What are YOU reading? #177

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where you post books completed last week and plans for upcoming books. Jump over to her blog and see who else is participating.


Read

Princess Milly's Mixed-Up Magic: The Birthday Surprise by Clemency Pearce and Lauren Beard

Children's, Picture book

10/10E

(A sweet princess story based on friendship and all things cute!)

That's Not My Princess... by Fiona Watt & Rachel Wells

Children's, Board book

10/10

(Lots of different textures in this princess themed touch and feel book...)

One More Candle by Merry Susiarjo and Emmeline Pidgen

Children's, Picture book

10/10E

(I needed a tissue at several points in this sweet sibling centered tale...)

Abigail by Catherine Rayner

Children's,  Picture book

10/10

(Abigail is an unusual giraffe with a hobby her friends don't quite share...)

Sticker Dolly Dressing: Action!

Children's, Sticker book, 5+ years

10/10E

(This action packed sticker book is my favourite of the series so far!)

Watched

Princess Sarah

REWATCH! - Anime, French version

10/10E

(Somehow I'd never seen the final episode before - now everything gets wrapped up!)

Charlotte aux Fraises Fraisi Paradis/Strawberry Shortcake

REWATCH! - Anime, French version

10/10E

(An all time feel good favourite show about friendship, making mistakes and learning from them...)

Hello Kitty 3D

Anime, English version

10/10

(Watched an episode online and it's mega cute!)

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Season 2

Anime, English version

10/10

(Another fun show filled with valuable lessons and lots of laughter!)

Craft
I've been finishing off my coasters and now have returned to charity squares - the funky colours are amazing!

Secret Kingdom: Enchanted Palace by Rosie Banks (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10E)

Scuh a cute cover!

  July 2012, Orchard Books, 128 pages, Ebook, Personal copy

Themes: school sale, being helpful, magic, pixies, happy mermaids, too happy performers, jealousy, evil magic, solving riddles, a precious box, guests of honour, a fairy party, fairy cakes that make you do things, misery spells, performing in front of others, thinking on your feet, being active, the power of friendship, flying on swans, using your talent to help others,

Content: lots of fun, mild peril, lots of humour

Summary from Orchard

Enter a magical world of friendship and fun!

The first book in the Secret Kingdom series introduces Ellie, Summer and Jasmine, who are the very best of friends. One day they find a magic box which whisks them away to a fantastical world! Can the friends help Trixi the pixie save King Merry's 1000th birthday party from Queen Malice's spiky thunderbolt...?

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I want to be the girls' friend! Aside from how cool their outfits are, which you get to see in each stunning illustration that provides a strong feeling of movemment (not entirely sure if I'm making sense here...I can see the action leap of the page thanks to the illustrations which transfer well to an ebook), the adventure they have when they first discover the Secret Kingdom is mega squeesome! It has all the fun parts of magic, like being able to fly by eating certain food, by seeing mermaids and unicorns, and making things happen with magic. Queen Malice is scary but not terrifyingly so. She and her minions are a right nuisance, but they hadn't reckoned on the trio of friends whose own non-magical but just as useful talents save the day.

You can find out more on the dedicated website.

Suggested read

For more cute magical fun check out the historical Arthurian series Spell Sisters which starts with Sophia the Flame Sister (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10)

Fairy Animals of the Misty Wood: Bella the Bunny by Lily Small (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10E)

Mega cute alert!

11th July 2013, Egmont, 136 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: using your talent, being gentle, courage, helping others, finding confidence, seeing your differences in a positive light, searching for the answers, wishes turning out not quite as you imagined them, overcoming fear, the power of encouragement, doing your best, races, friendship

Content: some oh-no moments, lots of laughs

Book Summary

Enter an enchanted world of animal friends! Each cute animal has its own pair of pretty fairy wings, and a special job to do in Misty Wood to make it a wonderful place to live.

