It Sucked Me In Again!

Did you like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan?  I did.  I've honestly read better writing but the adventure and excitement was top notch and I love LOVE LOVE the idea.  Actually, I'm quite jealous that I didn't think of it first.  Sigh.  That's a lot of research though and I don't know that I have that much time on my hands.

The past few days I've managed to carve out a little bit more though (thanks for Sesame Street and Care Bears) and have read the first book in his next installment of demigod disasters:  The Lost Hero.

I had heard that he was going to continue on this theme but I was surprised that he's continuing with Percy Jackson and all of the heroes of Camp Half-Blood.  With a twist.

There are Greek gods and demigods of course, but now there are also Roman.  I don't want to say too much because this book is one big mystery and I like that.  Same fast-pased, high adventure style as the others but the focus is on three entirely new heroes who are very endearing in their own ways.  And of course an earth-shattering enemy.  Literally.

Book 2 comes out in October and I'm already excited.

Well, with Harry Potter ending, I'm glad I have something else to look forward to.  Which speaking of Harry Potter, there's something about a major announcement I think . . . hold on.  Rowling's announcement is here.  Sounds interesting don't you think?

For Picky Eaters or People Who Hate Oatmeal

So this was a quirky little book.  Not one that I'm planning on buying for our personal library but a funny little story nevertheless.

The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster says it's a tale of picky eating but the main focus is that staple of cheap and stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts:  oatmeal.  In fact, oatmeal is the reason for the existence of the Loch Ness Monster!  According to A. W. Flaherty, without Katerina-Elizabeth throwing her oatmeal overboard every day, the Loch Ness Monster would still be a tiny little worm at the bottom of the ocean.

After reading this book, my 3-year-old still will not touch oatmeal.  Sigh.  Hopefully she eats enough other healthy foods that she won't be stunted!

At the end of the book is an interesting experiment that you can do to assess your picky eaters.  Apparently, picky eaters actually have more taste buds and pick up on bitter tastes that we non-picky eaters do not.

But that does not explain why my 3-year-old will eat raw peppers, pickles, and olives, and yet refuse her oatmeal.  Hmmmm.

Back to the book -- it's a cute one that would work for talking about several subjects including the Loch Ness Monster (and perhaps leading into other unexplained . . . things), eating and tasting, and maybe even a little bit of boat travel.

But don't read it your child might be inclined to throw their oatmeal in the fish tank. :)