Unplug and Read: Screen Free Week April 29 to May 5th

Every since Barnaby's birth, he's had this odd problem.  He floats...

Random House Children's Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so you can pick up a copy at your local bookstore now.

This is a different fantasy story written for ages 8-12.  When Barnaby is born, he floats.  The doctors have no more idea why than his parents and the only solution to the problem is to weight him down until he stays in place.

One day, Barnaby's mother just cannot stand it anymore and cuts his knapsack to let the sand trickle out.  When it does, he flies up in the air and floats in the wind.  While that is wondrous, he's worried about what will become of him.  No worries needed; a female couple pick him up in their hot air balloon and take him home with them.

From there, he has other fine adventures.  In each instance, he's with someone who is "not normal".  They are nice to Barnaby, accept him as he is, and while they may be different, he sees no reason to not accept them as friends.  He works hard to get back home but when he does, he suddenly realizes who he is and how he is can be his own decision.

It's a good read for anyone who might be a bit different. (And who isn't?)  The overall message is that you're alright, no matter what others might deem strange about you.  That's a good lesson to carry with us through life.

Don't stay plugged in, online, and texting all the time.  Go offline and read or listen to an audio book.  It's relaxing and rejuvenating and will make you feel better.  Reward yourself with a good book and make your day better.
   
Happy reading.

The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne

Every since Barnaby's birth, he's had this odd problem.  He floats...

Random House Children's Books sent me an ARC of this book for review.  It will be published on January 8th, so you can pick up a copy at your local bookstore then.

This is a different fantasy story written for ages 8-12.  Barnaby's mother just cannot stand it anymore and cuts his knapsack to let the sand trickle out.  When it does, he flies up in the air and floats in the wind.  While that is wondrous, he's worried about what will become of him.  No worries needed; a female couple pick him up in their hot air balloon and take him home with them.  

From there, he has other fine adventures.  In each instance, he's with someone who is "not normal".  They are nice to Barnaby, accept him as he is, and while they may be different, he sees no reason to not accept them as friends.  He works hard to get back home but when he does, he suddenly realizes who he is and how he is can be his own decision.

It's a good read for anyone who might be a bit different. (And who isn't?)  The overall message is that you're alright, no matter what others might deem strange about you.  That's a good lesson to carry with us through life.

If you'd like my copy of this ARC, please leave a comment here on the blog and send me an email at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read the book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.   

Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne

This is a very interesting tale.  A young boy runs away from home looking for new adventures and runs straight into magic...


David Fickling Books published this book on May 10th and sent me this copy for review (thank you).  It's available as a hardcover or an ebook.  You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore now.


This reminds me more of an old-fashioned fairy tale than a modern day novel and that's actually its charm.  Noah is a naive young man who thinks the big outside world must be more exciting than staying home with his parents and doing chores.  But he runs away with no money, no plans, and the villages he passes through aren't friendly.


The third village he visits has an odd tree in it and he stops to look it over.  While sitting on the bench, a dachshund and donkey stop to visit - and they can speak!  This is the start of a wondrous adventure for Noah.  


Noah meets an old man in the toy shop in the village and he chats with him.  The stories the old man tells teach Noah (and perhaps you) about people and consequences in life choices.  This is a book with a gentle message.


I really enjoyed this read.  Why not pick up a copy for a young one you know and share some magic with them?


If you'd like to win my ARC, leave a comment here on the blog and then email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name AND address.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.