Book Review - "A Peep Behind the Scenes"

  A Peep Behind the Scenes by Mrs. O. F. Walton is the touching story of Rosalie - a little girl living behind the scenes of her father's traveling carnival. Her life as an actress may look wonderful and exciting to outsiders, but in reality her life is full of hurt and heartache. One day a gentlemen gives her a picture of a shepherd holding a little lamb, and tells her about the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for her.

  I love this book so very much, it's one of my favorites. I really recommend it. I think anyone 11+ will enjoy reading this.

Book Review of Princess of Orange by Elisabeth Kyle

Princess of Orange is the story of Mary, a young English princess, daughter of the Duke of York, in the late seventeenth century. She is being educated with her sister Anne and a sharp, clever, and extraordinarily pretty spitfire named Sarah Jennings. Even when only eleven or twelve her cousin Monmouth's hints and Sarah Jennings sharp teasing remind her that she is only a pawn, to be married to some foreigner, perhaps the Prince of Orange. And when she was fifteen, that was exactly what happened. Then William, Prince of Orange comes from Holland, asks to marry her, and her father and her uncle, King Charles, insist. Mary is unwillingly wedded to him and then they move to Holland. There Mary gradually learns about the man she has married. His love of beauty, his greatness begins to endear him to her.

This historical novel continues to speak of Mary and William's happy marriage, the unsuccessful rebellion of Mary's cousin Monmouth, and how Mary and William become King and Queen of England. Princess of Orange is a captivating story and recommended for ages eleven and up.

Book Review of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Kidnapped

written by Robert Louis Stevenson
288 pages
originally published in 1886

When the story begins, it finds a young man in Scotland, who is named David Balfour. He is seventeen years old, and he has lost both his parents. David is told to journey to the House of Shaws'this was his late father's wish. The House of Shaws in famous for its wealth. David, who comes from a somewhat poor family, cannot fathom the reason of why he must visit this mansion.

Once he sets foot on his way, he is met by shady strangers, and he never knows which ones to trust. David gets a ride that he didn't expect, and it ends in devastating tragedy. He is caught in a trap of secrets that he doesn't even understand himself, but he must (at all costs) keep quiet about what he knows. Otherwise, his life and his friend Alan Breck's life are at stake. These two new comrades, even when not in agreeable moods, must stick together if they are going to survive their trek through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.

I'd recommend "Kidnapped" to all ages over 13. During certain parts of the the story, it seemed to be harder to read because of the old English language being used. My copy of the book handily had a word glossary in the back. (and I used it frequently!!)

From the very first page, the story had me locked into it. Set sail with David Balfour, and be prepared for adventure, intrigue, and a surprise or two along the way.

The Books Of Old Reading Challenge: Post Four

The site I was using for the link of The Books Of Old Reading Challenge deleted the link because it began making you pay for it, and I did not. I have a new link up, and if you would like to relink to your book list, here is the link to the list : book list link up .

Book Review of Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way For Ducklings

written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey

first published in 1941

winner of the 1942 Caldecott Medal

Instead of being a movie or novel, like we normally post reviews of on this blog, Make Way For Ducklings is a picture book. But it is such a lovely book that I couldn't help writingn my review here.

This is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, and the trouble they had finding a place to raise their ducklings. It is written in a fresh, delightful style with a slight vintage feel to it. What really makes the story come alive, however, are the brown charcoal drawings on every page. They really give you a feel for the place and the characters. Even the ducklings, who don't have much in the story individually, are given in the story different attitudes and characters. To make these beautiful differences Robert McCloskey, who was an artist, brought six little ducklings into his studio to watch them and use them as models.

This little book is a classic. Mum read it out loud to me when I was little and I love it even more now. The wonderful thing about it is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.