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A Stupid, Smelly Book Signing
The end of Junie B.'s cymbal solo - YES!
DD humoring her snap-happy mother.
The actors playing Junie B. and Mr. Woo stamped books and answered the kids' questions. They were very patient. Too bad they weren't looking at the camera ...
DD and Barbara Park
Completely unaffected by the celebrity sitting beside her, DD shows everyone her wiggly tooth.
Posing with the stupid, smelly bus
Again, with the bus.
My 9-year-old DS and DD are big Junie B. fans - although my son would rather DIE than admit it, hence his absence at the book-signing. I've heard the books criticized because the main character is too sassy and because she doesn't use proper English. I agree with both of these complaints, but I still think they're really fun books. My kids love them.
Despite the fact that it was a very looooong wait to meet Barbara Park, it was lots of fun. So, answer me this: Do you go to book-signings? Are they always worth it? Which ones have you loved/hated?
Specials Is Anything But Average
In my previous reviews of Scott Westerfeld's work, I've accused him of sacrificing character development in favor of constant action. Maybe it's a guy thing? I don't know. It doesn't matter, because after reading Specials, the third book in Westerfield's Uglies series, I'm chomping up my words. The novel delivers heart-pounding - no, heart-stopping - action, plus some serious delving into the characters' psyches. For this reason and more, it's my favorite book in the series so far. It's just totally icy-making, if you know what I mean. You are up on your Pretty-speak, right? Okay. Here we go ...
Although Tally received the Specials operations against her will, she loves being Special. Not only is she part of a "connected ... unbreakable clique" (8), but now "everything [is] laid out clearly, like looking down on a forest path from above" (9). Only two things mar her happiness: her uneasy alliance with her double-crossing best friend Shay, and the fact that Zane is not yet a Special. "Ancient dramas" (23) aren't supposed to matter to Specials, but it's clear to Tally that Shay hasn't quite forgiven her for what she sees as past betrayals. As leader of the Cutters, Shay is smug and cruel - she commands Tally to "stay icy" and forget about Zane, who is, afterall, a bubblehead and not a Special. Tally can't quite give him up, especially once she sees how weak he has become. Although the "perfect clarity of her vision" (82) makes all his imerfections stand out, she still feels responsible for him. She knows the passion she felt for him will return ... as soon as he becomes a Special.
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Stacking The Shelves2 hours ago
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Bookish Quote of the Day!!6 hours ago
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Daily Prompt 26 April Friday10 hours ago
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Audiobook: The Mango Tree21 hours ago
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FO Friday: SaltPixie Studio Rolags21 hours ago
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Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose22 hours ago
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The Lady of Larkspur Vale1 day ago
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Need a laugh?1 day ago
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Long Time Dead by T M Payne1 day ago
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Final Cut by Marjorie McCown2 days ago
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Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth3 days ago
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Reading as a retreat from reality1 week ago
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Reading Recap March 20242 weeks ago
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March Monthly Wrap-up3 weeks ago
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What Happened to Summer?6 months ago
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6/25/23 Extra Ezra10 months ago
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Are you looking for Pretty Books?1 year ago
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