Welcome Maren!

Maren has joined our little book blog everyone - Hi Maren!

Maren is Aaron's cousin, daughter of Martha Tew, and sister of Ellen, Abby, and Sarah (all introduced a few weeks ago). We now have all the Tew family girls in the group! YAY!! Anyone else want to join?

Oh, also Maren has three girls - Bailey (5), Emma (3), Katie (1). And a husband - Mike. They live in Rexburg and Maren is a serious scrapbooker (funny story - while living in Boise, she ran into my sister Jessica at a scrapbook store and found out that we were related! What a small world!)

Welcome Maren!

David Shannon is one of our favorite author/illustrators! Not only did he wirte the ever funny "No, David!" books, but he has several others that apeal to both adults and children. (Books you can read to your kids over and over without boring yourself to death.) "Stripes" and "Duck on a Bike" are two of our favorites. If you have kids look for these classics at your local library!

The End of the Pants

So last night I finished the Fourth "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" book. It was really good, although I think that the girls had more morals when they were younger. It was a nice end to the story though, and did teach some good things about growing up and moving away.
I'll admit that when I was first coerced into reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I was sure I would think they were dumb teeny-bopper books. I was wrong (thank you Cara for forcing me to read them). They really are great books. Give them a try.

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood, and Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood
Author: Ann Brashares
Type: YA Fiction
Plot: Four girls have been best friends since birth. When they start leaving town for the summers, they find a magic pair of jeans that can hold them together. A story about growing up, discovering who you are, and sisterhood, the Traveling Pants stories are definitely worth reading.

Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover... or Title

Ok, don't judge me right away. I promise I don't read smutty books! This book is about a 14 year old British girl named Georgia. The book is her journal and she writes everything in it.

Here is my caution - DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD AND ARE IMPRESSIONABLE OR ARE NOT SECURE IN YOUR VALUES! Please also do not recommend this book to someone you know like that. It is technically a YA Fiction book because the character is 14, but it is not appropriate for young readers.

Georgia is going through lots of things, including puberty, liking boys, and trying to figure out things like kissing. She chronicles her experiences in here (including taking kissing lessons - highly unacceptable for any of you young people out there - from a neighborhood boy).

The book is hilarious if you are looking back on your own experiences from a more mature standpoint and remembering what it was like to feel that way.

She has great British slang words that you'll find yourself using in your conversations and is such a drama queen that it's hilarious and will remind you of the teenage girls you know. :) There is some minor language in it, so know that before you pick it up.

Another warning - there are many books in the series. Although the first was pretty clean (if memory serves), the second started getting a little more crude, so I stopped there. Let me know if anyone chooses to pick this one up!

Title: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging
Author: Louise Rennison
Type: YA Fiction
Plot: See Above

Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble

For those of you that have ready Skippyjon in his first adventure, you will love his trip to Egypt! Egypt is a fascinating place anyway, but with Skippyjon, you can experience Egypt as you never have before! You get to experience Egypt with a Mexican accent! Skippyjon gets a chance to answer the Reedle of the Finx to go to the Under World where mummies rest in peas.

Author: Judy Schachner

Amelia Bedelia

I am surprised
that Devony hasn't posted these books, they were some of her favorite growing up! There is an entire series of Amelia Bedelia books that are absolutely wonderful! Amelia is a maid for a Mr. & Mrs. Rogers. They will leave her a list of things to do, i.e. dressing the chicken to dusting the furniture, & Amelia does just that! Literally! In Amelia Bedelia's Family Album she talks about her family. She has a Cousin Calvin who is a boxer. (A boxer packs boxes.) Her Uncle Dan takes pictures. (He takes any pictures, big ones small ones, & he doesn't take them with a camera!) You have to watch him or he will take all the pictures in the house! It is histerical to see what creative things Amelia does! Our entire family enjoyed these books growing up! I highly recommend them to anyone!


Amelia Bedelia (about 20 different books)

Author: Peggy Parish

The day the babies crawled away.

I've been reading to my son for three years now. And in those three years I've only found a few books that really keep my attention during the hundred of times I've read them. This is one of those books. I love it. If you have children or will ever have children or even know a child, get this book. I stumbled upon it at the library and now am looking to make it a part of our collection. The illustrations are fabulous and the story line is adorable. My son loves it so much that he requests it every night. It's become a family favorite! Enjoy!

Curious George Rides Again

Um, Remember the post down below about the free Curious George book? Well, just so you know, Shea Homes will totally send you more than one - even to the same address. Is working the system bad? Do I just assume that if they're willing to send them to me, I'm willing to receive them? It's your call. Just thought I'd let you all know. You can get multiple books - and they send a different book, so you won't just be getting 2 copies. Do with this knowledge as you wish. :) Happy Reading.

