Willy Wonka Day!

First, I want to tell you that I finished "From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler". The book was really good. I liked it because the kids ran away to a museum. As I got to read about their adventures, I got to learn about art. I don't know a lot about art, so it was a good time to read and learn. This is one of my new favorite books. My friend, Hannah said that it was her favorite book in 4th grade, and I am excited to read it again next year.

Today was Willy Wonka Day at school. I dressed up as Miss Violet Beauregard and my sister was an Oompa Loompa from the book. I won't tell you about the descriptions of these characters because I want you to read it and not watch the movie please. I am begging you, read the book. My favorite parts of this funny book are: Veruca in the nut room, when Charlie gets the golden ticket, the Chocolate Room, and the ending which includes the Great Glass-----you need to research this part on your own. I don't want to give away anything.

Now, I want to tell you about this "candyish" day. Can you see the pictures of all my friends? Sprinkled throughout the fun day, was candy (CANDY...Can-dy!) . I felt like Charlie at the factory, because I could eat candy all day long. I had nerds, gummy sweet tarts, a big sweet tart, a chocolate bar, fun dip dust, and last but not least a jaw breaker. I also had some hot chocolate later on. It was a hyper day! After all that candy, I felt wonderful, even though my mom probably would not have been happy about me eating all that. I also want to tell you quickly that even though I had a lot of sugar, I got a 96 on my Latin quiz and a 100 on my spelling test, which all makes me very proud. It was a wonderful day!

Now I am reading, well I am almost done, with the library book I got yesterday. It is "James and the Giant Peach" also by Roald Dahl. My teacher suggested that I might like it and my friend Madison told me that I would be able to find it in our school library. So, I started last night and today I am on chapter 28 out of 39 chapters. So, as soon as I finish this post and help my mama put away the laundry, I am going to READ. (Try to finish the book if I nobody bothers me!) I hope that you are enjoying the books that you are reading too. Have a stupendous weekend! ****All of this was dictated with a British Accent today!

Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I like this song and hope you do too.

First half of the song in not here since it is so long. This is the second half:

“All right!” you’ll cry. “All right!” you’ll say,
“But if we take the set [television] away,
What shall we do to entertain our darling children? Please explain!”
We’ll anser this by asking you,
“What used the darling ones to do?
“How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?”
Have you forgotten? Don’t you know?
We’ll say it very loud and slow:
THEY . . . USED . . . TO . . . READ? They’d READ and . . .
READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half of their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching ’round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be!
Good gracious, it’s Penelope.)
The Younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty totter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and -
Just How The Camel Got His Humbe,
And How The Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless by soul,
There’s Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole -
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks -
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They’ll now begin to feel the need
Of having something good to read.
And once they start – oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They’ll grow so keen
They’ll wonder what they’d ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.
P.S Regarding Mike Teavee,
We very much regret that we
Shall simply have to wait and see
If we can get him back his height
But if we can’t – it serves him right.

Books that are too hard

Good morning or good afternoon to some. Last week I started my second book from Lemony Snicket. It was a busy week with my grandma visiting , homework, Latin, and a sleep over and I didn't have time to really sink into the book. I discovered that the book was more than I can take right now. I feel stressed when I want to get into a book and time is running out and it's a little bit too hard. So, I want to tell you what I think I should do with a book that's a little too hard. Could you give me your ideas too.

If the book is too hard, I set it off for later. I want to read it but when it's too hard I can't pay attention to the story. Then I don't keep reading and I am confused with it all. So, a "Series of Unfortunate Events" will have to wait until I am nine years old (which is in April) and then I will give it another go.

A special friend sent me a package of books. One of them was "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler". It looks like there are kids going into a hotel on the front cover. I chose this one today because it looks interesting and it has a gold seal on it which I think means it is an awarded book. I am going to get started with the book, after I go rock climbing with my dad. I want to advertise Stone Moves, it is a rock-climbing gym. My sister is on the rock climbing team and it is a great place to climb. If you live in Houston, you can find it located in a phone book. Go visit it, it's great and you might find us there.

Did you notice that my blog now has music! Mrs. Maines helped my mom get it on. My mom picked all of the songs that I love. Can you tell that I love musicals? I also love acting. My mom couldn't resist putting the song "Bag of Hammers". It reminds me of my mom. I "soothe" my mom "like a lick of ice cream", at least sometimes.

