Historical Fiction Pick: The Lacemaker and the Princess

After taking one month off from blogging to finish writing a novel, I figure I'd better get back to doing some recommending!

I just finished reading The Lacemaker and the Princess by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a sumptious tale of a young girl who witnesses the French Revolution firsthand.

Isabelle is a poor lacemaker who, through an extraordinary turn of events, becomes the playmate of Therese, daughter of the King and Queen of France (better known as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette).

Bradley does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the French Revolution both from the side of the disgruntled, starving citizens of France and the blissful ignorance and extravagance of the royalty. Isabelle is put in the interesting position of understanding both sides of the battle -- Therese is her friend who lavishes riches on her, but outside of the walls of Versailles, Isabelle's family lives in squalor.

I'm a great fan of literature set during this period, but this book presented such a unique vantage point that is rare in a novel for kids. We sympathize with all the characters in the book -- through the eyes of an innocent young girl who tries to see good in everyone. We are also left with a vivid picture of France at the time -- from the poorest sections of Paris to the opulence of Versailles with its blood-red marble walls.

What a wonderful book for any middle schooler through high schooler. I love it when an author can make history come alive -- and author Bradley has done just that in The Lacemaker and the Princess.

Historical Fiction Pick: Fair Weather by Richard Peck

Us City Folk never stop moving, do we?

Case in point, I've got to leave for a dentist appointment in 18 minutes and if I don't get this post up by then -- what with everything else I've got going on today -- it will become a post for tomorrow.

City folk are crazy. Just ask Rosie Beckett, main character of Richard Peck's Fair Weather. This engaging historical fiction novel initially attracted me because of the years that I spent living in Chicago. That city's rich history has always intrigued me -- and this book centers around the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition -- where an entire "white city" was erected for the sake of this fair.

Rosie lives downstate on a farm -- she thinks going into her own small town is an experience! When the family receives train tickets from their Chicago aunt to visit and attend the fair, Rosie and her sister are sure their strict, hardworking mother will never let them go....

Never underestimate the actions of a mother when she wants to separate one of her daughters (Rosie's sister Lottie) from a no-good boyfriend.

The rest of the book is a non-stop adventure as Rosie, Lottie, little brother Buster and their cantankerous Grandad head north to the fair. Peck expertly weaves the history of the Exposition into the story -- where the family ride the frightening (newly invented) Ferris Wheel , attend Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and learn a few surprises about themselves and their Grandfather.

This book is funny and heartfelt and I loved every minute of it -- any girl with a hankering for history will do the same. If your girl is searching for historical fiction as a reading assignment, she'll enjoy this book and learn about an important event in history. The Columbian Exposition introduced new inventions (the hamburger, carbonated beverages), showcased amazing feats of science (widespread use of electric lights) and for the millions who attended, including the wonderful, independent-minded Rosie Beckett - the world was never the same.

Maybe that world is fast paced and crazy -- but as long as we slow down now and again to spend time together and enjoy a good book, like Fair Weather-- that's OK with me.

I'm off to the dentist ... just got this in under the wire! Have a great day!

A Great Series: The All-of-a-Kind Family Books

During a crazy, busy week at my house, where I'm trying to be a good mom, freelance writer, blogger, short-order cook, laundry maid, chauffeur and half-way decent wife (oh, and my seven year old wants me to sew the arm back on her favorite bear -- I guess that makes me a bear surgeon?) -- I am going to instead revert back to my childhood and share one of my favorite series of books ever written. They are the All-of-a-kind Family books, by Sydney Taylor.

Written by the author to share her childhood memories with her own daughter, these books tell the story of a turn-of-the-century Jewish family on New York's Lower East Side. The sisters in the book, Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte and Gertie, live in a tight knit family full of love and tradition.

Girls will enjoy getting to know the family members and reading the funny and sometimes touching stories of their lives. As a girl, I loved the fact that the sisters all seemed to have radically different personalities, not unlike me and my own siblings (and not unlike the two little girls that I call my own). But still -- they all helped each other, loved each other and, most of all, laughed together -- like family is meant to do.

