Books: Charlie Bone

G & I wanted to share a new favorite series with you: Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo.
Charlie Bone is a Fantasy Series of 8 books which takes place in modern times but is effected by an ancestor, the Red King, from the 12th Century. Many of the main characters are descendants of this magical Red King and have their own magical powers. Charlie, like another British, fatherless, boarding schooler we all know (HP), seems to attract trouble like a magnet and his "endowed" friends are there to help him out, if sometimes reluctantly. But those are the only similarities Charlie and Harry share. I don't even know how to describe them without resorting to plot summaries. We just love them! Magic, mystery, suspense, good vs evil, friendship, family.....

Both G and I find this series gripping and think it would make a great movie... if done right. I even have some casting ideas in my head,if any people in the know would like to hear. giggle

So if you are looking for a new series to dive into we suggest The Children of the Red King Series aka Charlie Bone. pssst Book 8 doesn't come out until May in the US. I am considering buying the British copy. So if you speed through them like we did you will have to wait for the ending.

Here is the author Jenny Nimmo setting up book 5 the Hidden King.

Missing Teen

The family of one of my cousin's friends is missing a 13 year old girl. Because she left on her own, authorities have categorized her as a runaway and would not issue an Amber Alert. And because the police did not call, local TV stations would not cover it. She left with an adult, Hispanic male. Today, 23rd, she was finally upgraded to "endangered".

Magan Adineh-Kharat she is 13 years old and has been missing since Friday 2-19-2010 at 3 or 4 a.m She was last seen wearing a green sweater and bluejeans at the Little Rock Airport. We believe she is with a much older (23-30) year old Hispanic man she met on the internet. Any information rearding her whereabouts can be sent here or to BringMaganHome@yahoo.com
Call above numbers or 501-231-5874, 501-231-1436

TV School- Science

We have watched some amazing science shows this week on TV. I just had to share incase you can catch them on replay.


Raw Anatomy: Inside the Elephant (National Geographic Channel)
We were mesmerized!


Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air (Nature/ PBS)
Slow motion is amazing!


(On DVR) Building Pharaoh's Ship (Nova/ PBS)


ANTS- Nature's Secret Power (The Science Channel)

Merry Christmas to All....

Merry Christmas to all of our "friends".

Books BooksBooks

We have been reading a lot of great stories lately. I thought I would share some of them. The covers are linked to further information.

I saw Jotham's Journey on a new blog, The Architect & the Artist, along with the other two books in the series. I went to the library and it was sitting on the New Book display! Jotham is chapter/ devotional a day Advent story. It is a griping story. I would probably not read it to children under 2nd grade because there are some violent acts. I cannot wait each day to hear what happens next.

When we started studying multiplication, I scoured the library for storybooks to go along with it. I was surprised to find a chapter book. G enjoyed following Wilson's journey through the dreaded Timed Test. Other multiplication titles we enjoyed were: 2x2= Boo!, The Best of Times, and Too Many Kangaroo Things to Do.

Jack Stalwart, a pint sized James Bond. Jack receives a mystery country puzzle piece each night at 7:30. Placing this piece in his map whisks him off to his next assignment. These books are a similar reading level to Magic Tree House, in my opinion but are shelved with the next level up in our library. We devoured these books as soon as we could get our hands on the next one. There are 12 books in this series.


One Hen. Words cannot express how inspiring this book is. It gives me chills. Based on a true story, Kojo turns a few coins into a business which will, over his lifetime, change his country. It makes me want to do something somewhere.


My not so favorite books but hugely popular with our library friends. G goes to look at the selection every time we set foot in the building. The 8-10 year old boy set loves them. G likes the action and the "life risking" moments. Momma's not so much. I think the writing is a bit choppy and overly simple. They remind me of Goosebumps. Same storyline just change the name and location.

What have you been reading?

Static Magic

While trying to clean up after refilling a bean bag chair, we were treated to laughs by the magic of static electricity. G wants to submit it to America's Funniest Home Videos.

Fall Fun

Phases of the Moon

One of the great hands on experiments from our science book was this edible model of the moon phases. Educational and Yummy!