Mouseling's Words

Last week I didn't post because I sprained my knee and it was an effort to hobble anywhere let alone to my computer. And on top of a temporary bum knee, I had to take Emily to Terra Nova State testing and to take the ACT test. And this week she has to take the state Algebra test. I'm pretty sure she'd rather go to the dentist.

So all of that means that this week I have lots to share. Back in January I participated in Tara Lazar's Story Storm and besides coming up with several ideas for possible stories, I also won two books from author Shutta Crum. In addition, Ariel Bernstein sent me her brand new chapter book, Warren and Dragon - Volcano Deluxe for review.

With all the testing and hobbling going on, I was only able to read Shutta's picture book titled Mouselings Words, but that means I still have two books to look forward to. Now most of you know by now that I love words. Words of every kind. So Ms. Shutta's book about Mouseling and his love of words is just right up my alley.

Mousling loves the words on bits of papers in his nest, the words his Aunt Tillie brings him from the restaurant. But when it comes time for Mouseling to leave his comfortable home and start a life of his own, he is most reluctant. He refuses to leave his comfortable world of words until his aunt tells him there are words without end outside of the nest and restaurant.

Ms. Shutta weaves a tale of delight and Ryan O'Rourke's beautiful illustrations bring Mouseling's words to life. So if you have yet to discover Ms. Shutta's work, run don't walk to your nearest book store.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.