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Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Top Ten Tuesday: I'm Not a Pet Person, But...
Are you an animal lover? My kids accuse me of being an animal hater, which isn't true at all (witness: I've let them have pet goldfish, a hyperactive puppy, even a feral cat). I like all kinds of creatures (at least of the four-legged variety); I just prefer that they belong to someone else. Petting sweet, snuggly animals is fun. Cleaning up poop, listening to endless barking/whining, paying vet bills, trying to tame aggressiveness, dealing with chewed-up everything? Not fun.
Considering what I've just told you, it's probably not a surprise that books about animals are not something I seek out. So, I had to think a bit before I could come up with a list of ten to fit today's TTT prompt: Top Ten Favorite Animals in Books. I do have some, even though anthropomorphic narrators are actually a big pet peeve of mine. As a child, I loved reading about animal characters. These days? Not so much, although I can definitely appreciate a loyal, funny, inventive, smart, or just adorable animal character. The list below proves it!
Before we get to that, though, I want to encourage you to join in the TTT fun. Hop on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details. If you can't think of books to fit the topic, no worries. Spin it your own way or do a themed list that you make up yourself. Any way you shake it, TTT is a good ole time.
Top Ten Favorite Animals in Books
1. Wilbur and Charlotte from Charlotte's Web by E.B. White—This is the first title that came to mind when I saw the prompt. Who doesn't love cheerful Wilbur and his wise spider friend, Charlotte? I adored this book as a kid.
2. Black Beauty from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell—I was obsessed with horses (reading about them, at least) as a child. This classic, narrated by the titular colt, totally captivated young me.
3. Manchee from The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness—In this YA series, all living things can read each other's thoughts, so Manchee the dog can "speak" to his master, Todd Hewitt. Although his thoughts are simpler than those of the human characters, his personality and unfailing loyalty come through loud and clear.
4. Marley from Marley & Me by John Grogan—I was surprised by how much I loved this animal book when I read it. I laughed, I cried...I adored it. The film is just as heartwarming and touching.
5. Nyah from The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington—Elephants are always depicted as wise, gentle creatures. Nyah is such a pachyderm in this middle-grade novel about a girl who lives in a zoo.
6. Ivan from The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate—As with Marley & Me, I really didn't expect to love this middle-grade novel as much as I did. Ivan, a caring gorilla, won me over. Big time.
7. Mrs. Frisby from Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien—I remember this story more from the movie than the book, but still...I felt for the titular mouse, a brave widow trying to save her young children. Mice are not animals I like. Mrs. Frisby, though? She's the exception.
8. Jethro from the Amish Candy Shop mystery series by Amanda Flower—Jethro's a mischievous pot-bellied pig whose besotted owner believes he's going to be the next big Hollywood star. He's a pretty fun character, I have to say.
9. Too many to chose a favorite from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling—Fawkes, Scabbers, Hedwig, Fang, Buckbeak, Fluffy...the list goes on and on. There are tons of great animal characters in this series.
10. Toothless from the How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell—Okay, this is kind of a cheat since I haven't actually read these books and I hear they're different from the movies. Still, I love Toothless.
There you go, ten favorite fictional animals. Which are your faves? Are you an animal person? Do you have pets? Or are you like me, someone who enjoys critters more in books than in real life? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
Monday, December 14, 2020
Bob A Heartwarming Sequel to The One and Only Ivan
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Once upon a time, a group of animals lived at a forgotten roadside attraction called the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Now that they've all been rescued, Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the baby elephant live at a sanctuary. Bob, their canine friend, was taken home by Julia, the daughter of the mall's janitor. He gets to visit his friends frequently, but it's not quite the same. Still, there's lots to be said for the domesticated life—plenty of food; lots of belly rubs; a safe, warm bed; etc. For a "mutt of uncertain heritage" (5), it's not a bad life.
One day as Bob is visiting Ivan and Ruby, an oncoming hurricane starts wreaking havoc on the sanctuary and its animals. Bob is separated from Julia in the chaos. As he tries to help the distressed sanctuary residents, the canine makes a startling discovery—someone he thought was gone forever might still be alive. Bob can't believe it, but he has to find out if the dog in question is really his long-lost sister. Is it possible? Can Bob save his litter mate from being caught in the storm? Or will she rescue him from a life of domesticated boredom? When push comes to shove, what does family really mean? Where does Bob truly belong?
If you, like me, loved The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, then you're going to enjoy its sequel as well. The One and Only Bob is an upbeat, heartwarming story featuring a funny, fast-"talking" hero who will make you smile. Although the novel isn't as thoughtful and wise as Ivan, it still tells a sweet, uplifting story that teaches some good lessons about family, forgiveness, and friendship. Through Bob's actions in the tale, it also shows that anyone—no matter how small—can be a hero.
