The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this pretty well, I guess. It's definitely a different sort of writing than I'm used to - more lyrical and meandering, than illustrative and to the point. The plot is good - simple and clear - yet without the mellifluous prose and recurring poetry, it could have been condensed into 50 pages. Many plot points and characters are not explained fully - no back stories are given. Characters are one-dimensional and uncomplicated. Fortunately, it's short - and if you're a fantasy fan, apparently you have to read this. Am I glad I did? I suppose.
Totally clean, with very minimal violence and no sex or swearing.

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: A Trilogy in Four Parts

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: A Trilogy in Four Parts (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy #1-4)

by Douglas Adams

2 stars

590 pages

Published 1992 by Pan Books (first published 1986)

I just didn't get it. Got all confused. Maybe I should watch the movie first? So I at least know what's going on?

Why is this so popular?

Daddy-Long-Legs

Daddy-Long-Legs (Daddy-Long-Legs #1)

by Jean Webster  

5 stars

249 pages

Published 1912 by Hodder & Stoughton

 

It is rare that I give 5 stars, but this adorable book deserves it. I believe this is one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It's witty and cute, and although it's written back in the early 20th century, it still is pertinent to today. I loved it.

I recommend to everyone! It's a quick read and you'll be a better person for reading it.
How many books can you say that about?

The Swiss Family Robinson

The Swiss Family Robinson

by Johann David Wyss, Scott McKowen (Illustrations), Arthur Pober (Afterword)

4 stars

 

352 pages

First published in 1812

 

I tried reading this book with my kids, but the vocabulary was beyond my 3rd and 5th graders - this edition one of the first translations, so many, many words were archaic and out of use. I'm going to find an Illustrated Classic version to read to them, which I think they'll enjoy.

I loved this book, though. A lot of the flora and fauna which the Robinson family found on their island was improbable - elephants on an island? Bison? Plus so many types of birds. That many birds would mean being close to a major landmass, and hence in shipping lanes, and hence being found much sooner. But I loved the book anyway. I wish I could be as knowledgeable as Mr. Robinson - he had an encyclopedic knowledge of, well, everything. He knew how to make drawbridges, looms, treehouses, husbandry, farming, slaughtering and wide variety of animals, etc.

I can see why this book is a classic. It's a fun read.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket #1)

by Roald Dahl, Faith Jaques (Illustrator)

5 stars

Published 1989 by Cornerstone Books (first published 1964)

 

Well, of course I'm going to give this book 5 stars. That's a given. Roald Dahl is one of my most favorite authors of all-time. He writes magic. He is the Dr. Seuss of Juvenile Fiction.

I read this as a bed-time story to my son. He ate it up (no pun intended). Fabulous writing, a delightful plot and a not-so-subtle commentary on "bad" children meld to create a book that is entirely readable, loveable and unforgettable.

The books is infinitely better than the movies - yes, BOTH movies. Wonka is portrayed in the book as a bit eccentric, but not creepy. Yeah, I said it - Johnny Depp was freakin' creepy as Willy Wonka!

Anyway, before I get off topic too much ... I recommend this book to anyone with a brain. Anyone who breathes. Read this book!

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs #1)

by Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett 

5 stars

32 pages
 

Published Apr. 1, 1982 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (first published 1978)

I was so excited when they came out with a movie about this book, because this book is one of my absolute favorites from growing up. Too bad the movie didn't live up to its inspiration (do they ever??)

The clever story, wonderful illustrations and fabulous writing make this a memorable romp in childhood frivolity and food fantasy. I introduced Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to my children, and they loved it just as much I did. Even now that they are older, they still love getting it out and reading it.

If you have seen the movie, but not read the book ... GO READ THE BOOK! It's a hundred times better and so, so enjoyable. Literally generations of children have read and adored this book!

Call It Courage

Call It Courage

by Armstrong Sperry

5 stars

 

95 pages

Published May 1, 1940 by Macmillan

 

A quickie review:

 

This is such a fantastic story, jam-packed with themes of courage, tenacity, overcoming fear, and resourcefulness, for such a short book. I can't believe I'd never read this before. The writing is superb, imagery lush and character development spot-on. I will recommend to anyone who wants an uplifting, clean book. Children will love it, so will adults. I think this is going to be my next bedtime story read-aloud to my kids.

  

Little House in the Big Woods

Little House in the Big Woods (Little House #1)

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

4 stars

238 pages

First published 1932

I read this book with my kids as a bedtime story. They were fascinated by all the "old fashioned" stuff contained within the pages. And the illustrations helped them see what life was back in the "olden days." 

I wasn't sure if they'd like it, seeing how un-modern it was, but they LOVED it! And that is a testament to Ingalls Wilder's fantastic writing, to be able to reach across generations and entertain and instruct children.
We will be reading the whole series.