Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Caddy's World by Hilary McKay


Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
To Be Released on: 3/20/12
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The amazing and hilarious Casson family is back in this all-new novel from award-winning author Hilary McKay.Cadmium Casson is twelve years old the summer that everything changes. Not only are her closest friendships in jeopardy, but her mom is expecting a baby. And when the baby arrives early, Caddy’s world turns upside down. Her mother spends all her time at the hospital, and her father takes over the household, which of course turns into one chaotic (though hilarious) crisis after the next.

When her charmingly dense boyfriend dumps her, Caddy is at her wits’ end. Then she discovers that the fragile baby she is so afraid of losing is not an ending, but a beginning for her whole family. And that love and friendship don’t need to be destroyed by change—they can be strengthened. Another refreshingly wise, funny, and poignant novel from the inimitable Hilary McKay. -quoted from Goodreads

This was a book I hadn't heard about until I attended ALA and was given a copy of it there. I can't tell you guys how excited I am to read Caddy's story. I'll be posting my review with in the coming weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing this book out in book stores soon.

Book Review: The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler

Illustrated by: Will Hillenbrand
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: October 1, 2004
Source: Purchased
Ages: 3-5 years
Purchase from: Scholastic | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis: In a family of big people, little Nell thinks she's too small to do anything. But with the help of her friends Reindeer, Hare, and Bear Cub, she builds a great BIG snowman, the best snowman that ever was.

My family loves this story, mostly because we can all relate to little Nell. It's hard being too small and when you ask to help always being reminded that you're too small.

To escape being too little, Little Nell walks into the woods to "watch the snow fall from the sky" and there she finds a few true friends -- Reindeer, Bear Cub and Hare. She tells them that her "...family won't let me do anything. I could never make a snowman." The friends set up proving her family wrong.

They work together rolling, kicking and nudging three snowballs until their snowman is complete. What's important here is a reminder that with the help of friends, you're truly never too little to do a big job. I loved how her family was proud of Little Nell's accomplishment.

I know the winter has been mild in many of the parts of the country, but if you're feeling any symptoms of cabin fever, be sure to pick up this book. It's a good reminder for you and your children that when you set your mind to a goal, you can accomplish it.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~