Bella the Bunny is opening flowers to make Misty Wood as pretty as can be. There’s a surprise inside one of the bluebells – Lexi the Ladybird! Lexi is sad because she looks different to the other ladybirds. But Bella knows just how to make her feel better . . .

Nayuleska's thoughts  

I liked how instead of Bella having confidence issues, like Chloe did in Chloe the Kitten, it was the tiny ladybird who Bella helped who wanted to hide from everyone. I wanted to hug her and say it really doesn't matter what you look like, its what you do that matters. With Bella's help Lexi the Ladybird accepts herself as she is, and takes advantage of her unique skill. Another super cute story from Misty Wood!

  

Suggested read

Be sure to read the series from the beginning Fairy Animals of Misty Wood: Chloe the Kitten (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10E, link to follow)

Billy and Monster's New Neighbor Has a Secret by David Chuka (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

April 2013, Createspace, 32 pages, Ebook, Review copy 

different types of neighbours, new neighbours, good and bad manners, sharing, being nice to others, making friends, people not acting as you expect them too 

lots of laughs

Summary from Amazon UK (I don't receive anything from mentioning them) 

 In this fourth episode in the very entertaining series for kids of all ages, Billy and Monster get to meet a new neighbor who has a secret. Billy and Monster live on a beautiful street with some very interesting neighbors like Mr Forgetful, Miss Squeaky and Mr GrumpDaddy whose been banned from the local butchers. Why? Because he always gives them grief when he goes to get some beef. On a Saturday morning while playing racing cars with Monster, they hear a knock at the door. Billy's Dad opens the door and they're introduced to their new neighbors - The FeelGoods. After an incident involving screams and flowing streams of tears, Billy goes to Sally FeelGoods house to make peace. And then he discovers that Sally has a COLORFUL secret that leaves Billy's mouth open as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Nayulseka's thoughts

Although I wasn't sure what Monster is (an alien?) and I felt the end came a few pages to soon, I was engrossed in the story from cover to cover. The style of illustrations matched the story perfectly - my favourite was when Sally's secret is revealed because Billy is so surprised and Sally looks as if she finds Billy's reaction amusing. This may be book 4 in a series but it can be read as a standalone book.

You can find out more on David's website.

Suggested read

For another duo who have lots of fun check out Zoe and Beans: Pants on the Moon by Chloe & Mike Inkpen

Nayu's News #86 Ramadan 2013 Post 3

This could be me writing this post!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's half-way through Ramadan already. It's weird looking back at the start in my Ramadan 2013 Post 1, and last week's post, Ramadan 2013 Post 2. 

The final 10 days are approaching fast - these are special because they are the most blessed days of this most holy month. During these last 10 days, on an odd numbered day - no-one except God knows which day it is - comes Layatal Qadr. On this night whoever prays hard and seeks forgiveness will have all their sins removed, and that single night is worth 1000 months of worship. (Hopefully I haven't remembered this info incorrectly). 

A time for more reflection than ever

That is quite something. No wonder people try even harder in the last 10 days. Some, if they can, spend all the time at the mosque in worship. It's the best time to seek forgiveness from God, and to ask God for what you want, no matter how small or large the request is.

As well as the final last days of Ramadan, I want to talk about camels and birds. 

"What?"

I haven't lost the plot! Bear with me and all will be revealed...

I don't think their spitting is a myth...

Tie your camel

This is a philosophy I came across a few weeks ago, I think from an Islamic teaching of the Prophet Muhammed (peace & blessing be upon him, but don't quote me on that. The concept is that yes we are to really on God for everything, but that doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing. It doesn't mean that we can leave our keys in our car, unlocked at night. It doesn't mean we can put our horses/camels beside our tent (for those on holiday or in the desert) and not tie them to something to stop them from running away. Yes we are to rely on God, but we need to do our bit too, to do all we can to keep our car/camel/horse safe, to try our hardest to show we deserve whatever we are doing/trying to do. 

