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KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Matilda in Books
Jun 13, 2018
A Sweet Little Book
I've just finished reading this as part of my Bucket List on Books to Read on my blog. You can check out more about that here:
https://katieloucreateblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/23/what-i-am-reading-and-what-i-want-to-read-3/
I promised myself to not only read something of Roald Dahl, but to read Matilda. I loved watching the film as a child and it was Madilta's love for books and reading that made me want to pick up books and read too. And I have found no greater happiness than reading and discovering new books.
Because of this, it is hard for me to dislike the book the film was inspired by. I wanted to read the books to see if and how they differ from the film. The answer? The are pretty similar. There are only a few differences that I don't really mind.
The story is a beautiful story for children, well written, with lovely pictures and definitions to help the developing mind.
Unfortunately, I did hype myself up for reading this book. Because I loved the film so much, I wanted to love the book just as much, if not more. Alas, this is there I failed. Although I enjoyed reading the book, it did not wholly meet my expectations. There was just something missing. I think it might have been the ending. It felt a little rushed and under-developed. But that is just my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. A nice quick little read that is great for all ages.
https://katieloucreateblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/23/what-i-am-reading-and-what-i-want-to-read-3/
I promised myself to not only read something of Roald Dahl, but to read Matilda. I loved watching the film as a child and it was Madilta's love for books and reading that made me want to pick up books and read too. And I have found no greater happiness than reading and discovering new books.
Because of this, it is hard for me to dislike the book the film was inspired by. I wanted to read the books to see if and how they differ from the film. The answer? The are pretty similar. There are only a few differences that I don't really mind.
The story is a beautiful story for children, well written, with lovely pictures and definitions to help the developing mind.
Unfortunately, I did hype myself up for reading this book. Because I loved the film so much, I wanted to love the book just as much, if not more. Alas, this is there I failed. Although I enjoyed reading the book, it did not wholly meet my expectations. There was just something missing. I think it might have been the ending. It felt a little rushed and under-developed. But that is just my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. A nice quick little read that is great for all ages.
Lindsay (1771 KP) rated The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #3) in Books
Jun 5, 2021
Suppose you're looking for a good fantasy or girl hero for your middle-grade children. This book "The New Enchantress" is a good one to have. It is about a girl named Alyssa who gets caught with lasting powers that she can not lose.
The first two books are must-reads and introduce us to Alyssa and her adventures. This book is the third in the series and continues Alyssa's journey with her newfound powers. She seems to signify hexing with uncontrollable forces.
Will Alyssa learn lessons and find a way to figure out how to control her newfound powers? Simon tells her that she will need to learn how to control her emotions and her magic promo. Or she will be enslaved to Boo Champ Cory. Will she and her friends learn the lesson they need to know. Will their friendship end?
Alyssa occurs put to the test. How will the magical mission do and take for Alyssa to succeed? Or will Alyssa start to forget her loved one and never remember? Boo Champ Cory and allies seem to have a plan, but will it work?
The plot gets more interesting once the twist and turns start to happen. When chaos strikes, will Alyssa and her allies come out on top, or will they not. This book is excellent for teens and girls alike. There is some trouble that you will be hoping for Alyssa to figure out her problems but will see in time. Will she beat her enemies, or will she not.
The story starts slow, but it gets more entertaining as it goes. My rating remains based on that which is a 4.5 stars (Moons) rating. There are several twists and turns and somewhat starts at the beginning. I do wonder what will happen and if the author will add another book. This series is good to have on your teen bookshelves or middle-grade child or children bookshelves. It does seem to deal with what some middle grades need to deal with friends and even their own emotions and feelings.
The first two books are must-reads and introduce us to Alyssa and her adventures. This book is the third in the series and continues Alyssa's journey with her newfound powers. She seems to signify hexing with uncontrollable forces.
Will Alyssa learn lessons and find a way to figure out how to control her newfound powers? Simon tells her that she will need to learn how to control her emotions and her magic promo. Or she will be enslaved to Boo Champ Cory. Will she and her friends learn the lesson they need to know. Will their friendship end?