(Readalikes: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, scenes of peril, and scary situations
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The One and Only Bob with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
MG Novel Tells Sincere, Heartwarming Tale About the Importance of Farming, Family, and Friendship
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
There's nothing 12-year-old Paige McBride likes better than working the Idaho farm her family has owned for generations. Even with the recent death of her father, which has caused financial hardship, extra chores, and heavy sorrow, Paige is determined to keep the place running smoothly. When she learns about her mother's decision to sell her beloved land, she vows it will never happen. Not only does Paige have a foolproof plan to sabotage their realtor's schemes, but now she's got two unexpected secret weapons—a journalist who wants a hands-on farming experience and a wounded peacock of mysterious origins. Paige will use them, as well as every other trick she's got up her sleeve, to rescue the farm she loves. Will it be enough?
Wendy S. Swore's debut novel, A Monster Like Me, was one of the best books I read last year. I loved it so much that I couldn't wait to read her sophomore effort, The Wish and the Peacock. While her newest didn't move me as much as her first, I still enjoyed this poignant middle-grade novel. Paige is an admirable heroine—she's smart, loyal, hard-working, and focused. Her love for her home and family shines brightly. Young readers will enjoy the story for the funny antics Paige and her friends employ to foil the adults' actions, but what will really stand out is our heroine's dogged determination to save the things and people she loves. Paige's affinity for her land as well as the work she does on it ring with authenticity because Swore, herself, is a full-time farmer. It's not surprising, then, that The Wish and the Peacock exudes sincerity and heart. Overall, it's an empowering tale about the importance of friendship, family, legacy, and fighting for what you believe in. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Wish and the Peacock from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Moo A Gentle, Heartwarming Tale of Kindness
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Reena, a 12-year-old who's just moved from the city to rural Maine, isn't sure what to expect from her new home. Blueberries, lobster, boating—that's about all she knows of the state. Farming is not on the list. But when Reena's parents suggest she and her brother offer to help their cantankerous neighbor, Mrs. Falala, with her animals, that's exactly what she finds herself doing. Zora, the old woman's ornery cow, quickly becomes Reena's arch nemesis. No matter what she does, nothing seems to go right. Reena's fed up with it all—Maine, Mrs. Falala, the animals, everything.
Then a strange thing happens. The more time Reena spends helping her neighbor, the more invested she becomes. Can a little kindness win over both a stubborn old woman and her disobedient cow? How about a city girl with a bad attitude? Reena is about to find out ...
Told in a blend of poetry and prose, Moo, a new middle grade novel by Sharon Creech, is a sweet, tender story about the magic that can happen when we dare to step outside of our comfort zones. The characters are likable, the book's format intriguing. Fun word art makes the text come alive, making it more meaningful. Overall, the tale is a gentle one. Not super exciting, but engaging nonetheless.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Moo from the generous folks at HarperCollins. Thank you!
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Gentle War Horse Proves That Love Conquers All—Even the Most Painful Wounds of War
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Joey, a gentle red bay colt, is purchased by Mr. Narracott, he gets his first taste of the cruelty some men—particularly drunk men—like to unleash on weaker beings. The young horse misses his mother, fears his new owner and wonders what is to become of him in the hands of the angry Mr. Narracott. Then, Joey meets Albert, his owner's 13-year-old son. Albert is as kind as his father is mean, as soft-spoken as his father is harsh, as determined to love Joey as his father is to break him. Although Joey still shies away when Mr. Narracott comes for him, he knows that as long as he has Albert, everything will be okay.
Then, World War I bears down on England. Albert is too young to enlist, but Joey is just what the Army's looking for—he's a strong and healthy recruit. Mr. Narracott needs the money the Army's offering him, so he sells Albert's horse to them. After working on the farm, Joey knows all about sore muscles, but the exhaustion he feels on the battlefield is something else altogether. Along with the other war horses, he has learned to charge the enemy, transport wounded soldiers and carry heavy artillery. With gunshots roaring in his ears, he must do his duties bravely, even as his friends—both equestrian and human—fall all around him. Joey is determined to survive the war for one reason: Albert. He must see his friend again, no matter how impossible that reunion might seem.
