Bedtime Story: Goodnight Moon

Synopsis from Amazon: "Perhaps the perfect children's bedtime book, Goodnight Moon is a short poem of goodnight wishes from a young rabbit preparing for--or attempting to postpone--his own slumber. He says goodnight to every object in sight and within earshot, including the "quiet old lady whispering hush." Clement Hurd's illustrations are simple and effective, alternating between small ink drawings and wide, brightly colored views of the little rabbit's room.

Finding all of the items mentioned throughout the book within the pictures is a good bedtime activity--a reappearing little mouse is particularly pesky. By the end of the little rabbit's goodnight poem, the story has quieted to a whisper, and the drawings have darkened with nightfall. As you turn the last page, you can expect a sleepy smile and at least a yawn or two."

My Review: This is such a classic! I was definitely that little bunny saying goodnight to every thing I could think of just so I could stay up a little later. Even reading the book out loud to myself it made me sleepy. I love the illustrations, especially watching the kittens and mouse throughout the book.  I think kids could look at the book for hours (just another way to stay up late). 

My Rating: I adore this cute little book and I am sure many others associate it with home and bedtime too. I think it deserves Four Paws.

Good Night, Sweet Dreams

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Pick:

Dragons Oath by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Expected Release Date: July 12, 2011

Synopsis from Amazon: "In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…
But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?"

I have read all the House of Night Books as soon as they have come out and this sounds like it will be another great one!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Well since I have been having an unusual week and been bending the rules so far, I thought I would just a little bit more ;) I have used all of the books I am currently reading for teasers already so I thought I would share a couple of sentences from my Nano Camp book that I am writing with you.

Teaser taken from Night Rider by Myself ;)

Synopsis: This would be a YA type novel with a touch of romance and of course horses. Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Advisor sees Alice walking to school & approaches her. “I have seen you walking the past several days. You do have a horse right?”

Alice looks a little confused “yes?”

“Well if you live off campus and have a horse, students generally ride their horses in. There are plenty of stalls and paddocks down that path.” He points around one side of the school. “It might help you adjust to the school and meet more of your classmates.”

Alice thanks the advisor and hurries into the building.

After much debating she decides to follow his advice some what the next day and throws a bareback pad on Big Red. She had taught him to kneel so she could mount because he was so tall. She through her book bag on her back and scrambled up onto his back. They set off at a trot, sticking to a back pathway hidden by trees she had found over the summer.  As they neared the school she slowed him to a walk and emerged from the trees onto the path on the side of the road.

His heavy hoof falls seemed to echo in the morning as her so called classmates turned and stared as Big Red made his way to the path. Several students abruptly pulled their horses to a halt to stay out of the way. Alice could already hear the taunting whispers starting as she passed a group sitting on their delicate Arabians and Thoroughbreds, she simply smiled down from Red’s massive back.

So what do you think? I know its a little long but I wanted to share a complete thought with you. Hope you enjoyed it and that it was a little teaser to maybe help you to help me finish it this time!!

Its Not Monday but What Are You Reading Anyway?!

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

I decided to join in this meme for my sanity and your own to keep track of what books have bookmarks in them!

 

Yea, Yea I know its not Monday but things were a little hectic yesterday with the Holiday, and I still need all the help I can get to keep track of my reading!!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

 

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Errant by Diana Peterfreund

 

Currently Reading:

 

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - On my Nook - page 228  of 331

A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin - on my Nook, page 20 of 1439

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - Paperback - page 177 of 256

 

Next Books to be Read:

 

Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown - Children's/ 2011 Challenge

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge

Graceling by Kristin Cashore - Young Adult/ 2011 Challenge

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Paranormal

Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow - YA

 

 

 

In other news I have a little over 5,000 words written for Nano Camp, all written on day 1 but I hope that I can get another 5,000 written today!!

 

Oh and I may not be around as much this week and weekend because its the 2011 MLP fair this weekend and I have lots to do!

 

Hope you all had a great weekend and have a good week!

 

 

Review of Errant by Diana Peterfreund

Synopsis from Goodreads: "In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.

A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund’s killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT"

My Review: This was a short story that takes place prior to the first two books of the Killer Unicorns series. I think this was the best one so far! The characters were strong, the story line and idea clear, and it kept me wanting to know more! It was great seeing young girls standing up for themselves even in a time when it was not done, with the help of the Unicorns of course. This is a great little teaser to go with the other two books, in fact I would have liked the series to focus on this story and these characters because I am more attached to them in that short time than in both Rampant and Ascendant.

My Rating: Its too bad this one was so short because I loved it so much!  I would have given it four paws and a stump wag except the length, so I will give it Four Paws.