The books describe in detail the different elements of Jewish traditions and celebrations, a part that I particularly enjoyed -- as well as the rich exposition of everyday life in turn of the century New York City. In the first book, for example, we see the family face illness, take a trip to the beach, celebrate the fourth of July -- they even add another family member -- and needless to say all of these events were handled just a little differently 100 years ago!

Enjoy this series of books with your girls -- start with All-of-a-kind Family and move on to the others -- this is a great series for independent readers ages 9-13, but also fun for family read aloud. I can't think of a better way to spend time together!

Now if you'll excuse me ... I've got a teddy bear prepped for surgery.

For an Exceptionordinarily Good Time: Meet Clarice Bean

Picture this: Two girls, ages 7 and 9, sitting at the kitchen table eating ice cream (two different flavors, mind you, since these two girls have no food preferences in common). Then imagine Dad, filling the dishwasher with dinner dishes and Mom, sitting with the girls, an open book in her hands. Mom is reading, and her entire family is utterly cracking up. I'm talking about ice-cream-coming-out-of-nose laughter. Why?

Because Mom (who is me, by the way) is reading the latest Clarice Bean middle grade novel by the fabulous, creative and hilarious Lauren Child. Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now, released only a month ago, arrived at our house via Amazon a few weeks back. Since then, I've been reading the girls a few chapters a night -- chapters with titles like "Never Eat a Polar Bear's Liver -- No Matter How Hungry You Are".

The cast of characters in this book is fantastic, starting with Clarice herself, a British tween with lots of spunk, who is stuck in the middle of a pretty typical nutty family. Her parents are frustrated, her older brother is moody, sister Marcie is a diva and little brother Minal Cricket (you've got to love these names) is a pest. Add to that Granddad, family dog Cement, the fact that Clarice's best friend has moved away and Clarice is now forced to play tour guide to the new girl in class -- and you've got all the right ingredients for a memorable middle grade novel.

Here's a taste of Clarice Bean's life:

"When I go upstairs ... there is an actual live worm on my pillow. To get my revenge, I put Minal's pajamas in the toilet and flush it.

This causes another flood, which makes Mom utterly livid.

Then Dad calls and says he will not be coming home from work for the foreseeable next few hours due to his boss Mr. Thorncliff making him work too hard.

Mom says she is at her wits' end and has had enough of this house and she's not feeling too crazy about some of the people who live in it either."

This scene brought on a raging case of the giggles when I read it aloud to my girls. Why? Maybe because this kind of thing goes on in our house slightly more often than not? And I'm guessing we're not alone....

The best thing about the Clarice Bean books is that they take a look at real life as seen from the eyes of a kid -- and its not all gut-busting humor. Clarice's reaction to her best friend moving away was particularly poignant to our family, who recently faced a heart-wrenching relocation. She must deal with worries, difficult teachers, bullies, making new friends, and even a home renovation.

Although I love this latest book, you may want to start with the first book, Utterly Me, Clarice Bean and move on to Clarice Bean Spells Trouble, which will introduce you properly to this utterly unforgettable series

So, do your girls a favor, and read the Clarice Bean books with them -- because the greatest books for girls are the ones that can bring a family together -- and make ice cream come out of their nose!

As Clarice would say -- have a exceptionordinary weekend!

Much Ado About A Great Book for Girls

I'm fairly certain that when I was ten I had no idea what a scrotum was ....

Paying attention yet?

Lots of people paid attention when The Higher Power of Luckyby Susan Patron, won the Newbery Award for 2007. On the first page of this novel, the word is used to describe a snake-bite injury to a dog. The story is overheard by the book's heroine Lucky Trimble, who happens to be listening in on an AA meeting. The use of this word by Patron (herself a school librarian) caused quite a stir in the children's book world.

With references to male parts AND alcoholism, you may be wondering if this is the right book for your girl reader. Well, if you want my opinion (which I hope you do) -- I say go for it.

This middle grade novel (ideal for 9-12 year olds) fits in the realistic fiction genre (for all those school reading programs) and is a sweet story with a cast of endearing, quirky characters. The amusing menagerie of characters -- citizens of Hard Pan, California -- are not the best part of the book, however.

The best part is the story -- the plight of Lucky to come to terms with her mother's death (hit by lightning) and find her "Higher Power" (a term she's learned -- along with scrotum -- from eavesdropping at AA).

