Friday, May 12, 2017

Margo's Musings: Hippos are Huge!

In fact, whales- along with dolphins and porpoises- are hippos closest relatives!~ Hippos are Huge!

After seeing a show on television about Fiona, a baby hippoat the Cincinnati Zoo who was born very early, my little sister, Margo, has been obsessed with hippos. She thinks they're cute, and I agree! Of course, when we went to the library she had to pick out a book on her new favorite topic.  

Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London is chock-full of interesting facts. I thought I had an idea of what these giant animals were like, but I had no clue they are actually the most deadly animal in Africa! They look slow and lazy, but they are a force to be reckoned with for sure! Hippos mouth's can open up to four feet wide. They have some amazing symbiotic relationships with fish and birds (which I don't want to ruin for you). But, without a doubt there was one part that made us laugh out loud. Do you know what to do if you see a hippo and he turns his backside to you, then starts swinging his tail? Run! It may be funny to read about, but in real life it would be gross! 
  
Margo has wanted to read this one over and over again. I think it is awesome that a picture book taught me so much about hippos. Now I hope I never see one in person. I know I can't outrun them and they are very powerful. The bright pictures are filled with details that help spotlight the facts.  This book will put a smile on your face, and you'll want to find out more about these massive animals! 

Has anyone else read Hippos are Huge!? Or have you read another book by Jonathan London? Do you already know a lot about hippos? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~F

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Hungry Hippo!


Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Margo says we'll be hanging out with hippos, so stay tuned. See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

A river horse or whale on land; I've four squat legs on which to stand. In water, my eyes skim by, watching out on the sly. When I'm hungry, it's grass I eat, soaking in African heat. Big and bad; fierce, but cute- it's well known that I yawn and toot. 

What am I? Answer: Hippopotamus 


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
 

Monday, May 8, 2017

Monday's Riddle: River Horse Run...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? They are funny and enjoyable to watch in their natural habitat. ; ) ~ F

A river horse or whale on land; I've four squat legs on which to stand. In water, my eyes skim by, watching out on the sly. When I'm hungry, it's grass I eat, soaking in African heat. Big and bad; fierce, but cute- it's well known that I yawn and toot. 

What am I? Stop by for the answer on Wednesday!

I gave you a clue!

Friday, May 5, 2017

Shining the Spotlight on Mysteries


Solving mysteries is always fun! Putting the pieces together in books we read and write can be very satisfying. In honor of Mystery Week on Goodreads, we're sharing a few of our favorite mysteries with you. We look forward to hearing about the stories that kept you guessing!


Stephanie's Favorites

Nancy Drew- What can I say? I devoured these books growing up.  My aunt passed along a few copies she had to me when I was in fifth grade and I fell in love with the stories. I would go to the library and check out eight at a time, reading them all back to back. It didn't take me long to read them all, as I would sometimes read two in a day! I couldn't get enough, and it was a little bittersweet for me when I got to the end of the series.


At the time I had no idea that the books were written by different writers all using the same name. I didn't learn that bit of information until a few years ago. At first, I was a little sad, but then I realized that the books sparked my love for mysteries and I truly enjoyed diving into Nancy's world.

Sammy Keyes- Sammy is spunky and fun! She is a modern day sleuth who stumbles into trouble. Luckily, when she is faced with danger she manages to stay ahead of things!

I read the first book in the series with my first fifth grade class, and I laughed out loud when Sammy waved at a thief she saw through her binoculars. The stories are fast paced and full of action. Sammy's antics help to lighten the mood. Definitely a great series to get into!

Jess's Favorites
Edward Gorey- Yes, the master of mystery always keeps me guessing. I love his writing and illustrations. The twists and turns in his stories and pictures are captivating, and the clues can be anything and anywhere. Recently, Fairday reviewed a book written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey, The House With A Clock in Its Walls. It's a great mystery matched with excellent illustrations. If you want to check it out, click here.

Harriet the Spy- Sometimes, spying can get you into trouble. No one knows that better than Harriet. Imagine losing your notebook with all your secret thoughts, and then having them found by the people who you were writing about. It's important to collect clues, but being careful with your evidence is key. A fun mystery to follow along with!


There are many kinds of mysteries and nothing is better than curling up with one. We've shared some that have kept us turning the pages, and we'd love to hear about the stories you love!


Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Mystery Week!


Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're celebrating Mystery & Thriller Week with our friends at Goodreads. We'll be dropping clues about a few of our favorite mysteries on Friday, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

This week holds suspense on the line; goodreads clues are a sign. Sleuthing in to cover the case, Nancy's flashlight will reveal the face. Sammy's keys may get you in, Harriet notes what happened. The master of this, Edward Gorey, draws it into every story.

What am I referring to? Answer: Mystery! 



Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
 

Monday, May 1, 2017

Monday's Riddle: Catch A Clue!

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? We're obviously huge fans of this. ; ) ~ F

This week holds suspense on the line; goodreads clues are a sign. Sleuthing in to cover the case, Nancy's flashlight will reveal the face. Sammy's keys may get you in, Harriet notes what happened. The master of this, Edward Gorey, draws it into every story.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer! 

I gave you a clue!