Introductions

OK I'm going to do some quick introductions (since a few new book lovers have joined). I hope that we can all have a great time and be friends here through our love of books! Remember, if you have someone that you would like to invite, send me their email address! We'd love to get lots of people blogging away! Also, if there is something you would like to add about your life, talents, habits, etc. feel free! Let me know if I have shared too much info about you and I will remove it ASAP! Thanks ladies!

Members:

Ellen Tew - A student at BYU-Idaho and Aaron's cousin, Ellen is from Sugar City, ID (just outside of Rexburg for those of you not privileged enough to spend time there - although I think everyone has). Ellen has lots of cute nieces to play with and they have great toys. We should all go play at Elle's house!

Devony Wilson - The blog owner and the one to come to if you want to add someone or have any questions. I am a book addict, have a degree in history with minors in marriage & family studies and literature (how applicable!), live in Colorado, love crafts of all kinds, and have a husband, whose name is Aaron who I love lots. Also we are adopting, so let us know if you hear of any leads.

Jessica Robison - Devony's older sister who lives in Boise. She has a talented photographer husband (Heath) and 2 cats Willow and Smoky(who likes to read/be read to), and is one of the BEST scrapbookers I know! She's seriously soooo great. Jess probably knows better than anyone Devony's serious book addiction. She had to live with her for years!

Jordan Dixon - Jordan is a Colorado resident in Devony's ward (we are both in Beehives). She has a 2 1/2 year old son Gavin, a 2 week old son Reese, and a husband whose age is currently unknown by the author. And anyway, it's none of your business. Also, Gavin read me his favorite book last night. What a bright kid! Read Reading Magic for more on teaching kids to read before school.

Abby Beattie - Abby is Aaron's cousin and Ellen and Sarah's sister. And Maren's too but she hasn't joined the blog. And they are all the daughter's of Martha. Abby, her husband Brent, and their girls Laura (2 1/2) and Eden (10 months?) live in UT. Abby was a music major and plays the violin. She also teaches violin lessons!

Martha Tew - Martha is Aaron's mom's sister (his aunt) who lives in Sugar City. She's gracious enough to let everyone descend on her home each time we go back to Idaho and fill it with people. (Thanks!). As previously noted, Martha has 4 girls: Sarah, Maren, Abby, and Ellen. She also has 6 1/2 granddaughters. No boys. Just Uncle Paul whom we love. And the hubbies of the first 3 girls.

Sarah Schwartz - Sarah is the oldest of the Tew girls and lives in UT with her husband Nate, daughter Allie (2?) and the new daughter that hasn't been born yet. She's a self-admitted binge reader, has a master's degree in statistics (Sarah is that right?) and teaches college classes. (I hope I didn't just completely mess that up).

Abby DaBell - Abby is from Idaho Falls and knew Devony in high school (they are twinners because they were born on the same day in the same hospital, 7 hours apart). She and Devony were roomies in college, and she also plays violin. She and Abby Beattie played in the symphony together (they were stand partners) and were also later roommates (after Devony married Aaron). She and her husband Jake (who is in dental school) live in NC with son Connor (3) and daughter Brielle (Ellie - 5 months?).

Now that you all know a little bit about each other, let's all be friends and have a great time blogging!

Texas Cooking

So I only have a second, but I wanted to drop a word about another one of Lisa Wingate's novels called Texas Cooking. It's a contemporary romance that is, dare we say it, CLEAN!!! Although I admit that it's not on the same level as Tending Roses, it's great for a fun, easy novel. The theme is about the same as TR; big city girl ends up in small Texas town and finds the slow lane holds more for life. I recomend it. Did I mention it's one you wouldn't mind your mother reading over your shoulder? awesome.
Abby B

Reading Magic

Well it's been awhile since we've had a post, but this one is definitely worth it!
I've been a Mem Fox fan for years (Go read Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge please! http://www.memfox.net/wilfrid-gordon-mcdonald-partridge.html), but had never read anything for adults. This was an amazing book with a fantastic narrative. It was like talking to her. She is such a great writer.
This book was wonderful and guess who needs to read it? Anyone who has kids, is planning to have kids, likes kids, or spends any time with children at all. Basically, EVERYONE!!!
I don't usually like non-fiction adult books (unless of course they are about history), but this was really great and super engaging. I highly recommend it. I got it from the library and now I am going to go buy it! If you want to know more about this book, check out her website here: http://www.memfox.com

Book: Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
Author: Mem Fox
Type: Informational/Fun
Plot: If every child had 3 stories read to him every day, we could wipe out literacy in one generation. Although Fox is an author, teacher, and literacy expert, she takes a very traditional approach here and discusses why phonics don't work for most people, why Dick and Jane are not the best people to teach most kids to read, and how we can help our children learn to read, speak, and love reading and school before they start kindergarten.