Lucky becomes convinced that her guardian, Brigitte, is about to desert her, and she isn't sure what to do. She prepares to run away and spare herself the heartache of being left by yet another mother.

Who wouldn't love a girl who owns a dog named HMS Beagle and packs a "survival" kit that contains, among other things -- "a brand new tooth brush from a teeth cleaning, ... still in its original wrapper so that if she started to lose heart ... she could get out a beautiful never used toothbrush and make herself feel better."

Of course, all is made right at the end of the book and Lucky does indeed discover her higher power. As books for girls go, this one is a must-read ... and well-deserving of the prestigious Newbery Medal.

Do your girl a favor and don't worry about the brief anatomy lesson that caused such a brouhaha when the book won the prize -- what will stay with them is a sweet, courageous soul named Lucky and her search for the true meaning of love and family.

Enjoy this great book for girls -- and have a great Monday!

Realistic Fiction Book Pick: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Well, the carpets were clean ... for about two hours. Then the kids came home from school and I could almost see the fluffed-up off-white glow of the dirt-free carpet fibers begin to disappear.

Oh well. And the living room and dining room still look like Fred Sanford's junk shop -- but the good news is that I keep finding great books for girls that had been all but forgotten in the packed bookcases.

Today's Pick: One of my own childhood favorites -- Island of the Blue Dolphinsby Scott O'Dell. This 1961 winner of the Newbery Award for outstanding children's book is one of those timeless masterpieces that speaks volumes about human determination and survival -- and specifically sings to girls of their own ability to rise above their circumstances.

This is the story of Karana, a young Aleut girl whose entire village inadvertently leave her and her brother alone on their native island. When tragedy strikes and her brother is killed -- Karana must fend for herself and learn to survive.

I first read this book when I was ten, and vividly remember putting myself in Karana's shoes. She faces hunger, she needs shelter, she encounters danger and adventure throughout the book. I could picture in my mind her vibrant skirt made of comorant feathers and her hut with a pointed-spike fence surrounding it.

Most of all, I felt her loneliness -- it was real, and a little scary. O'Dell does a beautiful job of showing the reader Karana's interaction with the nature on the island, including her touching friendship with a wild dog.

I think that a main character like this shows girls the God-given strength that we all possess -- to survive when all odds are against us. Whether it be standing up to injustice or coping with divorce, dealing with insecurity or feelings of loneliness -- our girls need to be reminded that they are strong.

Any book that does that -- and is spectacularly written to boot -- is a book worth recommending. Enjoy reading Island of the Blue Dolphins-- a great book for girls!

If your girls are looking for specific genres for school reading programs, this is a great choice for realistic fiction.

Books, Books, Everywhere! Part II: Discover the Bugs

Tomorrow is Wednesday and the carpet man cometh -- I am still clearing out the top floor in anticipation of the event. If you told me 20 years ago that I would be Christmas-Eve-excited about getting my carpets cleaned I would have laughed out loud!

The books downstairs are no longer in piles -- my 7 year old (God bless her) hunted through them last night and now they are spread out all over the dining room -- a virtual carpet of books. Scattered within the books, though, I notice the Bug magazines.

When my girls were babies, my mom bought them a subscription to Babybug, a fantastic publication that features short poems, songs and illustrations on tough card-stock paper --custom made for babies and toddlers.

As they moved out of the baby years, they began to receive Ladybug, the next step up in this series of magazines. Ladybug appeals to the slightly older child (and emergent reader), with whimsical illustrations, a continuing series in every issue, crafts and poems.

Now the girls read Spider, the Carus publishing magazine made for 6-9 year olds -- perfect for my kiddos.

Through the years in our house, these magazines have been collected and dragged everywhere from the doctor's office to the beach -- and have been invaluable on long road trips.

When the girls were too young to read the words, these magazines were a great excuse for me to sit down with them for some quiet time. Now they are more inclined to read them on their own, curled up on the sofa or before lights out at bedtime. The best thing about these magazines is that they will grow with your girls -- with first-rate titles all the way through the high school years.

I consider these publications top-knotch -- with consistently quality material -- kind of kiddie literary magazines. And these three titles are just the tip of the iceberg -- check out the Cricket website to preview issues of many others -- including Click and Ask. And don't let the price of a yearly subcription throw you off -- you'll find that any Cricket magazine is worth every penny.