I love the vibrant colours of this bird

Be like a bird

Another teaching I've recently read is that we should be like birds. No this doesn't mean we should eat insects (although some people do as traditional food), go make houses in trees (although some people do this as part of their culture), and lay eggs (some things are impossible for humans to do). 

I think birds are fascinating creatures

Birds go out each day not knowing what the day will bring - they rely completely on God to provide for them. I feel this is related to tying your camel - we need to put 100% trust in God to take care of us, while making sure that we do all we can at the same time. To have such total faith is a wonderful aim to have each day, and one I'm slowly working on. 

It's not Eid yet - I like the picture!

In summary, today's post has talked about 

a) Why the final 10 days of Ramadan are so special 

b) Why metaphorically tying your camel is important

c) Why we need to be like birds.

I've no idea what next week's Ramadan 2013 Post 4 will be about - it all depends what I end up thinking about! If you've got any questions, please do ask in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them. As ever, all pictures are taken from the internet (not taken or drawn by me), and I do recommend checking out the finer details of the 3 topics I've chatted about, as I'm relying on my memory for info. 

Go tie your camel and be like a bird!

Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr

Fairy Animals of Misty Wood: Chloe the Kitten by Lily Small (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10 E)

Awww, so cute!

11th July 2013, Egmont, 136 pages, Paperback, Review copy

 

Themes: magical animals, magical wood, different areas of the countryside, different habitats, what animals eat, helping others, needing help, being lost, conquering your fear, wishes, happy reuinion

Content: lots of laughter, mild peril, tissues needed

Book Summary

Enter an enchanted world of animal friends! Each cute animal has its own pair of pretty fairy wings, and a special job to do in Misty Wood to make it a wonderful place to live.
 

Chloe the Kitten’s wings sparkle as she flutters through Misty Wood decorating the cobwebs with shining dewdrops. Along the way, she meets a little mouse who is lost and afraid. Can Chloe help him find his way home?

Nayuleska's thoughts

This series is insanely cute! I went 'Awww' from cover to cover as Chloe had her adventure. She had to overcome her extremely active imagination which produced terrible obstacles for her as she tries to help Martin the Mouse get home. It's a story focusing on helping others, and accepting help when you need it, as well as oodles of cuteness and moments when both the characters cried and I cried.

Suggested read

Another cute animal series is The Railway Rabbits by Georgie Adams & Anna Currey - check out Berry and the Amazing Maze (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10) 

Twizzle Brown and Lenny Sparkle: The Enchanted Forest by Cassie Stafford and Harriet Hue (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

June 2013, Blackbird Press, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy

 

 Themes: bright and varied colourful palette, magical mischief, animals full of character, a naughty wand, forest creatures, making friends, weird things happening, a pleasant wizard, rhyming verses, text not just in straight lines,

Content: lots to laugh about

Summary from Cassie's website

All was quiet, all was still in the Autumn forest over the hill…

An enchanting tale of magic, wonder, new friends and a fabulous tea party!

This story tells the tale of a wizard who appears in a forest late one crisp autumn evening. Tired from his journey he stops to rest. While he sleeps on his earthy bed, his magical wand falls out of his cloak and onto the forest floor. Sparks begin to fly around the quiet wood bringing everything they touch to life.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is a keeper! The story is simple yet engaging and phrased in an enetertaining way. The illustrations compliment the story and provide plenty of imaginative thoughts for the reader. I loved how such a variety of animals end up perching on the wizard's beard and in his clothes, the squirrel looks a bit demented, the bunny is cute, the whorls on the trees makes them seem as if they have faces, so much is soft and fuzzy looking it fits the vibrant and  happy feeling of the story.

You can find out more on Cassie's website  and Harriet's website.