New Version of Blogger

Ok people. It's time to upgrade. I upgraded this blog to the new version of blogger, so you'll want to upgrade your own personal accounts if you haven't already. Let me know if you have any questions or problems because I have a document telling you how to upgrade! It only takes a minute, so don't let it stop you from participating! Thanks guys and keep posting!

Harry Potter Release Date Announced

The publication date for the new Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, has been announced! July 21, 2007! YAY!!! I'm so excited guys! Check out the story here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070201/ap_en_ot/people_rowling. Also, the fifth movie is coming out July 13! What a great month! For more info about the publication date or JK Rowling, visit her website at www.jkrowling.com. It's a good one. Check out the rumors, extras, and rubbish bin pages for deleted scene info and extra fun stuff.

Tending Roses

So here I am, excited to be on the blog! If anyone wants to read a book that will make you examine your own relationships, especially intergenerational ties, Lisa Wingate's 'Tending Roses' is wonderful. I loved this book, not only because it's well written, but because I think everyone can relate to it on some level. My mom, Martha Tew, has given this book to several people, and each has accused her of an alterior motive because it related to a personal struggle or experience. It helped me to refocus on my family and the things that really matter in life. It's really about loving each other.

Book: Tending Roses
Author: Lisa Wingate
Type: Adult fiction
A review from Amazon.com:
First-time author Lisa Wingate drew upon her relationship with her grandmother for inspiration in writing Tending Roses. Her sensitive and able crafting of language, character, and situation pierces through the turmoil and stress of everyday life, illuminating its message with almost painful intensity: "Maybe you should start wanting less." Wingate's words resonate as readers are introduced to Kate Bowman, her architect husband Ben, and their infant son. Kate, on maternity leave from her high-profile Chicago job, has been given the unenviable task of convincing her increasingly frail and forgetful grandmother that she can no longer live alone on the Missouri farm that has been her home for almost half a century. Kate and Ben are struggling to deal with mounting debts and medical bills as they strive to build a lifestyle, rather than a life. Frustrated by dealing with her stubborn, if well-meaning, grandmother, Kate finds solace and clarity in Grandma Rose's handwritten journal. The simple stories of earlier, less complicated times renew Kate's understanding of the truly important things in life. Through the journal, Kate discovers the essence of the remarkable Grandma Rose and is forced to reevaluate her priorities and those of her family.
Simply put, Wingate's aim is to exhort readers to "stop and smell the roses." The daily race to achieve and have more, more, more is clearly and all-too-accurately portrayed in these pages. I guarantee readers will stop to think of their own lives and where they are spending their energies. Let's hope Lisa Wingate has other relatives as inspiring as Grandma Rose for future novels. --Alison Trinkle --


Lisa Wingate also has 3 more books in the series that I just discovered while writing this blog. So if anyone's read them, or wants more info, you can visit her website at LisaWingate.com. I'm going to also be reading these books when I get a chance and will let you know how they are.

Abby Beattie (the idea behind this page, and Devony's friend...oh and Aaron's cousin...and Sarah's sister...and Laura and Eden's Mom...and of course Brent's best friend)

My New Favorite Illustrator

Ladies, here is my new favorite illustrator. Tina MacNaughton! Yay! (applause). Ok, so I bought the book "Snow Friends" based on the cover alone. I thought the artwork was darling and it was only $2.95 in my scholastic book order, so I took a chance.
I was so excited that I got it because it has the most adorable animals. The next 2 months each book order had another of her books in it and I was so glad! I ended up getting 3 of them (listed below). They are adorable. I would definitely recommend her books to you all.

Our First "Adult" post

Okay, here goes the first non-children's book post of the blog. When I went to the bookstore to buy "SkippyJon Jones,' I came out of Borders with 3 other books. (good thing I printed off a 40% off coupon I found through Google & had a little $$ left on a gift card :) I had decided to look for a few other books for Allie (21 months old) before hand & was excited to find "Dora's Potty Book" w/flushing sound button & "Curious George: Goes to the Zoo", but I hadn't planned on getting anything just for myself. Then at the checkout I saw a book I bought just based on the author. I read & loved Mitch Albom's first 2 books several years ago, so I picked up "For One More Day" based on nothing else. Let me introduce you to Mitch & his 3 most recents works.

