Book2Movie Alert: The Tale of Despereaux

Kate DeCamillo’s Newberry Award winning book, The Tale of Despereaux, hits the big screen today!

I’m hearing that in some ways it’s actually better than the book (I can’t believe it!) and in others it’s not as good (isn't that what I always say). I had so much fun reading the book, I’ll have to check it out for myself.

For more reading fun, be sure to read my previous post and visit The Tale of Despereaux movie website.



Enjoy the holidays. I'll see ya in January!

A Christmas Carol is Not Just Another Holiday Book

A Christmas Carol was published on December 19, 1843. We’re still reading that baby 165 years later. That’s some book!

These days there’s a whole boatload of movies too.

Lots of people say this book changed the way we celebrate Christmas. The author, Charles Dickens, focused on the importance of family and the joy of giving.

Before A Christmas Carol there were no Christmas cards, no Christmas turkeys, no Christmas trees in homes, no Christmas lights, and no Christmas presents. Yeah, read this and think of Christmas in a new way. Be thankful in a new way.

I say that’s the ultimate in reading fun.

It’s All About the Gingerbread

Christmas always reminds me of gingerbread houses. Play games here. Find out how to make one here.

Gingerbread houses always remind me of Hansel and Gretel. Find some fun books to read here.

Hansel and Gretel always remind me of… of… Huh. Hansel and Gretel remind me of gingerbread houses. Go figure.

Enter the Harper Holidays Sweepstakes!

Lucky! Ten people will win a Holiday Gift Box of books from HarperCollins. The winners get to choose from six different prize packs. You can enter here.

Naturally, I’d pick the kids books. Cuz… hello… they’re the best!

You’ve got to be 18 years old to be eligible. So, if you’re not, find someone who is. The last day to enter is December 22nd. You can read the other rules here.

Elf Yourself for Free

A dear friend sent this to my family last year—and I just can’t get enough!

Elf Yourself, courtesy of OfficeMax, is crazy fun! Create an emailable, dancing video of yourself and up to four of your friends and family.

When you get done laughing yourself silly and want to have more fun—go read some elf books.

National Poinsettia Day

Apparently today is National Poinsettia Day. I don’t even know what to say about that.

Stop and smell the poinsettias?

Yeah, that’s it.

And while you’re at it… read for fun. Here’s the Best Books of 2008 list from The Horn Book.

And wouldn’t you know it, there are even a few poinsettia books for kids.

Book2DVD Alert: Horton Hears a Who!

Yikes! I missed the release of Horton Hears a Who!

It’s out. Go get it!

And check out the website. There’s Fun and Games and Downloads and all sorts of cool stuff.

I must admit, I am a huge Dr. Seuss fan. He is quite possibly my favorite author.

So, I say after you watch the movie, you should read all his books. Just for fun!

Oh where, oh where has Cheri been?

Lately, the Big Sur Children’s Writing Workshop, school, and Christmas have been getting more of my attention than this blog. I’m glad I put those things first, but I’m itchin to get back you all!

I’ll try to have a little something for you tomorrow.

Oooh. My Inkdeath review appeared on the Well-Read Child last Friday. That’ll keep you busy for a while.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

I think I said all there is to say about J.K.’s new book in my previous post.

I hope you pre-ordered. If you didn’t, quit waiting around—it’ll be in stores this Thursday. This is reading fun you definitely don’t want to miss!

Book2Movie Alert: Marley & Me

John Grogan wrote Marley & Me about his real-life experience with a wild-and-crazy Labrador Retriever. Now there are a whole slew of Marley & Me books. One for every age group. You should definitely read at least one for fun!

And on Christmas Day there’ll be a movie too. It looks seriously funny.

And cute.

And wild!

And you’ll love it a lot more if you’ve already read the book.