The Miraculous Journal of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo & illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

This is a story about a bunny made of china who lives with a little girl named Abilene.  He is pretty content with life until he gets lost.  There is a great message in this book.  It is a cute, fun story.  I didn't think a story about a bunny would interest me too much but, I really enjoyed this story.

Chalk by Bill Thomson

This children's picture book has NO words but, it is quickly becoming one of my very favorite picture books.  It was recommended at the http://ce.byu.edu/cw/bfyr/  that I went to on Thursday and Friday of this week.  One of the sessions is a bunch of librarians recommending books.  This one was recommended by one of them.  She said that as she read it by just turning the pages because there are no words, the children would say, "Read it again."  It is a beautiful and fun book.  I thought of it long after I finished looking at it.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I must admit when I first started this book I was a bit worried.  It seemed a bit harsh and I got worried that I would not be old enough to read it.  See Article About Being Old Enough.  I was happily pleased that this book has great merit and I do like it. 

Even though I was worried, I know now that very way she started the book will attract those who need this book the most.  Laurie Halse Anderson is a great author and weaves the story brilliantly.

This book is a story about a girl who doesn't say much to anyone.  It is what she is thinking as she says nothing at all.

I really enjoyed what this book does and can do for teens.

The Widower's Wife by Prudence Bice

The Widower's Wife is a fun, light read.  I think it is well done.  I enjoyed just sitting and reading for fun.  I had a hard time pulling myself away from this book.

Jillian Grey is going to become a mail order bride to Dalton McCullough.  They have been corresponding through mail.  They have both arranged an agreement that she would take care of his children and become his wife but both have an understanding there would be no romance.  When Jillian & Dalton finally meet they both discover it may be hard to keep that promise.

You'd think this book would be just a simple story but, the author tells beautifully how they manage.  I was intrigued by this story and think you will be too.  I recommend it.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

I have succumbed! My son Hunter has been trying to get me to read Fablehaven.  I finished 2 days ago finally.  What a JOY!  I really like Fablehaven.  The stories are really fun.  There are fun parts in the story.  Yet, I am very impressed with the overall lessons taught in the book.  I especially like the questions in the back of the book.  It helped me realize what great lessons were taught.  That is impressive.

This is a book about a place called Fablehaven.  Fablehaven is tended by the grandparents of Kendra and Seth.  It is fun to sit charmed through the book as it helps learn what kind of place Fablehaven is.  Seth is the sly, mischievous adventurer and Kendra is the more thoughtful type adventurer.  Fablehaven is a place for all kinds of adventurers. 

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I am looking forward to book two.

Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

This book is a quick, light and fun read.  It is a mystery about a girl named Stacie Cox.  She is on a BYU-Idaho choir tour in Brtish Columbia.  She spots a girl from Rexburg that was reported missing.  This book is about what she does after that.  She lets Matt Brennan help her in her adventure.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

I really enjoyed Inkheart.  Meggie is a little girl who LOVES books and so does her father. They both read a lot but her dad never reads out loud to her.  Mo’s job is repairing books and he has taught a deep respect of books to his daughter Meggie. Life as Meggie knows it changes as a mysterious acquaintance arrives at their home and gives a warning about someone named Capricorn. Meggie has never heard that name before.

This book is so full of adventure! The author is really good at building her characters. At first, I thought it ran a bit slow because she was building her character. I think she is wise though because I felt like I knew and could relate with her characters and feel she build a strong foundation for her story. It was great to get lost in the story. Once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down.