Give these great magazines a try -- and enjoy reading them with your girls!

Historical Fiction Pick: A Friendship for Today

School's back in -- and for many girls that means finding books of different genres as specified by their teacher.

This can be a difficult choice -- my own 4th grader has to read one realistic fiction book and one biography this month. Already she's stressing about possible book selections. So for my own peace of mind and yours -- in the next few weeks, I'll be recommending books from many genres that your girls should enjoy. AND hopefully these recommendations will help them fulfill classroom reading requirements with no stress.

Let's start with A Friendship For Today, by Patricia McKissack. This book would qualify as either realistic fiction or historical fiction, and is a fast-paced, thoughtful story recommended for 9 year olds through middle school age.

The setting is 1954, in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkland. Young Rosemary has always attended a "colored" school in her neighborhood. But as she prepares to enter 6th grade she finds herself affected by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that will desegregate public schools. Her school will be closed down and she will be sent to one of the traditionally white public schools.

In the midst of this turmoil in her life, she must deal with her parent's crumbling marriage, her best friend J.J. being stricken with polio, and racist white neighbors, especially her arch-nemesis, Grace.

When Rosemary finds herself the lone African-American in her new classroom, readers can feel her alienation. When she is seated next to Grace, her frustration and anger boil over.

McKissack weaves a fine story here -- one where we see that not every situation in life is ideal or fair. Rosemary's parents do split up, and J.J. returns from the hospital in a leg brace, but through it all, she perseveres, holds her head high and convincingly forms a true friendship with Grace.

This book addresses many important issues from the 50s that are still relevant today. The fight for civil rights, medical advances to eradicate disease, divorce, and growing pains are all aspects of life that kids face on a daily basis.

This story is a great book for girls -- entertaining, realistic, a real joy to read-- and they will learn about a part of American history that should never be forgotten.

Have a great weekend!

Family, Friends and Fun in the Year of the Dog

Here's another one... one of those books that every girl should read. The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin, is the story a young Taiwanese-American girl who feels that she doesn't fit in anywhere.

Inside of her tight-knit, traditional Taiwanese family, she is known as Pacy. At school, they call her Grace. She doesn't go to school with any other kids of Asian descent, until the arrival of Melody. With Melody's help, Grace begins to see that she can embrace both her heritage and her life outside of her family.

But even within her own culture, Grace is caught in the middle between Chinese and Taiwanese divisions. When she attends a camp for Taiwanese families and is treated by some girls as an outcast, her pain is almost too much to bear.

Despite her inner conflict, Grace begins to discover herself -- she realizes her love of art and writing, forges a bond with Melody as well as her other school friends, and understands the rich love that bubbles over within her family. The reader can see Grace grow and learn and truly blossom.

The story is helped along by tales that Grace's immigrant mother tells her of her own childhood, which are very poignant and sweet. These stories help Grace, and the reader, see that while we all face self-doubt and adversity, we must strive to rise above it.

I want my girls to rise above adversity and nay-sayers and understand their own self-worth -- don't you? Give your girls a copy of The Year of the Dog for a wonderful example of how to be true to themselves -- and appreciate everything that they have. And be prepared to laugh -- especially during the Science Fair scene!

I read this aloud to my girls, and they loved it -- but it's also great for independent reader from 3rd grade on up.

On a side note, the author of this fantastic book, Grace Lin, lost her husband, Robert, to cancer last week. According to her website, the best way to send condolences is to donate to the Jimmy Fund (the Dana Farber Cancer Institute) or to participate in the Robert's Snow for Cancer's Cure auction, an event orchestrated by Grace and Robert in 2004.

My deepest sympathies to Grace and her family.

Classic Books for Girls: Meet Trixie Belden

I first picked up a Trixie Belden book when I was about nine years old. The book had belonged to my mom when she was a girl. Now, after discovering a new edition at the bookstore, I'm passing on this great character to a third generation. My girls love Trixie!

This summer we read the first of the series, The Secret of the Mansion, by Julie Campbell as a read aloud at bedtime. Although my nine year old loved the character and plot, my seven year old enjoyed the story just as much.

