Here are a few books I read and enjoyed this week!
I had to do some research as I read this book because the story is based on Indian folktales, and that is a good thing! There also is a terrific afterward by the author that explains quite a bit. Kids reading this will learn about another culture's stories and find more scary adventures that include escapes from other kinds of monsters. Ugh, and these monsters have sticky, sticky snot! The heroine, Kiranmala, has a big surprise on her twelfth birthday and it isn't cake and ice cream. Her parents mysteriously disappear, two young (and handsome) princes show up to help save her from that other 'thing' that shows up, ready to eat her, a rakkhosh. These rakkhosh are not the only ones to worry about when Kiranmala beats off this one (with the help of a prince). There are snakes, a demon island, and the one she never thought she wanted to see, The Serpent Prince. Kiranmala learns that she is a real Indian princess, something she has resisted learning from her parents. She is smart and sassy, and no matter how alarmed, she acts to save herself, and others too. It's a story that's number one in the series, has a satisfying end, just makes you want that next book now!
Thanks to Candlewick for the next two books, fun for younger readers.
It would be difficult not to love a story by Eve Bunting, and Will Hillenbrand adds to this story of a poor duck who can't swim with a lovely watercolored natural setting. In verse, we hear of this duck who laments: "I cannot swim, and that is bad./A landlocked duck is very sad." To me, the best thing shown is that he seeks advice from a frog and a wise owl. It helps! He decides to find a puddle: "I'll find a puddle. It will be . . ./the perfect practice place for me." A happy ending after he gains some courage will make a good topic for conversation. How does one find courage, and how to feel confident with that advice? When is it okay to wait a while to try a scary thing? Young children will like the story and applaud for this young duck!