Book Club Open House and Other Stuff

I had a really fun time reading all your reviews, and giving away the gift card to Barnes and Noble! Congratulations on your big win, Penelope! I think we will definitely do another giveaway soon.

But in the meantime, we are finishing up the second month of Ella's Little Library's book club! Only a few days left until the new book is announced! I hope you are all enjoying Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I love really Harry Potter...

This is a picture of me loving Harry Potter.

...so we are going to be doing this book club a little differently than last month. We will still do the online discussion on 2/28, but this time I am also going to host a wizard's open house at the library!

Stop by between 11am-1pm on Saturday, March 7. Come in your finest wizard wear, grab a snack, check out a book, and get to know other witches and wizards...and maybe some muggles too.

I can't wait to see everyone in person to talk about my favorite stories!

EXPELLIARMUS!

Guest Review from James R.

James has made a trip to my library a part of his dog walking route. He stops by all the time. Thanks for all your support and for the review, James. Good luck in the drawing!

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

James and the Giant Peach is by Roald Dahl. It is about a young boy named James who goes on adventures inside a giant peach. My favorite part is when the centipede yells, "That was Sponge!" after the peach rolls over James' mean aunt.  I also liked when the creatures and James yell, "oh hooray he's going to play for us!" when the old green grasshopper pulls out his violin.  I like this book because it's inspiring and magical. You should read it because it's a nice, exciting, funny and kind story. You will love this story even if your name is not James!

Guest Review from Soraya G.

Soraya is Penelope's big sister. She's reviewing The Fault in Our Stars, which I haven't read, but I'm sure it's awesome because it takes place in Indiana. Thanks for your review, Soraya! Good luck!

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

The Fault in our Stars by John Green is a 5 star book for me! I absolutely love this book because it isn't a classic love story it is more original. Even though it is very sad and makes me cry every time it still has a great moral too it which I think is that, sometimes life isn't always great but if you make the best of it, it can be great even just for a little while. I highly suggest this book if you're a little older because it teaches you so many lessons, and it is just plain out great

Guest Review from Jill T.

Jill is awesome! Aside from being my aunt, she has taken care of lots of tiny people. It is really great to hear about a book that has helped her so much with her little ones. Thanks for the review, Chiabo! Good luck in the drawing!

IDO IN AUTISMLAND

For my book review, I chose a book of essays called Ido in Autismland. I usually like to read novels but I really loved this book.

It's written by a 13 year old boy who's nonverbal with autism. There is something so special about being able to read someone's words who otherwise wouldn't be able to voice them. It makes every word that much more precious.

I liked this book because it gave me insight into a world that I would otherwise know nothing about. I work with children who have a similar diagnosis. This book gave us hope and changed lots of things for us. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. I loved it so much!

P.S. I feel like I should also mention how much I loved revisiting Matilda and her story. Miss Honey has always been such an inspiration to me. Her character showed me the type of caregiver I'd like to be. Thanks for suggesting it! I can't wait to revisit Hogwarts! I'm so very proud of you!

Guest Review from Milo C.

Milo is seriously one of the coolest first graders of all time. Thanks for the review, Milo! Good luck in the drawing!

LIONS AT LUNCHTIME

I liked it because they were traveling to Africa to find the lions. It was a fun mystery because they tried to find lions and we didn't know if they found them or not. Read this book to find out.

Guest Review from Daniela R.

What you need to know about Daniela is this: she is the coolest. Not joking. She knows all the best books, and comics, and crafts, and she always wears the best dresses. If she says a book is good, you should probably read it. Thanks for the review, Daniela.  Good Luck in the drawing!

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a creepy fantasy story written in the 60's . It is a story about two 13 year old best friends,Jim and Will,in a small town in the Midwest.  A very creepy traveling carnival run by the mysterious Mr. Dark comes to town and the carnival is not what it seems. Wish fulfillment, dreams of lost youth,desires to grow older when your not a kid but your not an adult, good vs. evil, creepy memorable characters this story has it all. What happens when we get what we ask for is it all we hoped?Is it worth the price?If you are or were a fan of Goosebumps then this book is for you. All the spooky creepy fun of a Goosebumps with the truly well written amazing world crafted by Mr. Bradbury . You won't find this one in the kids section, but it is worth a walk over to the fantasy section.

Guest Review from Julie N.

Julie is a lifelong book nerd, just like me. That means she's awesome. She read Matilda with me, and sent in her review when she was done. So, not only did she get to read an awesome book, but she might win a gift card for it! Good Luck, Julie!

MATILDA

I LOVE Matilda, both the girl as a character and the book as a whole.

I really like that Matilda is so kind and smart despite her parents, who are the exact opposite. I can't imagine being as independent as she is at five-years-old! It's such a relief when Miss Honey takes a liking to her.

Something I love about this book (and all Roald Dahl books, he's my favorite!), is how whimsical, dark, and sweet it is. That's a lot to pack in!

I give Matilda an A+, which is something I'm sure she's quite used to.

-Julie

p.s. I'm so so happy you have a Miss Honey teacher and not a Miss Trunchbull!! Keep up the great work, Ella! Can't wait for HP!