Alyssa occurs put to the test. How will the magical mission do and take for Alyssa to succeed? Or will Alyssa start to forget her loved one and never remember? Boo Champ Cory and allies seem to have a plan, but will it work?
The plot gets more interesting once the twist and turns start to happen. When chaos strikes, will Alyssa and her allies come out on top, or will they not. This book is excellent for teens and girls alike. There is some trouble that you will be hoping for Alyssa to figure out her problems but will see in time. Will she beat her enemies, or will she not.
The story starts slow, but it gets more entertaining as it goes. My rating remains based on that which is a 4.5 stars (Moons) rating. There are several twists and turns and somewhat starts at the beginning. I do wonder what will happen and if the author will add another book. This series is good to have on your teen bookshelves or middle-grade child or children bookshelves. It does seem to deal with what some middle grades need to deal with friends and even their own emotions and feelings.
Christmas Songs Holiday Ideas for Kids and Adults
Catalogs, Music and Stickers
App
※※ This app contains ※※ • Holiday playlist! • Christmas audio effects! • Wallpapers...
Leadership for Tomorrow: Beyond the School Improvement Horizon
Malcolm Groves, Andrew Hobbs and John West-Burnham
Book
Aimed at school leaders, those preparing for leadership and those with an interest in leadership...
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated The Sound of Music (1965) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
The hills are alive...
Contains spoilers, click to show
The film opens with a long travelogue styled flight through the Alps, with little music and just the wind and the clear air for company, until we end up on that now famous hill top, where the sound of music soars high and loud. This was shot in one of the many rival formats of the day, in this case, TODD-AO, a dynamic 70mm frame, and projected onto a massive screen, to great effect.
It is on that hilltop that we meet Maria, Julie Andrews, as she sings her way around the hills and Austria, unable to contain her musical aspiration or free spirit. We soon learn that she is finding it difficult to find her way as a nun, and is sent to work as a governess for Christopher Plummer's, Capatin von Trapp's, seven children.
Once there, she manages to endear herself to the family and well, the rest is history. The film is based on a true story but there a are several differences, mainly surrounding the political situation to added effect and the names and ages of the children to name but a few.
In the end the film looks great, with the von Trapp's villa set in a glorious location in Austria, relaxing a peaceful. There is a great sense of the family's interaction and growing bonds, both with the children and the Captain, whilst there is a gentle threat and tension from the baroness, the third party in the love triangle within the film, but there is little nastiness within the film, with the exception of the Nazi element, obviously.
With memorable songs, beautiful surroundings and great direction from Robert Wise, this has more than earned its place within the annuls of Hollywood greatness and will no doubt continue to flourish for generations to come, as timeless is not the word.
It is on that hilltop that we meet Maria, Julie Andrews, as she sings her way around the hills and Austria, unable to contain her musical aspiration or free spirit. We soon learn that she is finding it difficult to find her way as a nun, and is sent to work as a governess for Christopher Plummer's, Capatin von Trapp's, seven children.
Once there, she manages to endear herself to the family and well, the rest is history. The film is based on a true story but there a are several differences, mainly surrounding the political situation to added effect and the names and ages of the children to name but a few.
In the end the film looks great, with the von Trapp's villa set in a glorious location in Austria, relaxing a peaceful. There is a great sense of the family's interaction and growing bonds, both with the children and the Captain, whilst there is a gentle threat and tension from the baroness, the third party in the love triangle within the film, but there is little nastiness within the film, with the exception of the Nazi element, obviously.
With memorable songs, beautiful surroundings and great direction from Robert Wise, this has more than earned its place within the annuls of Hollywood greatness and will no doubt continue to flourish for generations to come, as timeless is not the word.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Buying Samir (India's Street Kids #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Buying Samir</i> is the second book in the <i>India Street Kids</i> series by Kimberly Rae. Previously Jasmina and her brother, Samir, had been sold to traffickers who treated the children as slaves. Jasmina, however, managed to escape and found safety amongst a group of American missionaries. Now aged 14, Jasmina is determined to locate and save her brother.
