Someone's Favorite

I recently came across an article with some catchy title like "10 Things Even the Biggest Harry Potter Fan Doesn't know about Emma Watson."  Now first I feel compelled to say that being a fan of Harry Potter does not, in any way, mean that I am somehow an expert on every actor who ever had a part in the movies.  However, I do like Emma Watson so I clicked on the article.

One interesting fact is that The Prisoner of Azkaban was her favorite movie, because that's when she felt she really started to develop as an actor and where she really understood the character of Hermione.  I might argue that it is probably also because Hermione really comes in clutch in this book/movie.  Not that she doesn't save the day in every other book (ask me who I think the most important character in the series is...spoiler alert... it's not Harry), but she extra saves the day in this one.

So here it is, the essence of the book in 2 sentences or less:

"What we need...is more time.....If all goes well, you will be able to save more than one innocent life tonight."  

Challenging misconceptions...that's kids stuff

Beginners

As regular readers know, I am a newbie to this whole graphic novel medium.  Regular readers will also know that  I have had rave reviews for the few that I have read.  But it isn't a magic medium, it's not as if every single comic is going to be some fabulous read.

David Petersen's Mouse Guard was just so-so for me.  It felt very beginner, but I think that's just because I am so used to getting caught up in the words.  The story was developed with twists and turns and plenty of excitement.  But it's told through words and pictures and this one is light on the words.  Which is a whole new way for me to experience stories.

As a start of summer treat my husband and I have been binge watching Game of Thrones so the whole Mouse Guard thing was very reminiscent of the nights watch.  Protecting the realm and all that jazz.  Also, with the main characters being mice, it also makes me think of Redwall.  

The illustrations were fantastic and I think the lightness on the words makes this book perfect for low or struggling readers.  For me, I get lost in the words, for struggling readers the words just make you feel lost.  And who doesn't want to get caught up in an adventure.

Saving the day...that's kids stuff.  

Happy Independence Day

Hope you are all enjoying this celebration.  Barring any flight delays I should be landing in Zambia sometime today. So posting may be intermittent as I will be teaching reading classes in Zambia for one month.

In the meantime, I hope your bookcases can be as beautiful and patriotic as this one.

Celebrations...that's kids stuff