Suggested read

For another forest adventure (without magic but full of sweet moments) try Wanda and the Alien by Sue Hendra (Children's, Picture book, 10/10)

Winners of Infinite Sky by C J Flood

What better thiing to do on a Tuesday afternoon - a sunny one which I could quite easily be doing what the girl on the front cover is doing -  than to announce who has won of copy of this fab read? All details of the competition, as well as review and a guest blog post can be found for Infinite Sky by C J Flood here. 

There are 2 UK winners (thank you Simon & Schuster for providing the prizes for these winners) and 2 non-UK winners who I'm providing a copy of the book (At least I think that's what I'm doing...I got a bit too enthusiastic and deleted the competition text on the original post before realising I wasn't sure on how many I said I'd provide!) 

The UK winners are as follows....

It Was Lovely Reading You

&

Laura Harrison!

The non-UK winners are....

Majima

& 

Sunny A!

Many congratulations to you all. I'll be in touch to confirm that you've won, and to sort out sending on the prizes to you. 

Thank  you to all those who entered, be sure to check back often as there are more competitions coming up soon!

What are YOU reading? #176

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where you post books completed last week and plans for upcoming books. Jump over to her blog and see who else is participating.

Read 

Joe and the Lightning Pony by Victoria Eveleigh

Children's, 9 years +

10/10

(A brilliant 2nd book to a boy - not girl- centered pony series!) 

Twizzle Brown and Lenny Sparkle: The Enchanted Forest by Cassie Stafford and Harriet Hue

Children's, 8 years +

(First in a new series....rating to come....)

Sophie's Dance Class by Angela McAllister and Margaret Chamberlain

Children's, 5 years +

10/10E

(This book is chock full of sweetness, ballet, and fun!) 

Fairy Animals of Misty Wood: Chloe the Kitten by Lily Small

Children's, 5 years +

10/10E

(Trust me when I say this new series is insanely adorable!)

Secret Kingdom: Enchanted Palace by Rosie Banks

Children's, 7 years +

10/10E

(l'd love to be friends with Summer, Jasmine and Ellie whose magical adventure is just starting!)

Billy and Monster's New Neighbor Has a Secret by David Chuka

Children's, Picture book

9/10

(A fun read with an easy on the eye style of illustrations...)

Fairy Animals of the Misty Wood: Bella the Bunny by Lily Small

Children's, 5 years +

10/10E

(Bella helps a little friend learn an important lesson...)

Watched

Holby City

Drama, English version

10/10

(I hate having cliffhanger endings about characters I care about!) 

Princesse Sarah (A Little Princess)

REWATCH! - Anime, French version

10/10E

(Still loving this extremely bittersweet series - Lavinia is so spiteful to Sarah.  I got angry at her for being horrid to Sarah. Thankfully Sarah has a few close friends...) 

Aria the Animation

REWATCH! - Anime, Japanese version

10/10E

(This is an anime that is guaranteed to get me relaxed and looking on the brighter side of life...) 

Craft 

Made some progress on my coasters - here are the two sets, hopefully with better pictures of the colour schemes.

Set #1:

Set #2 plus one for a jug:

Set #3 (which will have 6 in total):

Heart of Danger by Eliot Schrefer (Children's, 10 years +, 10/10)

April 2013, Chicken House, 320 pages, Paperback, Review copy, Short 'n' Sweet review

Content: war, fighting, killing, subtle implied rape, full on danger, tissues definitely needed.

Summary from Chicken House

When Sophie rescues Otto, a baby bonobo clinging to life, her world changes for ever.

Until then, she had never understood her mother’s decision to create an animal sanctuary in one of the most dangerous place on earth: the African Congo.

But one night, while her mother’s away, rebel soldiers attack. To save herself and Otto, Sophie must follow her heart into danger.

Nayuleska's thoughts  

The front cover drew me in to Sophie's not entirely good deed of saving Otto. The emotions between Sophie and her mother were so strong I could almost taste them, and the resilience Sophie has is incredible - having a dependent totally changes her outlook in life as war breaks out in front of her.

Suggested read

Another read for 10 years olds is Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (10/10)