imagination

Read this aloud to the kids. The whole story is in verse, like Dr. Seuss or Bill Peet, but longer and with minimal illustrations. It is impressive to write that much verse, but the plot felt a bit weak. The kids seemed to enjoy it, but quite a few times it was hard to follow and we had to go back and figure out exactly what was going on. ( )

Technically I didn't read this one, but since he and his dad read it I'm recording it here so that they can find it later. The liked it a lot.

Children's fiction/a novel in verse.

"Here is a story that's stranger than strange.
Before we begin you may want to arrange:
a blanket,
a cushion,
a comfortable seat,
and maybe some cocoa and something to eat."

Does that not make you want to read this?! With charming Edward Gorey-esque drawings and a fresh cast of characters (sprinkled with lots of exciting new vocabulary words for youngsters to learn), this should definitely satisfy those girls and boys craving a bit more danger in their daily reads. Probably best for older grades, since some of the parts are quite scary (knives and teeth feature prominently). ( )

This audio was read by Alan Cumming, which should really be review enough, because Alan Cumming is funny and brilliant and I love him. It's a kids book about a little girl with an evil guardian who discovers monsters living underground, and she goes on an adventure. It's written in verse and is rather clever and I sometimes found myself snorting out loud. Also, Alan Cumming narrates it (did I mention that?) and it's a wonderful listen.

4.5 stars ( )