I am wondering, what books are you reading by the way? So go, read, enjoy the world.

Gracie

The Austere Academy

Last night, my Grandma Gogo came and she brought me 6 books from a Series of Unfortunate Events. I decided that this series was better than the Betsy-Tacy book that I had already started. So today, I am reading "The Austere Academy". Some people think that it is not good to stop a book before it's finished. But, if it's not a great book then, in my mind, you shouldn't have to finish it. There is so many good books and I can't spend time on one that is not the best book in the whole entire world. So, I am now reading "The Austere Academy" which I already have listened to on my mom's ipod. Of all of the stories we have on that ipod, this one is my favorite. "Cakesniffing orphins in the orphan shack" Now that is very funny. My mama, my sister, and I love to chant this to annoy my father. It's just fun and funny.
One part I have to share with all of you is about the principal. He says he is a genius at the violin even though he is the WORST player in the world. He makes all of the kids listen to him for 6 hours and then if they don't, he makes them buy him a bag of candy. Then he makes them watch HIM eat it. He is a bad principal. I am glad that my daddy is not like that. Did I mention that my daddy is the principal of my school? I looked up the word "austere" in the dictionary and it means harsh. This school was definitely harsh. I learned a new word today! Back to reading for me and later I'm going to a musical called "Seussical". What a busy day I am having.

Mischievous Girls

"Betsy-Tacy and Tib" is the second book by Maude Hart Lovelace that I have read. The book is about three little girls who are friends. Two of the girls are middle class and one of them is the highest class, her family is wealthy. All of the girls are Christians, and I like that, but they think that they have to be good to go to Heaven. The girls wanted to be good like the saints for a day and they punished themselves for doing something bad. They punished themselves by pinning marble bags into their dresses and when they did something wrong they placed a pebble in it. Putting the pebbles in turned out to be so much fun that they began to get into a lot of mischief. In an other chapter, they wanted to remember each other when one of them died, so they cut off a piece of each others hair and placed them in pill boxes because they could not afford lockets. This book is funny because the girls are getting into a lots of trouble. My next book is "Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill."

I am still reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and it is getting really good. Charlie has found the golden ticket and has gone into the chocolate Factory. Charlie tells us how good the smell of chocolate is. I can't wait to read about Oompalumpas!

Books not movies!

Today I read a post from Michael that warned me that books are better than movies. He is right. I found out last year when I saw the movie "The tale of Despereaux". My dad had read this story to me first, than I read it for myself and then we went to see the movie. It went down hill. I mean, "soup day" where did they get that? The queen loved soup, she ate it everyday, not just on soup day. There is NO soup day. Why did they do that? Then there was a "tin man" who was not even in the book. The movie was also not very scary. It should have been. My sister didn't want to go because the book scared her, but the movie wasn't scary at all! Michael is right about books being better than movies! They almost always are. Except, I really enjoyed Prince Caspian the movie, a little more than the book. My dad read the book to me. Maybe I will like it more when I read the book myself. I do think the Bible is the best book of all. Usually the movies about the Bible are not as great.

I finished "Betsy-Tacy" in one day. I think it was "fabulouso" because it was the beginning of "friendship for a lifetime". That's the kind of book that some girls like, and I am one of them. You should know that this story took place before automobiles were common. My mom is trying to find more of the "Betsy'Tacy" books. If you happen to have any would you mind letting me borrow them? I will try to give them back when I finish.

Today I am back to the myths. I am starting the "Sirens and Sea Monsters" by Mary Pope Osbourne. It is book three of a series of 6 books. I have already read "The One Eyed Monster" and "The Land of the Dead". It was published by Disney. Why Disney for goodness sake? Disney's books aren't usually all that great, they are usually about princesses, frogs, and have poor writing. By the way, I saw "The Princess and the Frog" yesterday. You don't want to see it if you don't like Voodoo. It was weird!

Now, back to my book!

Winnie-the-Pooh

This morning I finished Winnie-the Pooh by A.A. Milne. It was an awkard book for me to read but I continued on and found that it was quite interesting. These were short stories about Pooh and his friends. Some of them I had seen as movies. As I was reading I noticed that Tigger was missing. He was not included in these stories and it bummed me out. I like Tigger, he is a funny character.

It feels nice to have finished two books in one week. My daddy said that there are 52 weeks in a year. If I read 2 each week, I will have read 104 books this year. I am off to a good start don't you think?

