Author: Richard Scrimger

 

What happens when three guys float a raft down the river, Huckleberry Finn-style? Find out with this review of this adventurous book.

When a tornado hits their suburban town and destroys some trees in their backyard ravine, best friends Jules, Chris and Corey take the broken branches and make a raft to float down the river. The mission of their rafting trip is simple – to get to Lake Ontario, where their parents will pick them up – but these boys are in for one heck of an adventure. Read the rest…

Brittney Ryan

Santa Claus is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals. When one special boy writes to Santa asking what no other child has ever asked — what he wants for Christmas — a miracle occurs: Santa and his wife are blessed with a daughter. But the birth of Holly Claus also brings about a terrible curse — from an evil soul named Herrikhan. Holly’s heart is frozen, and the gates to Forever are locked, barring exit or entry.

Now grown into a beautiful and selfless young woman, Holly becomes consumed with the desire to break the spell that holds her people hostage. Accompanied by four faithful and magical animal friends, she escapes to the wondrous world of Victorian New York and embarks on a series of dangerous and life-changing adventures.

With fanciful characters, rich language, and evocative imagery, The Legend of Holly Claus pays tribute to the great fairy tales and myths of our time. This beautifully illustrated picture book filled with mystery, magic, and wonder is sure to become a Christmas classic.  (from The Julie Andrews Collection)

By E.B. White
Off the shelf

 

When a farm girl finds out that her dad is about to kill the runt from the newest litter of pigs, she rushes to the aid of this helpless animal. Her dad sees that she is genuinely concerned about the pig and so he gives him to her as a pet. This is the start of a long lasting friendship between Wilber and Fern.

Fern instantly falls in love with her new pig, Wilber and is at his side every step of the way. As Wilber grows up though, it becomes increasingly obvious that Fern’s dad, Mr. Zuckerman, still plans to sell Wilber to the market. That’s when the star of the book, Charlotte the spider, steps in to help. She, along with the other barnyard animals, don’t want to see their friend, Wilber, sent to his death so she devises a crafty plan. She weaves a web that says “Some Pig”. Mr. Zuckerman is awestruck and soon people from all over the county are coming to see this amazing hog.

As the buzz around Wilber continues to grow, the Zuckermans decide that they should take advantage of his fame by showing him at the local fair. Wilber is trucked down to the fairgrounds, with a few stowaways like Charlotte and his friend Templeton Rat, to begin his days as a prize pig. Fern continues to visit Wilber and his friendship grows with Charlotte. Wilber is learning so much everyday – it’s kind of overwhelming for him. Despite the drama and hardships that Wilber and his friends face, they each bring something unique and helpful to the group. Read the rest…

THE Metropolitan Cathedral Convent is a product of a typical construction from the Spanish Colonial period, that of the bahay na bato.

The two-storey building, which stands just beside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, is made of limestone (for its walls on the ground floor) and timber (for the second floor).
Originally, the convent was home to the nuns of the Imaculada Concepcion. In the compound, one could find a garden with a well from where the nuns used to get their water supply. Read the rest…

Which superhero ability would you choose if given a chance? Think carefully. The ability you pick will give you a clue to what career fits you best. Of course, this is just a game.

1. The ability to fly.

2. Time-travel ability.

3. Invisibility.

4. X-ray vision.

5. The power to change forms.

6. The ability to read minds.

7. The ability to see into the future.

8. Super hearing.

Results

1. Flying—You like to see the “big picture” of life and how things fit together. Little details annoy you. You enjoy being free and taking risks.

* Career clue: You’d make a good pilot or astronaut. Consider a job that will let you affect policies, maybe in government or a public research group.

2. Time travel—You are interested in the causes of things and how past mistakes can be used to shape the future. You’re very curious about how different people live.

* Career clue: A career in scientific research, history, or human behavior might be the place for you. You might enjoy a job where you can affect the future.

3. Invisibility—You tend to be shy, or a very keen observer. Or both. You like to know

everything that is going on around you.

* Career clue: Some good careers for observers, a writer, artist, or private investigator.

4. X-ray vision—You like to “see through” problems and go to the heart of an issue. You enjoy finding problems that other people can’t even see. You also enjoy solving problems.

* Career clue: Physics, politics, math, and medicine are fields that need skilled problem-solvers.

5. The power to change forms—You are a sociable person who likes to fit in. Perhaps you want to be admired by the group. Either way, you’re a real crowd pleaser!

* Career clue: Entertainment might be the field for you. Actors can “change forms” and be other people.

6. Mind reading—You’re good at guessing what other people think. You can “see behind” what they’re saying by reading between the lines.

* Career clue: You might be a good counselor or psychologist. It’s important for professionals in those careers to understand how other people think and feel.

7. Seeing into the future—You’re very creative and love adventure. You would move right into the future if you could! You’re always looking at what might be possible, and wondering how to make it happen sooner.

* Career clue: A career on the cutting edge of things might be right for you. Think about becoming an explorer, research scientist, inventor, or science fiction writer.

8. Super hearing—You pay close attention to sounds and patterns. You like to be fully informed about the latest news. Some might even say you’re nosy!

* Career clue: You might make an excellent reporter or gossip columnist. Or you might decide to become a musician.