One quick note….the winner was selected for the I USE TO KNOW THAT book contest, but I have yet to hear from them! If they do not respond by tomorrow morning around the same time….I go with the second name that was selected so be watching your mailboxes! Now, back on track…
Speaking of friends, family, and Christmas….(okay, so I kind of alluded to them, but now it’s time to put them together)…..I recently read a book perfect for this holiday occasion. Enough with the intro, on with the show….today’s book of choice is….
By
Stephanie Greene
This is the tail, oops I mean tale, of a young mouse finding her way in the great big world in order to save her family from a lean winter. (Betcha didn’t see that one coming, huh?) I’ll admit it, the cover drew me in entirely, I mean it looked like such a cute story! Well, it was a cute story, but BOY was there a lot of hardship, dead, and struggle! I mean, it totally hit me out of left field. In no way was I prepared for the devastation, loneliness, and ultimately the feeling that everything was not going to be alright! It is a kids book for goodness sake! How much death should really be in it after all?
Our main character is Pipsqueak, or Pip for short. She is one of the eldest daughter of her mousey family and as such, feels a great deal of responsibility in assisting with the daily tasks to keep their small family running. Alas, it is winter time and although food and shelter are plentiful in spring time, this season does not prove quite as kind. With their rations running low, Papa mouse decides to go to a place he has discovered to obtain more rations to see them through the winter. Papa leaves and….does not come back home in the allotted number of days. As Pip’s brother is out of commission from their last food excursion, it is up to young Pip to save their family from starvation….but at what cost? The only place left that may have some food is forbidden. Will she overcome her own anxieties to save them all?
One tiny spoiler, if I may….the ending is on the happy side so those of you skeptical about reading it due to the hard times I’ve revealed can rest a bit easier (it is a Christmas story after all….we simply must have a merry ending…). Although the cover led me to believe I would be reading an entirely different story (read as much happier and cute, not so much dark times), I must say that I still enjoyed the book. The mouse family, her woodland friends, and even the struggles against their potential enemies all add depth to what can often be two dimensional characters…not to mention the ingenious way Pip manages to….well, it’s really amazing (sorry, can’t reveal it….it takes away from the surprise for you!). Rest assured you will come out on the other side a little brighter, a little wiser, and filled with that much more Christmas spirit.
Happy holidays….and happy reading!
Tail/Tale - two words I hate having to explain to children/anyone who doesn't speak English as their first language.
ReplyDeleteA great sounding book, I agree the cover is beautiful. I can fully understand why it drew you in.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePetty Witter: LOL. Sad, but true...just had to have a little play on words. Yes, that cover is something special, as is the story....just had more shades of Dickens than I'd imagined.
ReplyDeleteStephanie/Comment Deleted: Thanks to Bloggers "email you when you get a comment" setting, I was able to see your post before you chose to delete it (Why in fact did you delete it??). I meant no harm in the review, they are simply my feelings on what I read....the rest of the story aspects of courage, family, and the like that you mentioned are there, it is true, but the mismatch of what my head thought the book would contain versus what it did stood out to me as worth mentioning. Thank you for stopping by....it's not often author's do, but may I suggest next time, leave your comment visible for others to see...I certainly don't mind (unless it's truly scathing then I might mind a little). Happy holidays and thank you for such an interesting addition to my Christmas reading list! =0)
Sorry. I wanted to rewrite one thing, but I thought I'd put it back. I was pleased to see your comments and only dismayed to think children might find the story discouraging. Besides, I can't resist a good conversation about books. I like your blog. Thanks for reading the book. I'll check back to see what other books you talk about. It's always interesting to hear what readers think. You can be sure authors are everywhere. (Maniacal laugh here.)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours. Best, Stephanie Greene
Stephanie: Aha! You returned! Hmm, which lends more credibility to your "authors are everywhere" statement...complete with maniacal laughter.... *GULP* =0)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and I look forward to future conversations!
Congrats to the winners
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas