to recognize all of the things that I love about Jill Mansell's stories and characters. As far as I'm concerned, she is one of the very best writers in the chick lit genre. What always amazes me about Ms. Mansell's novels is the sheer size of them (they always seem to be over 400 pages.) But what impresses me even more is how fast I devour her books. The books are fast-paced and extremely readable.

I love that Ms. Mansell's books are so entertaining because they deal with love, relationships, and friendships -- the normal chick lit fare. What is more fun that just love wishing that the characters would realize their true feelings? However, I also truly appreciate how she tackles some serious issues. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but I think Ms. Mansell does a wonderful job of mixing the lighter moments with the serious ones. I think showing both sides of the characters definitely makes them more real to me and actually brings her chick-lit books to a whole new level.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.