I'm not much for books with animal narrators, but War Horse by Michael Morpurgo has received so much praise that I knew I had to read it. While I'm not sure the book quite deserves all the attention it's been given, I did enjoy the story. It's a quick, heartwarming read about an animal's love for his owner, a boy who's also been his kind and loving friend. With a true and heartbreaking look at how war destroys—and sometimes solidifies—such bonds, War Horse is an uplifting tale that proves love conquers all, even the most painful wounds of war.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie (and it is!), it would be rated: PG for mild language, violence (including animal cruelty) and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of War Horse from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Poetic and Powerful, The One and Only Ivan Truly Is One-of-a-Kind
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
It's not easy being a silverback gorilla. Especially one who's caged up at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Just ask Ivan. He's been the main attraction there for most of his 27 years. The wild, he knows from experience, is a dangerous place and, yet, he longs for his lost home and the family he left behind. Those memories are dim, though; to survive, Ivan must push them away. It's the only way to be satisfied with a life spent behind bars. So, Ivan concentrates on his friends, his paintings, and the tiny world of the Big Top Mall—the only world he's really ever known.
Then Ruby arrives. The terrified baby elephant is slated to become the Big Top Mall's new star, but she's too scared to cooperate. Ivan knows he has to protect little Ruby. His jungle instincts haven't been totally erased by his pampered life and yet, Ivan can't think of how to save her. He only knows he must. And soon.
There's no way to capture the essence of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate in a simple plot summary. I'm convinced it can't be done. Why? Because the story inside this unassuming book packs a wallop so big that it can't be contained, let alone explained. In spare, but lovely prose, Applegate tells a beautiful tale that's poetic, powerful, and purposeful. I can't begin to describe how deeply it touched me, so just trust me on this one—you want to read Ivan's story.
Note: Although The One and Only Ivan is a work of fiction, it's based on a real story, which you can read about here.
(Readalikes: I really can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: A
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for some disturbing content (animal cruelty)
To the FTC, with love: I borrowed The One and Only Ivan from my kids' elementary school library as part of my volunteer work with the school's reading program.
Then Ruby arrives. The terrified baby elephant is slated to become the Big Top Mall's new star, but she's too scared to cooperate. Ivan knows he has to protect little Ruby. His jungle instincts haven't been totally erased by his pampered life and yet, Ivan can't think of how to save her. He only knows he must. And soon.
There's no way to capture the essence of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate in a simple plot summary. I'm convinced it can't be done. Why? Because the story inside this unassuming book packs a wallop so big that it can't be contained, let alone explained. In spare, but lovely prose, Applegate tells a beautiful tale that's poetic, powerful, and purposeful. I can't begin to describe how deeply it touched me, so just trust me on this one—you want to read Ivan's story.
Note: Although The One and Only Ivan is a work of fiction, it's based on a real story, which you can read about here.
(Readalikes: I really can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: A
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for some disturbing content (animal cruelty)
To the FTC, with love: I borrowed The One and Only Ivan from my kids' elementary school library as part of my volunteer work with the school's reading program.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Old-Fashioned Animal Tale A Little Dull For My (Always Discerning) Tastes
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although she lives inside a grand plantation house, Celeste longs for a real home. The tiny, timid mouse yearns for a place where she can nestle, safe from rat bullies and the threat of the housecat's claws. A cage isn't exactly what she has in mind, but that's where she ends up after she's forced from her nest under the dining room floorboards. Captivity, it turns out, isn't so bad. Not when your captor is a nice boy like Joseph Mason. Joseph's staying at the plantation while he and his teacher, John James Audubon, study the local wildlife. Curled up inside Joseph's pocket, Celeste gets to experience things she never even imagined, things like the great outdoors, the perplexing behavior of humans, the excitement of flying like an osprey and, most of all, true friendship. But when Joseph finishes his work in Louisiana and returns to Ohio, what will happen to Celeste?
Although I expected A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole to be a sweet, simple tale, it actually delves into a fairly dark subject. Not only does it discuss animal cruelty, but it paints a famous naturalist in a rather unflattering light (Audubon, according to Cole's Author's Note, killed almost all of the birds he painted so lovingly). At its heart, though, the tale is exactly what it purports to be: "A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home." Readers will sympathize with the book's kind heroine, although they may find that her story drags a bit. Although A Nest for Celeste is a quick read with lots of illustrations, I yawned through a good portion of it. I'm not sure how appealing this one will be for children, if even I found it a little dull. Or maybe I'm full of prunes and they'll totally love it. At any rate, I wasn't all that impressed.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: C+
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for scenes of peril and scenes involving animal cruelty (not horribly graphic, but still might be disturbing for young children)
To the FTC, with love: I borrowed A Nest for Celeste from the library at my kids' elementary school as part of my volunteer work with the school's reading program.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Cows Can't Jump: "I Wike Dat Stowy"
(Image from Barnes & Noble)I don't review tons of picture books, but I do read a lot of them to my younger kids. My 2-year-old generally prefers stories involving at least one Disney princess and my 6-year-old usually gravitates toward non-fiction books on boy topics (cars, boats, construction vehicles, etc.). However, when I asked my little critics who wanted to listen to a story, three of them piled onto the couch with me (my 12-year-old has the flu, otherwise I'm *sure* he would have joined us :]). Surrounded by a trio of warm bodies, I opened up Cows Can't Jump by Dave Reisman. Giggles ensued. When we got to the end of the story, all three agreed it was a keeper. I didn't love it quite as much as the kids did, but I truly believe that when it comes to picture books, children know best.
