Sunday, July 17, 2011

First Impressions "Smoky, the Cow Horse"

I know my journey has hit a few bumps since I first began, but I am determined to try again. That's the great thing about a journey. No matter how much you find yourself wandering down side roads, you can always jump back onto the main road.
While at the library the other day, I came across "Smoky, the Cow Horse" by Will James. Sitting on the shelf. This book is the 1927 winner of the Newbery Award. It looks like a classic horse story like "Black Beauty." However, Smoky is born in the Western United States which makes his life story a little different.

What to expect now.

I read "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman in 2009. I am not going to give a review of this book right now. I don't think it would be fair while the book is not fresh in my mind. I am planning on rereading the book. I will do a review then.

"The Story of Mankind"

I want you to know that in 2009 I did read "The Story of Mankind" by Hendrik Willem von Loon. This book is a synopsis of the history of Western Civilization. It is not a novel like most Newbery Award winners. It is more like a textbook and reads that way as well. I can see having a child read specific chapters as they are learning about them. For example, reading about the Napoleanic wars while studying them. I wouldn't recommend reading it straight through though. I am sorry this review is not very detailed because I read the book so long ago. Unfortunately I don't want to read the book again. Sorry.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Journey Begins

Since I was little, I've always loved to read. I still do and I hate it when I finish a book and have to decide what to read next. I'm always asking for suggestions. My mother in law once mentioned to me that she was trying to read all the Newbery Award books. The Newbery Award is the longest running award for children's literature. It is voted upon and awarded by the American Library Association to the author of the book making the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The first winner was "The Story of Mankind" by Hendrik Willem von Loon way back in 1922. This is were my Newbery journey will begin. After I finish I will give a review and start another book. If you would like to join me, you can read and give your review as well. The next book will be this year's winner, "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman. Happy reading!