Initially with the help of one of the missionaries, Jasmina begins searching for Samir at various locations hoping she can free him from whatever slavery he has been forced into. However desperation encourages Jasmina to secretly go alone on this dangerous mission. Although she finds her brother there is no happy reunion. Samir has become one of the traffickers and Jasmina finds herself in a lot of trouble.
Jasmina learns a lot more about the world she lives in, who to trust and who to avoid. She also learns of Christian forgiveness – a concept that was alien to her as she was used to being punished.
Rae shocks the reader with her descriptions of horrors children in India face on the streets. Many are tricked into dreadful situations by false promises of luxury. What is the most disturbing is that this story is not about the past, these things are happening now! Thankfully there are people such as the missionaries who, with Gods help, give up their time to rescue these children and give them a better life or restore them to their families.
<i>Buying Samir</i> is a very short book and suitable for both adults and teens. Readers would benefit from reading the previous book first however Jasmina’s narrative reflects on the past providing enough information to understand what is going on.
Buying Samir</i> is the second book in the <i>India Street Kids</i> series by Kimberly Rae. Previously Jasmina and her brother, Samir, had been sold to traffickers who treated the children as slaves. Jasmina, however, managed to escape and found safety amongst a group of American missionaries. Now aged 14, Jasmina is determined to locate and save her brother.
Initially with the help of one of the missionaries, Jasmina begins searching for Samir at various locations hoping she can free him from whatever slavery he has been forced into. However desperation encourages Jasmina to secretly go alone on this dangerous mission. Although she finds her brother there is no happy reunion. Samir has become one of the traffickers and Jasmina finds herself in a lot of trouble.
Jasmina learns a lot more about the world she lives in, who to trust and who to avoid. She also learns of Christian forgiveness – a concept that was alien to her as she was used to being punished.
Rae shocks the reader with her descriptions of horrors children in India face on the streets. Many are tricked into dreadful situations by false promises of luxury. What is the most disturbing is that this story is not about the past, these things are happening now! Thankfully there are people such as the missionaries who, with Gods help, give up their time to rescue these children and give them a better life or restore them to their families.
<i>Buying Samir</i> is a very short book and suitable for both adults and teens. Readers would benefit from reading the previous book first however Jasmina’s narrative reflects on the past providing enough information to understand what is going on.
ClareR (5911 KP) rated How Beautiful We Were in Books
Jan 25, 2022
How Beautiful We Were is the story of an African village (Kosawa - it’s fictitious) and its environmental destruction and pollution by an American oil company. Their water and land is contaminated. Children die from drinking poisoned water, they can no longer grow crops as their farmland is infertile. Thinking that they can get some help from the government, some men go to appeal their leader in the capital city, but they disappear after being arrested. The country’s dictator is only out for the money and profit, and these uneducated villagers are expendable.
It’s not until American citizens see the slaughter of the villagers that action is taken. However, even after promises of reparation, the oil company doesn’t pay up, and more deaths follow.
Thule is a fascinating character. She leaves to study in the US for the sake of her village - even though she doesn’t want to leave. But she wants to learn as much as possible so that she can help her friends and family. She studies, she gets involved in similar campaigns in America, and then comes home to use that knowledge. She’s so selfless: she has the opportunity to make a life in New York and never return to a place where her life will be in danger, but she goes home.
I really liked the way that this novel was set out, and it worked so well on audiobook. The Children, The Young Men and Thule chapters were read by different people, and it really helped to put me in their situation. Listening to the reactions of the children and young men in ‘their’ voices, and Thule’s experiences in ‘her’ voice, was what made this all the more special and affecting for me.
Recommended.
It’s not until American citizens see the slaughter of the villagers that action is taken. However, even after promises of reparation, the oil company doesn’t pay up, and more deaths follow.
Thule is a fascinating character. She leaves to study in the US for the sake of her village - even though she doesn’t want to leave. But she wants to learn as much as possible so that she can help her friends and family. She studies, she gets involved in similar campaigns in America, and then comes home to use that knowledge. She’s so selfless: she has the opportunity to make a life in New York and never return to a place where her life will be in danger, but she goes home.