Did you see that on the bottom of my blog my mom added some links. These are for friends of mine who have also started there own reading blogs after they saw mine. It's exciting that I have so many friends who are bookworms like me!

Since it is so cold, I am back in my mom's bed all snuggled with my sister Faith-Marie, reading my new book. It is "Betsy-Tacy" by Maud Hart Lovelace. It was written in 1940. Last summer Ms. Beverly had a garage sale that we went to. She had many books for sale. My mom will always buy books so we picked out a few. Ms. Beverly said that she loved this book when she was a kid and loved reading it to her kids. I am already on chapter 5 and I agree it's a very good book so far. Thanks Ms. Beverly for a great suggestion.

I am also excited to be reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". This week I think he is going to get the Golden Ticket! I can't wait.

Hope you have a good week reading at your house. If the weather at your house is cold, I hope you have a good book to enjoy too.

First Week

At school I am reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and I am loving it so far. Did you know that Willy Wonka created a blue birds egg made of chocolate? When you put it into your mouth it slowly gets smaller and smaller until all that is left is a tiny pink baby bird made of sugar, on your tongue. I would really like to have one because it sounds delicious and cute.

Yesterday and today I recieved packages in the mail! The first was a book that my mom ordered named "Parzivel by Katherine Paterson". It has a list of the characters in the story and tells about them on the first few pages. This story is about Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry. I am interested in reading about Parzivel and all of his adventures. Thank you Ms. Linda for suggesting the book. My second package came today and in it was 3 books that all look really good. Thank you Ms. Laura for sending me 3 wonderful books. There are so many interesting books that I don't know which I will choose next.

This weekend the weather is supposed to be cold for Houston, it may even snow! My plan is to bundle up in my mom and dad's bed with the chubby comforter, drink hot chocolate, and READ. I'll probably play a little with my sister and our American Girl Dolls too. This is going to be a good winter weekend!

I finished "The Lightning Thief" last night! It was 375 pages of adventure, death, and triumphant glory! I would like to recommended this book to my friend Teah and any other person who likes mythology and can stand stories where some of the characters die.

It is exciting to finish my first book of the challenge. You may think this next book is a baby book but I am oing to read "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne. (Well, I already started!) This is not a baby book because lots of the sentences are akward because the writer is from Britain. Did you know that A.A. Milne wrote speeches for Winston Churchill? He is a very good writer and I am excited to get started. "Winnie-the-Pooh" won't be as bloody as the "The Lightning Thief" and will be a nice change.

Yesterday was the first day of school for 2010. My class began reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". So far, I am loving it. At the end we are going to have a party and I am wanting to dress up as Violet, the girl who chews gum all day. P.S. we normally aren't allowed to chew gum all day at school but this will be a special day!

Go get reading!
Gracie

Oh, no! I almost forgot to tell you that Rick Riordan, the author of the Lightning Thief wrote me back! Here is his note:

Hi Gracie,
Thank you for writing. I'm glad you are enjoying the Lightning Thief. Good luck with your blog and your challenge! Best wishes, Rick Riordan

Can you believe he wrote me back? I was shocked!

The Lightning Thief

I am now on page 94 of the Lightning Thief. Thank you Mr. Michael for suggesting the book. The book is about a boy named Percy. The funniest part so far has been when Percy was about to get his head dunked in the toilet. Mysteriously, he made the water shoot out and spray the girl, who was his enemy, in the face with toilet water. I can't tell you anymore because I want you to read it too. It's an adventurous story that is making me want to read every hour of the day.

Thank you to all who have suggested a book. Yesterday I went to Barnes and Noble and I looked up some of the books that were suggested. They looked interesting. I am going to have to buy them moderately, go to the used book store, borrow, or go to the library to be able to afford 100 books this year. If you have an extra copy of a great book, please let me know, I would be happy to have it!

Keep the suggestions coming!

My first book of 2010

Last summer Barnes and Noble had a reading program and when you read so many books you got to choose a free book. Since, I like mythology I chose " The Lightning Thief". My dad started reading to me then, but we stopped because I hadn't started taking Latin yet. My classical school starts Latin in 3rd grade. So now, after 14 lessons in Latin (Cave Gracie!) I think I am ready to start the book.

By the way, I gotta go. I just finished chapter 3 and the book is great!