The story follows a simple pattern - it shows something an animal can't do (i.e. jump), then something it can (i.e. swim). Not all of the verbs used in the book are that self-explanatory, however. Some of the animals scurry or glide or wallow, which leads to questions and, thus, vocabulary development. By focusing on things the animals can do, the book also helps kids practice positive thinking about others and themselves. The bright, colorful illustrations (by Jason A. Mass) keep children interested, prompting smiles when an unexpected animal shows up. All in all, it's a fun, informative book that doesn't feel educational. My 2-year-old summed it up pretty well when she proclaimed, "I wike dat stowy."
My favorite picture books usually have a memorable rhythm (The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault; Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr.), stunning pictures (On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman) or a theme that's surprising/touching/funny/unique (Love You Forever by Robert Munsch; Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes; The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle). This one didn't have any of these elements or anything that really made it stick out for me. Still, it's a fun, warmhearted story that's short enough to keep kids' attention, even after many readings. I appreciate its message, its subtle teaching, and the fact that my kids enjoyed it. Really, I'm not sure there is a better endorsement out there than this, so I'll repeat my toddler's enthusiastic, "I wike dat story" and weave it at dat.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything, can you?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: G
To the FTC, with love: I received two signed, finished copies of Cows Can't Jump from the generous folks at Jumping Cow Press. Thank you!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
WWII From An Animal Point of View
Although I've read numerous books about the Holocaust, I have never encountered the kind of information I found in Diane Ackerman's The Zookeeper's Wife. Most books on WWII focus exclusively on the human element; this book is different because it takes a close look at the toll the war took on animals, specifically the residents of the Warsaw Zoo. Through the diaries of Antonina Zabinsky, "the zookeeper's wife," we get the stories of all the zoo's characters, both human and non.
Antonina and her husband Jan ran the zoo before and during the war, caring for all who lived on the grounds. This included a host of animals, from house cats to elephants to rare Pryzywalski horses. During Warsaw's years of Nazi occupation, the zoo's population also consisted of "Guests" - Jewish friends, Underground workers and others in need of aid - who hid in the zoo's cages and outbuildings. The Zabinsky's also stuffed fugitives into every corner of the villa they called home. While Jan worked with the Resistance, Antonina cared for all of her tenants. She especially loved the animals, with whom she had an almost magical relationship. According to her husband:
It's as if she's porous. She's almost able to read their [the animals']
mind. It's a snap for her to find out what's bothering her animal
friends. Maybe because she treats them like people. But you've seen
her. At a moment's notice, she can lose her Homo sapiens nature
and transform herself into a panther, badger, or muskrat (235).
mind. It's a snap for her to find out what's bothering her animal
friends. Maybe because she treats them like people. But you've seen
her. At a moment's notice, she can lose her Homo sapiens nature
and transform herself into a panther, badger, or muskrat (235).
Because of her abilities, Antonina always had animals around her,
even living in the villa with the family. One of the most charming scenes
in the book occurs when Antonina observes her son taking his pet badger for a
walk. During the height of the war, the villa hosted a chaotic mess of animals and people, co-existing in relative harmony. Antonina empathized with every individual, continually drawing similarities between the humans and the animals.
even living in the villa with the family. One of the most charming scenes
in the book occurs when Antonina observes her son taking his pet badger for a
walk. During the height of the war, the villa hosted a chaotic mess of animals and people, co-existing in relative harmony. Antonina empathized with every individual, continually drawing similarities between the humans and the animals.
For me, the most fascinating aspect of this book was Ackerman's description of the Nazis' exhaustive philosophies, which they applied not only to humans but also to plants and animals. Despite the established theory of "hybrid vigor" - the fact that inbreeding actually strengthens bloodlines - German zoologists chose not to allow Polish animals to mate with their pure bred counterparts. Partly because of this, the rarer animals in the Warsaw Zoo were transported to Germany, while the less "important" residents were simply shot.
Like all Holocaust stories, this one kept my interest. I did get bored with some of Ackerman's endless animal descriptions - I'm not a big animal lover - although those passages seemed more warm than those discussing the humans in the book. Ackerman talks about people in kind of a cold, remote way. The story also seemed random and spotty - I found myself getting too much information on subjects I didn't find interesting (the nesting habits of various species) and too little on the topics I wanted to know about (Antonina's writing). The last third of the story turned into a tense and compelling conclusion. Overall, though, I thought the book was just okay.
Grade: B-
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