Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

I actually finished Shirley and Jamila’s Big Fall a week or so ago; I’ve put off reviewing it until today, however, because my youngest has piano lessons on Fridays, and a new graphic novel–from the library, of course–is going to be today’s carrot to induce good behavior. (Once I review something, it’s too hard to keep it from my rabid graphic novel readers.) Is it weird that a bribe that costs no money feels like an acceptable incentive?

Anyway. Gillian Goerz’s previous ‘Shirley and Jamila’ book focused partly on relationships (friend/sibling/parent and child) and partly on Shirley’s detective work; Big Fall, on the other hand, felt first and foremost like a sly graphic novel tribute (almost a retelling?) to Sherlock Holmes. (Holmes lovers will recognize more than one scene or conversation as directly inspired by Doyle.) On the other hand, Goerz uses the case Shirley and Jamila are working on to examine what makes a friend and how different friendships work, making it a middle grade read with some depth as well as a thoroughly satisfying mystery. Graphic novel lovers, mystery readers, Holmes devotees, and middle graders with different kinds of friends should all enjoy this one.

In other news, my poor oldest had a miserable panic attack last night; thankfully, she still managed to get to bed at a reasonable time. (Not as early as she could have used, mind, but still reasonable.) I didn’t get any jam made yesterday, but I did empty a bin from my son’s room by winnowing my youngest daughter’s summer clothes. I also cancelled the chiropractor plans my two kiddos had, which will save us a bit of money we weren’t fully using every month. We’re living life over here, folks. We’re also looking forward to General Conference weekend, so if you want to be inspired and/or spiritually fed tomorrow and/or Sunday, tune in here. It’s a great way to welcome October!