In the first book a mystery involving a hidden treasure and a creepy old house is solved by Trixie, and her new best friend, Honey Wheeler. Girls can't help but get pulled into this adventure, as the girls uncover clues and constantly find themselves on the edge of danger.

Parents and girls will take note of the freedom Trixie is allowed (a midnight horseback ride?) that is all but obsolete these days -- remember, the original was written in the late 40s. But girls will love the story and they will relate to Trixie, who is both curious, independent, kind and respectful --personality traits that never go out of style.

If your girl is an independent reader, give her a copy of Trixie Belden -- think of it as a younger version of the Nancy Drew books with a tomboy-ish main character as opposed to the prim and proper Nancy. If you have an early reader who longs for adventure, read this one to her out loud, you'll have her on pins and needles waiting for the ending.

Girls will love reading this series -- and will no doubt pass on these stories to their kids!

On a side note, school starts around here tomorrow. My wish for my girls and all girls going off to school this year -- may your brains be filled with useful knowledge, your hearts be filled with kindness and caring and your imaginations continue to soar! And of course, may you discover many great books!

Princess Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, try Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale.

You might think that this sounds like a fairy tale book filled with withering princess-types -- all waiting for their Prince Charming, but it is not. The main character, Miri, is from a mountain town where all the inhabitants work in the local quarry harvesting a precious stone called linder. Miri is small compared to the other teenagers in her village, and, to her great frustration, is forbidden by her father to work in the quarry.

Miri's fight to "be useful" to her family and village is sidetracked one day when an important visitor comes to town. The priests of the country's royal family have decided that the wife of the crown prince will come from Miri's small, unrefined village. A mandate is sent down that all the girls between 12 and 17 must attend a Princess Academy. The future princess will be selected in a year's time from this group of girls.

Miri and her friends are shocked, but they follow the order and each begins to see that the world is much bigger than they could have imagined. Miri's transformation, as she learns to read and wrestles with the notion that she may want to be the princess after all, is wonderfully portrayed

A suspenseful twist at the end will have you at the edge of your seat, and you will be cheering for each of the girls as they discover how to get what they really want from their lives.

Miri is a main character that girls can relate to, she's independent, funny, sensitive, smart, sweet and strong -- you'll be routing for a sequel after you read Princess Academy -- a great book for girls! Recommended ages: 5th grade on up....

Next on my list from this award-winning author (Princess Academy was a 2006 Newbery Honor Book): The Goose Girl -- I'll let you know what I think!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Sahara Special: A Great Book for Every Girl

This is one of the books that I'd recommend to every girl between the ages of 11 and 14. Every girl should read it, but especially those who love to write and/or read. I also recommend this book to every writer I know, because it really is the story of an artist's journey.

Penned by the gifted author Esme Raji Codell, Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl who gets labeled by her school as a "special education" student.

Codell, however, makes sure that we, the reader, know better. We know that Sahara is misunderstood, sad, confused and lonely, but she does not belong in the hallway being tutored by the special ed teacher.

After her teacher discovers heartbreaking letters to her father (who has run out on the family), Sahara is sent to the school counselor's office where the counselor produces a jam-packed file. In the words of Sahara herself, the file...

"...is "the history of me. No, not the history. A history. A history that didn't include when me and my mom go to the bookstore. I can pick any book I want, even in hardcover. That's the way it's always been. We never have much money, but Mom doesn't blink when the numbers ring up. She hands over the big bills like she was buying milk or eggs, something we just can't do without."

Sahara is smart, but what she needs is for her mother to buck the system (she does) and she needs a teacher who believes in her.

Enter Miss Pointy (short for Poitier). She's a system-bucker herself, and sees the magic and promise that lies in Sahara. Miss Pointy has her own brand of magic -- she's the kind of teacher that every kid should have at least once in their educational life.

As the school year moves along, we get to watch Sahara heal and grow, make friends and convince herself that she is more than the daughter of a father deserted his family. She is a writer!

This is the kind of book that will leave a mark on everyone who reads it. Every character comes alive and the sweet relationships between Sahara and her mom, her teacher and her friends are unforgettable. Suitable for 4th graders on up, this book is a treasure.

I promise, if you pick up Sahara Special, you won't want to put it down until the pages run out.

