Ellen’s Book Nook ~ September 2019

By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd 

Win a book of your choice from today’s blog! 

The new school year is in full swing and I have feelings of nostalgia. My daughter started her senior year of high school and I have been going down memory lane, wondering how the last 17 years flew by so fast. As I selected books this month, I couldn’t help but include a few favorites that stand the test of time in my family. Knuffle Bunny was the book my daughter did her first book talk on in kindergarten (yes, kindergarten), Mr. Poppers Penguins was a favorite of both of my children and the source of many laughs, and Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites, even more special now that my daughter is reading it for her AP Literature class. Books are not only a great source of information and inspiration for imaginations, but the special memories attached to the experiences of reading them are powerful. One of the many reasons I keep all of my books!

Preschool to Pre-K — Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Trixie is an adorable, little girl who loves her Knuffle Bunny, a stuffed, green bunny. He is her special friend and constant companion. When Trixie and Knuffle Bunny join Trixie’s dad on a trip to the laundromat, all seems fine until Knuffle Bunny goes missing. The search that ensues with loads of emotion is one every young child (and parent) can relate to.The illustrations are genius and the story is one that will be asked for time and time again. Oh, and all ends well. Knuffle Bunny is found, safe and sound!

Early Elementary — Mr. Poppers Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater

Nobody would suspect penguins were living in the home of a house painter! For reasons the reader will discover when reading the story, penguins move into this home and bring mishaps, intrigue and pure fun. This Newberry Honor Book is a perfect read-aloud book for all ages. The movie by the same name is highly entertaining as well.

Older Elementary/Early Middle School — The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin

This novel showcases Caitlyn Breen as she acclimates to life in a new school. The only thing is, this school has goats and students study dead philosophers. And everyone seems to keep talking about a guy named Paulie Fink who disappeared. Caitlyn ends up leading the charge to find Paulie, but not without a host of challenges. This book is written by the author who brought readers the best-selling, award-winning The Thing About Jellyfish. This book looks at heroes, what makes them and if anyone truly is one. It is sure to be a great hit with older elementary and early middle school children.

Young Adult — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This brilliantly written novel is well-loved and usually read time and time again by each person who is introduced to it — especially impressive for a book published in 1813. In this romantic story, readers meet Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who learns the valuable lesson of why hasty judgments aren’t wise, and the important difference between real goodness and superficial goodness. The book is set in the period of the British Regency on the Longbourn estate where Mr. Bennet lives with his five daughters. Unfortunately, his daughters will never be in a position to inherit the property, so they must all strive to marry well to be supported in adulthood. The story focuses on the paths of the daughters and recognizing the importance of marrying for love and not for money or because of social pressures. The movies by the same name are popular and well done.

Moms — The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

This intriguing novel opens with a letter from Cecilia Fitzpatrick’s husband, only it was to be opened after his death, not before. In it, the script reveals his deepest, darkest secret. This secret has the potential to change lives and alter perceptions. Cecilia, who had always been a devoted wife and mother with a neat and tidy life, is now faced with her world being turned upside down.This is a novel that will make readers think deep thoughts and wonder how well we really know people, especially those we are close to in life.

Remember to share your thoughts and comments, and you could be selected to win a copy of one of these books, compliments of Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro. The staff of Triad Moms on Main will choose a random winner one week after the blog runs and will let you know when your book is ready for pick up. (Please be sure to enter your email address when you fill out your comment so they have a way to contact you.)

Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.