✰✰✰✰ When author John Berendt discovered super saver flights in the early 1980s, it opened a whole new world for him. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Berendt embarked on frequent journeys to the isolated town of Savannah, Georgia. He quickly observed that the two cities are nothing alike. As he adjusted to his new home away from home, Berendt met a wide array of characters ranging from society ladies to city leaders, from a voodoo priestess to a drag queen. The charming southern town certainly had more than its fair share of eccentric residents.
So when international antiques dealer, Jim Williams, was accused of murder, naturally the whole town was abuzz with gossip. Over the course of four trials, everyone had an opinion, but what really happened? Part travelogue and part true-crime story with a twist, this book definitely packs a punch.
The Bottom Line: With layers of intrigue, lots of eccentric characters, and a series of trials, the well-mannered southern city of Savannah becomes the focus of this fascinating read. Recommended for adventurous readers interested in true crime, travel, history, and social issues. This captivating story is one you won’t be able to put down. NOTE: This book has been on banned book lists in the past. Thus, due to the graphic scenes and the use of profanity, it may not be appropriate for students or sensitive readers.
Book Club Notes: This quarter we had a smaller group in attendance due to vacations, but our discussion was not diminished a bit. Some of us had taken the time to watch the movie as well as read the book. We noted how different the book was from the film. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but sometimes it’s not. One member informed us that The Lady Chablis had played herself in the film. I had not realized this little bit of trivia. Awesome!
On a rating scale from 1 – 5, ratings varied from 3 to 5, with an average of 4.25. General comments included that this was an entertaining, quick read. Members enjoyed the quirky characters. We also enjoyed listening to the travel stories of those who have visited Savannah. Those of us who have not yet been had the pleasure of visiting Savannah would definitely like to go there someday. Overall, this was a great pick for our group, and we highly recommend it for other book clubs.
There are several resources for discussion questions available on online including LitLovers and ReadingGroupGuides. However, there was so much to talk about; we really didn’t rely on the questions.
Details: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story by John Berendt. Paperback published by Vintage Books in 1999. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-679-75152-6
✰✰✰ Thomas Fallgrout is an ordinary kid, whose hobby just happens to be magic. So when he gets accepted to Pennybaker Academy for the Uniquely Gifted, everyone is surprised. It seems his knack for magic is an unique gift. Life at the new schools takes some getting used, of course, but Thomas manages to make a few new friends. Just when he starts to fit in, the statue of the school's most beloved math teacher disappears. Naturally everyone points their finger at Thomas and his ability to do magic. Thomas insists he is innocent, but not even his parents believe him. It's up to Thomas to clear his name by relying on his magic skills and believing in himself.
The Bottom Line: This quick read for the middle school set focuses on diversity and finding your own special gift. Along the journey of solving the mystery, the main character must learn self-reliance and forgiveness. Just an average weekend read.
Details: Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster by Jennifer Brown. Advance Reading Copy published by Bloomsburg in 2017. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-68119-174-4
✰✰✰✰✰ Tiny Mouse has never been to the wheat field before, but his sister, Katy Mouse, has. Together they scamper to the field. There are so many things Tiny has never seen before, but Katy knows what everything is. The two siblings are having a grand adventure, until Tiny gets lost amongst the stalks of wheat. What's this here? What's that over there? Suddenly everything seems scary. Luckily, it's Katy Mouse to the rescue.
The Bottom Line: This tiny tale of big adventure is a winner. Lawrence's detailed engravings are stunning and engaging. Little ones will have as much fun looking at the illustrations as they will listening to the story. The large print makes it easy to read for beginning readers. Highly recommended for children in grades Pre-K – 1 and for storytime.
Details: Tiny's Big Adventure written by Martin Waddell & illustrated by John Lawrence. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-7636-2170-6
✰✰✰✰ A family is spending one last holiday on the farm after their Gramma has died. With their mother working, their Grampa needs a little help looking after the kids. Kay Lamity arrives at their doorstep just in time. An eccentric and wise housekeeper, Kay sets the children straight when they have doubts about Santa.
When the children don't have enough money to purchase Christmas presents, Kay teaches them about the two types of presents: some you purchase and others come from the heart. With a little help from Kay, the children make gifts from the farm that everyone will treasure for a very long time.
The Bottom Line: This heartwarming tale of a family love and simple gifts is a treasure. The text and images harken back to a nostalgic time. Recommended holiday reading for kids ages 7 – 10.
Details: Gifts of the Heart written & illustrated by Patricia Polacco. Hardcover picture book published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 2013. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-399-16094-3
✰✰✰✰ When four excited chickadees announce that it's Christmas, Little Bunny wonders what Christmas is. Before Little Bunny can ask the birds, they have already flown away. So Little Bunny sets out in search of the meaning Christmas. Along the way a deer, a wolf, an owl, and a bear join the journey. When they finally find the place, they discover that Christmas was everything they hoped for and more.
The Bottom Line: This modern retelling of the Christmas story is beautifully illustrated in soft wintry hues. With repeating phrases, the story builds as Little Bunny and his animal friends search for the meaning of Christmas. This highly recommended tale will quickly become a holiday favorite for little ones ages 3 – 7.
Details: Little Bunny Finds Christmas written & illustrated by Pirkko Vainio. Hardcover picture book published by NorthSouth in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7358-2221-4
✰✰✰½ Three little dinosaurs just can't wait for Christmas. Ollie wants a dinobot. Molly wants a dinocycle. And Milo wants to meet Santasaurus and fly in his sleigh. On Christmas Eve everyone falls asleep in anticipation. Everyone, that is, except, Milo. In the dark, he hears something. Could it be sleigh bells? Milo creeps downstairs to find a big surprise waiting for him. Can you guess what it is? Check out this cute holiday tale and find out.
The Bottom Line: Illustrated in bright cheery oil paintings, Santasaurus is a colorful, holiday treat for little ones fond of dinosaurs. Enthusiastically recommended for seasonal story time or bedtime reading for kids ages 3 – 7.
Details: Santasaurus written & illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-7636-2671-6
✰✰✰½ Emily loves everything about Christmas. She especially loves getting presents. Now that she's older, she loves giving presents too. There are lots of awesome presents you can wrap in pretty paper, but Emily knows there are other gifts too. Gifts of kindness, caring, sharing, and helping don't cost anything, and everyone is happy to receive them. As the holiday approaches, Emily's help and consideration are just what everyone needs including Santa.
The Bottom Line: This humorously illustrated picture book shows kids that sometimes the best gifts are free. The authors present a fun approach to holiday etiquette that is appropriate for school or library storytime for kids ages 4 – 8. It includes a note to parents at the end about instilling good manners in your child during the holidays, and while this book is seasonal, the ideas for good manners can be used throughout the year.
Details: Emily's Christmas Gifts written by Cindy Post Senning & Peggy Post & illustrated by Steve Bjorkman. Hardcover picture book published by Collins in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-111703-9