I really liked the way that this novel was set out, and it worked so well on audiobook. The Children, The Young Men and Thule chapters were read by different people, and it really helped to put me in their situation. Listening to the reactions of the children and young men in ‘their’ voices, and Thule’s experiences in ‘her’ voice, was what made this all the more special and affecting for me.
Recommended.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Robots (2005) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
talents at Fox animation have crafted a new animated classic that firmly establishes the studio as a major force in the animated feature industry with the release of the next animated classic, Robots.
Set in the peaceful community of Rivettown, the film follows the story of Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan Mc Gregor), a young robot who dreams of becoming a great inventor and working for his idol, Big Weld (Mel Brooks), in Robot City.
With one of his new inventions in hand, Rodney sets off for the big city to realize his dreams and make life better for robots everywhere. Upon arriving at the city, Rodney meets up with Fender (Robin Williams), who helps Rodney with the ways of the big city. This help really becomes necessary when Rodney learns that Big Weld has not been seen in ages and that a evil and scheming robot names Ratchet (Greg Kinnear), has taken his place and is plotting to eliminate spare parts for robots thus forcing them to buy costly upgrades or face the scrap pile.
Rodney decides to fix the poorer robots on his own, and in the company of Fender and his friends, Rodney becomes a hero to the local community. Naturally this does not sit well with Ratchet and his plans, causing Rodney and his friends to face his full ire. As if this was not bad enough, it seems that Rodney’s father is in desperate need of a replacement part which forces Rodney to take Ratchet head as well as find the missing Big Weld.
The strength of the film is not just in the amazing animation and the incredible detail paid to the virtual world of the robots, but in the hilarious performance of Robin Williams and the fine work of the supporting cast.
The humor of the show was filled with many jokes that went over the heads of most of the children in the audience as they were clearly made for the adults in the audience as the film does have a PG rating. The film blends content for adults and children into a mixture that will delight both, as this is not a film that parents will have to endure for the sake of the kids, they will have plenty of material to keep them laughing.
From a visual standpoint, the film is amazing; a travel segment showing the cross town transit of Robot Town is filled with all sorts of amazing visuals as well as more than a few in jokes for baby boomers.
While some may find the plot a bit thin, this is after all a family film that is geared to younger audiences, and it does have a good flow and continuity that keeps the film moving along. Robots is simply one of the best animated films ever made and is a sign that Disney no longer has a lock on animated classics.
Set in the peaceful community of Rivettown, the film follows the story of Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan Mc Gregor), a young robot who dreams of becoming a great inventor and working for his idol, Big Weld (Mel Brooks), in Robot City.
With one of his new inventions in hand, Rodney sets off for the big city to realize his dreams and make life better for robots everywhere. Upon arriving at the city, Rodney meets up with Fender (Robin Williams), who helps Rodney with the ways of the big city. This help really becomes necessary when Rodney learns that Big Weld has not been seen in ages and that a evil and scheming robot names Ratchet (Greg Kinnear), has taken his place and is plotting to eliminate spare parts for robots thus forcing them to buy costly upgrades or face the scrap pile.
Rodney decides to fix the poorer robots on his own, and in the company of Fender and his friends, Rodney becomes a hero to the local community. Naturally this does not sit well with Ratchet and his plans, causing Rodney and his friends to face his full ire. As if this was not bad enough, it seems that Rodney’s father is in desperate need of a replacement part which forces Rodney to take Ratchet head as well as find the missing Big Weld.
The strength of the film is not just in the amazing animation and the incredible detail paid to the virtual world of the robots, but in the hilarious performance of Robin Williams and the fine work of the supporting cast.
The humor of the show was filled with many jokes that went over the heads of most of the children in the audience as they were clearly made for the adults in the audience as the film does have a PG rating. The film blends content for adults and children into a mixture that will delight both, as this is not a film that parents will have to endure for the sake of the kids, they will have plenty of material to keep them laughing.