From the webpage: www.albom.com:
MITCH ALBOM is the author of nine books, including the newest, “For One More Day”, published 9/26/06. His first novel, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", (9/03) is the most successful U.S. hardback first novel ever and has to date sold over 8 million copies worldwide "Tuesdays With Morrie," (1997) his chronicle of time spent with a beloved but dying college professor, spent four years on the NY Times bestsellers list and is now the most successful memoir ever published. Both books were eventually turned into celebrated TV films.

Now, the best-selling memoir of all-time, "Tuesdays With Morrie" began as a modest labor of love. Mitch Albom began visiting his old college professor Morrie Schwartz after seeing him on ABC’s “Nightline” talking about his fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. One Tuesday visit turned into another, resulting in a “final class” between professor and student in what you learn about life once you truly prepare to die.


“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” Albom’s achingly moving and inspirational tale of an elderly amusement park worker who dies thinking he was a nobody on earth has stirred readers around the world. “Eddie” is killed trying to save the life of a little girl during a tragic ride accident: he wakes up in heaven to learn that the first stage is where you meet five people who were affected by your life, some of whom you might know, some you might not. Eddie’s “journey” through his life and the people he touched opens his eyes to the interconnectivity of us all.


"For one more day"
Albom’s tribute to family and particularly motherhood is his second novel and the first to feature a female protagonist. It explores questions of regret, divorce, and how we would spend one special day with the ghost of someone we loved.

If you haven't read "Tuesday's with Morrie" or "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", I totally suggest them!!!!! They are deep & made we look at my relationships with others in a entirely new light. I can honestly say they changed the way I view my own life. Keep the tissues handy; I bawled through both of them. I didn't think"For One More Day" was as life changing as Albom's other novels, butit still was a very good read. These three books are smaller in size & have short chapters (2-3 pages), so they are very easy to read bit-by-bit...not that you will want to put them down. I'm excited to see what you think, so post comments when you read any of these books. If you already have read them, what did you think?

- By the way, my name is Sarah (I'm a cousin of Arron, Devony's husband) & I'm a binge reader.

Ground Rules - Please Post!

I just wanted to let you all know that although I started the book blog, it is not just mine! I would love for all of you to post on books you love and hate, whether they are children's books, YA, or Adult. All are welcome here! Also, I would like to rotate and we can select a book once a month (or twice a month - depending on the length of the book and the busy-ness of our lives) for us all to read and discuss. You can post your feelings on the book, comment on someone else's posting, etc. Also, if you find great deals or something that you think the rest of us book nuts would be interested in, let us know!

Hope to see you posting soon! Also, let me know if you have friends that would like to join! Thanks for joining the blog and happy reading!

A Sure Cure for the Blues: Junie B. Jones

Here is my book pick for the week. Junie B. Jones. There are about 24 Junie B. Jones books, and they are all hilarious. Junie B. is a kindergartener in the first 12 or so and then she becomes a first grader. The picture has some of the kindergarten books and some of the first grader ones. It doesn't matter which one you read first, they are all so great.

These books are the best cure for depression out there. (Disclaimer: If you are on depression medication, please don't go off just because you read these books. Talk to your doctor first.) Seriously. We all have bad days and rough times, but you honestly can't help laughing with these! We've all known little kids that say the goofiest things, and in these books, author Barbara Park creates the most loveable and realistic 5 year old ever.

So here's my challenge for you - go find a Junie B. Jones book - any of them. (My personal favorites are One Man Band, Aloha-ha-ha, and Toothless Wonder.) Get it from your library or go buy it from your local book store - I think they are about $4. Then read it and post your thoughts on here. Also, if you know someone else that you think should join this book blog, let me know and I will invite them! (I sent invites to Martha, Maren, and Abby already).

Enjoy and remember to post your thoughts!

FREE BOOK!!!

Guys I'm so so so excited! Shea Homes supports the Curious George series on TV and if you go to their website they will send you a free book! I ordered mine about a week ago and today I got

this book! Curious George Goes to a Movie! We all love books, and what's better than free! So go to this link: http://curious.sheahomes.com/main.cfm?dir=prizes&sec=register&temp=register and order your free Curious George book today!

My cat loves this book!

I got this book from my wonderful sister for Christmas! My other wonderful sister read it to me in her Mexican accent, & it was sooooo funny! My cat, Smokey, thinks he is a dog, so I sat down & read this book, & he was interested the entire time! I love the look on Skippyjon's face when his mom tells him to stay out of the closet! Yeah for Skippyjon Jones!