Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

We all have to say no to our kiddos more than we want to at times, right?  ‘No, we can’t stay at Grandma’s any later on a school night…no, we can’t watch a movie tonight…no, we can’t go to such and such a place when your baby sister is teething and Daddy’s back is sore…no, I can’t read to you right now, because I’ve got to get these dishes done.’  When saying yes to something unexpected feels doable, on the other hand, it can be an extraordinarily happy thing.  After my oldest finished Faith Erin Hicks’ The Nameless City this past week and loved it–“two thumbs up and 10 stars out of 5”–she started pleading with my hubby and me to read it.  I haven’t always had the time (or, I confess, the inclination) to read some of the books she loves and wants me to read, but this was a graphic novel and she could keep it over the weekend (it belongs to her classroom library), and so here I am!  I’ll get to the other book I finished this weekend eventually.  (Also the two new recipes I tried.  I used a lot of butter this weekend!)

Now, while 10 stars out of 5 might be a little more than I’m comfortable with (!), I did really enjoy Nameless City.  The main characters are multi-dimensional, the world is exciting, and the premise drew me in quickly.  The basic plot is a classic done well–two kids from wildly different backgrounds become friends and work together to stop something bad from happening–and I’m looking forward to its next installment.  (My only (negligible!) complaint is that since many of the characters are wearing the same uniforms, it’s sometimes hard to tell all of the minor characters apart.  It’s not a big deal, though.)

I’m also looking forward to the look on my girlie’s face in the morning when I tell her that both Daddy and I read it.  Saying yes can be a beautiful thing!

I finished the fourth installment in Salt Water Taffy:  The Seaside Adventures of Jack and Benny yesterday, and it did not disappoint–I found myself wanting to read a few panels aloud to someone (anyone!) so I could share the laugh, but that doesn’t work nearly as well as you want it to with graphic novels.  Caldera’s Revenge:  Part 1 has all the elements that make this such a delightful series, as well as a cliffhanger ending which I couldn’t possibly spoil for you.  Find these books for your kids, folks.  They’re perfect for eager AND reluctant readers, especially those with any kind of interest in the ocean.  I just wish I could think of more to say that doesn’t involve spoilers or a longer explanation than would be worth it!

What I WILL say, incidentally, is I AM SO, SO GLAD THE SCIENCE FAIR IS OVER.  I hated it as a kid and I hate it as a parent.  That plus Halloween plus my poor coughing girlie has made for a dreadfully long week.  Here’s to a quieter one coming up!

I wanted to review a recipe tonight.  I wanted to have finished a book to review.  I wanted to sound, you know, intelligent and witty and worthy of your time.

Yeah.  Not so much.  Between the lack of sufficient sleep, the dealing with children who were up late on Halloween, and the science fair projects due this week, I’m running on empty.  I’ll catch you in a day or two!