From a visual standpoint, the film is amazing; a travel segment showing the cross town transit of Robot Town is filled with all sorts of amazing visuals as well as more than a few in jokes for baby boomers.
While some may find the plot a bit thin, this is after all a family film that is geared to younger audiences, and it does have a good flow and continuity that keeps the film moving along. Robots is simply one of the best animated films ever made and is a sign that Disney no longer has a lock on animated classics.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Voyagers (2021) in Movies
Apr 7, 2021
The classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding is not only a beloved classic but has been assigned reading for generations of students since it was first published in 1954. The book has been adapted into plays and films over the years and remains a chilling and poignant cautionary tale.
In the new movie “Voyagers” audiences are introduced to an Earth that has been ravaged by climate change and disease. In an effort to save the species; a grand experiment to genetically create a group of children who are the origins of a colonization effort is undertaken.
The planet is 86 years away so the decision is made that the children will be raised and trained indoors without any exposure to nature, open skies, fresh air, and other aspects they will be deprived of on the ship.
Richard (Colin Farrell) decides to accompany the children on the mission as he wants to protect them and ensure things go as planned so their progeny will be well suited to continue on the mission to the next generation who will ultimately be the ones who colonize the planet.
Ten years into the mission things are going well until a discovery is made that a drink the children take daily known as “The Blue” is a drug used to suppress their emotions and keep them docile and easy to control.
When friends Christopher (Tye Sheridan) and Zac (Fionn Whitehead); who learned the secret of the drug decide to stop taking it; they soon reveal the truth of their discovery to the rest of the children who in turn stop using the drug.
In no time rampant emotions, aggressions, desires, paranoia, and mistrust start to run wild and Zac becomes obsessed with Sela (Lilly-Rose Depp). His unwelcome advances soon become more and more aggressive which causes Christopher and Richard to intervene and tragedy soon follows.
Christopher and Zac soon find themselves at odds with one another and fear and paranoia lead the crew to form into factions and turn on one other which not only threatens the mission but their very survival.
The film was very engaging and while I saw the influence of Lord of the Flies early on; the engaging cast and setting make the film entertaining and enjoyable despite any really unexpected twists.
The young leads work well with one another and it will be very interesting to watch how their careers unfold in the years to come. “Voyagers” is a refreshing new take on a classic tale and provides an entertaining and engaging adventure for viewers to enjoy.
In the new movie “Voyagers” audiences are introduced to an Earth that has been ravaged by climate change and disease. In an effort to save the species; a grand experiment to genetically create a group of children who are the origins of a colonization effort is undertaken.
The planet is 86 years away so the decision is made that the children will be raised and trained indoors without any exposure to nature, open skies, fresh air, and other aspects they will be deprived of on the ship.
Richard (Colin Farrell) decides to accompany the children on the mission as he wants to protect them and ensure things go as planned so their progeny will be well suited to continue on the mission to the next generation who will ultimately be the ones who colonize the planet.
Ten years into the mission things are going well until a discovery is made that a drink the children take daily known as “The Blue” is a drug used to suppress their emotions and keep them docile and easy to control.
When friends Christopher (Tye Sheridan) and Zac (Fionn Whitehead); who learned the secret of the drug decide to stop taking it; they soon reveal the truth of their discovery to the rest of the children who in turn stop using the drug.
In no time rampant emotions, aggressions, desires, paranoia, and mistrust start to run wild and Zac becomes obsessed with Sela (Lilly-Rose Depp). His unwelcome advances soon become more and more aggressive which causes Christopher and Richard to intervene and tragedy soon follows.
Christopher and Zac soon find themselves at odds with one another and fear and paranoia lead the crew to form into factions and turn on one other which not only threatens the mission but their very survival.
The film was very engaging and while I saw the influence of Lord of the Flies early on; the engaging cast and setting make the film entertaining and enjoyable despite any really unexpected twists.
The young leads work well with one another and it will be very interesting to watch how their careers unfold in the years to come. “Voyagers” is a refreshing new take on a classic tale and provides an entertaining and engaging adventure for viewers to enjoy.