Enjoy!

Activity Books: Banish the B-word!

Sometimes the most creative children (there's a pretty creative one sitting next to me at this very moment) are the first to utter those words that every adult loathes: "Mommy, I'm bored!"

In many cases, my daughter is able to come up with an activity on her own -- for example, "I'm going to build a cow!" -- which she did, last weekend -- don't ask.

But sometimes, when the weather doesn't cooperate, or she can't think of anything to do, or I can't think of anything for her to do -- and I can't take one more minute of Webkinz or Nintendo or Spongebob -- we rememember Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book.

This thick activity book, by Taro Gomi [of Everyone Poops (My Body Science Series)fame] is a wonderful find whether your child is an enthusiastic artist, or just likes to dabble in drawing. My daughter, who is only moderately interested in drawing, will always willingly pick up this book.

Consisting mostly of partially drawn doodles (for example two elephants face each other under the title "Make them the saddest possible colors" or two sketched restaurants with the assignment "Decorate two restaurants -- one nicer than the other"), a child will not want for doodling ideas -- EVER!

This art book gets the creative juices flowing -- which is what everyone wants for the children they love. Doodles is well worth the investment for a guaranteed return of hours of fun and creativity. It makes a great gift as well!

Perfect for early readers through 6th graders -- but even doodling grownups may want to join in the fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christina

Esperanza Rising: A Story of Hope

There's not a girl I know who doesn't love a story packed with adventure, tragedy, and of course, HOPE. That sums up the absorbing, beautifully written Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Ryan, a prolific author who also penned Becoming Naomi Leon and Riding Freedomhas vividly recreated Esperanza's life of privilege on her father's beloved ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

A tragedy on her 13th birthday alters Esperanza's life forever, and the lives of those she loves. She suddenly finds herself, her mother and three former servants en route to America fleeing from the evil hearted-uncles trying to steal her father's land.

Once in the new country, Esperanza realizes that her pampered lifestyle is gone forever, and that she will now be forced to work very hard. The difficult lives of migrant farmers in Depression-era California are described in great detail through the eyes of Esperanza.

Mix in the tension of a blossoming romance, the illness of her mother, and Esperanza's determination to see her Grandmother again, and you've got an unforgettable story. There's no putting this novel down once you start, it is an engaging tale from the very first lines to the uplifting ending.

As Esperanza's name (meaning "hope" in Spanish) suggests, even in the bleakest of situations, there is still a chance for a better life. Even when all seems lost, there is still family, independence, strength and hope.

Give Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan a chance, you won't regret it.

Read Aloud? Parent's are encouraged to read this book aloud to 3rd graders and up.
Recommended Age Level: 5th through 9th grade.

I Love Lucy Moon

Lucy Moon is cool. She doesn’t think so, but I do. I think her story is too, as told in the book That Girl Lucy Moon, by Amy Timberlake.

The book starts with a storm rolling in – both literally and figuratively. Lucy is going through many changes. She’s gone from outspoken activist in her elementary school (she wears a hat made from hemp to support third world workers) to feeling like an invisible, voiceless sixth grader.

Add to this problem the fact that her adored photographer mother is leaving town for an assignment – and isn’t sure when she’ll be back. And Dad, well, Dad just isn’t sure how to deal with Mrs. Moon’s departure and Lucy’s questions.

Top that with Lucy’s latest cause: after a group of kids is arrested for sledding on Wiggins Hill, Lucy takes on the most influential woman in town, Miss Ilene Viola Wiggins. Lucy soon discovers that fighting this injustice is doing major damage to her reputation – and she begins to wonder if her battle is worth the trouble.

When even her best friend, Zoe, begins to doubt her – it seems as if Lucy’s whole world is falling apart. Will life ever return to normal for Lucy? Or will she have to change her definition of normal?

Thanks to the writing of Amy Timberlake, Lucy becomes as real as your own best friend and the town of Turtle Rock, Minnesota comes alive on the pages of the book. You’ll want to grab a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa before you settle down and pay a visit to Lucy’s world. I guarantee you won’t want to leave.

Girls everywhere will love That Girl Lucy Moon. I know I do.

Continued prayers for the victims of Wednesday’s Minneapolis bridge collapse and their families.