DOGKU by Andrew Clements. Illustrated by Tim Bowers. Dogku is the delightful story about a dog and his search for a home. Fall in love with this sweet, little dog as he discovers a delightful place he would like to stay!  I hoped you noticed the "ku" part in the book title, because, yes, it is all written in traditional Haiku style, and no, it doesn't take away from the story at all! In fact, it adds to it, because your ear attunes to the rhythm of the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Once you're done reading the delightful story, try writing Haikus. While they are traditionally about nature and the seasons, it is perfectly fine to branch out. Maybe one of your kiddos will compose one in honor of their dislike of Haikus such as- I detest Haikus. Hopefully I am done quick! They make zero sense. Right? I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fantastic artwork in this cute story! Illustrator Tim Bowers is an Ohio resident. Actually, he's from not very far away Granville for you local friends! His artwork is as fun as the dog is in this story. The antics, the messes, the views, the sweet doggy looks are all so relatable and are all done in oils on canvas.

THE DEAD SEA SQUIRRELS: SQUIRRELKNAPPED by Mike Nawrocki I recently read another installment in The Dead Sea Squirrels series. These books really do a wonderful job of wrapping a fun story around a core value, in this case honesty. Squirrelnapped goes further than just your typical "tell the truth" message. It deals directly with purposefully withholding information so that someone believes something that's not true. This little book is a great door opener to good discussions with your kids! Telling the truth is very important, and in this case, one of the squirrel's freedom depends on it!

BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON! by Sid Fleischman This is one of those "oldies but goodies" that has been around a while that is so worth your time if you have a kiddo that has a streak of adventure right through the middle of them! By the Great Horn Spoon is historical fiction. It's the fun story of two unlikely partners taking off searching for gold during the days of the gold rush. How unlikely are these partners? One is a proper butler named Praiseworthy; the other is his young, twelve-year-old master, Jack. Their mission is an honorable one. Jack's Aunt Arabella is about to lose her home, so the pair set off searching for valuable paydirt. Leaving proper Boston to travel to California, the pair choose to go by boat instead of across the country. The long voyage is fraught with danger, thieves, unexpected work and adventures, but they do eventually reach the goldfields. It is here that their adventures quadruple, but that's something you'll have to discover for yourself! On top of all the adventure, Praiseworthy is an honorable mentor for his young master. His upbeat attitude, ability to face challenges, and commitment to keeping an honest name is refreshing. ALONGSIDE ACTIVITIES - This book has so many wonderful possibilities! First off, Callie and I mapped the different locations as they traveled: Boston, Rio de Janiero, Strait of Magellan, Andes Mountains, Golden Gate, and more. We looked up pictures of the different tools used in the mining process. We branched out into discussions about supply and demand and how it affects prices.

THE QUEEN OF EBENEZER by K. B. Hoyle I have to admit something. When I FIRST opened this book and BEGAN reading it, I didn't love it. I couldn't wrap my head around all the confusing elements to the story. It seemed the deeper I went, the more confusing it got, and I found myself asking what the point was. Why are Tom and Beatrice the only two characters? Why is he confined to a swamp, but she isn't? What's the deal with the spattering of talking animals? Why is Tom the "king" ? My list grew and grew and grew. Just when I was about to close the book and be done, a ray of light pierced through the confusion. K B. Hoyle throws us a lifeline in the midst of the confusion, because that confusion is intentional. I can't say much so that I don't spoil the story, but just know there's something bigger happening outside the borders of the Swamp of Ebenezer, and when the time is right, when you're holding onto the story by your fingernails, all will be revealed, and it is worth it. HEADS UP- SPOILER ALERT I 'm going to keep this as spoil free as possible, but you do need to be aware that a part of this story has to do with class separation and an interracial relationship. Because of this there are a couple of scenes of parental defiance along the way.

REAL POEMS FOR REAL MOMS by Rachel S. Donahue Real Poems for Real Moms: From a Mother in the Trenches to Another by Rachel S. Donahue is PURE GOLD, and that is why it's one of my TOP PICKS! Dear momma, if you are currently in the trenches of young children motherhood or if you have flashbacks of "been there done that" and can laugh at the memories, then this book is for you! There are so many poems that are just the truth of life for a momma in this delightful book, but the Diaper Haikus sprinkled throughout are worth the purchase of this book alone! This would be a perfect gift for the mommas in your life! And be assured - this one is going to be an upcoming book club pick!! I have so many memories of younger days and "events" that happened that these poems reminded me of, and I can't wait to hear your memories or current life as well!

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Shakespeare- First of all, dear ones, welcome to this fantastic journey into the past! Most of us enter the Shakespearean World trembling a bit, but have heart, we're going to see each other through and hopefully enjoy the journey in the process! This intro is to help us gain some tools to help make the trek a bit easier. First of all, if you have the Folger edition of The Taming of the Shrew, you will notice that the original text is always on the right hand pages. The left side is reserved for definitions and helps on understanding phrases within the passages. Second, read the week's reading and if you would like, get on a site such as Spark Notes and read the summary to help you connect the dots. This is not cheating! This is using your resources! Now, let's talk about Shakespeare and his writing! It is accepted that Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. We don't know the exact date, but he was baptized on April 26, 1564. There is no official record of his education. We have a guess where he attended school, but it is unknown how long he attended. Because we know so little about Shakespeare, there are theories that he actually did not write the plays. Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, and others are considered possibilities of penning the great works. (I tend to think he existed.) Not all of his work, but a large part of it is written in iambic pentameter. This is the rhythm of the poetry that is made up of a repetition of a weak beat followed by a strong beat repeated five times in succession. In other words- da-Dum da-Dum da-Dum da-Dum da-Dum Now apply it to a line- Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day A couple other things to bear in mind are:  Capitalization - if you see a word capitalized that normally wouldn't be it is because Shakespeare is adding emphasis to the word. Punctuation- do not pause at the end of a line that has no punctuation. Continue it until you come to a period or comma to understand the complete thought. There is more I could give you, but this is a good start! Most of what I shared comes from a curriculum called Why Shakespeare? Indeed! By Amanda Murray. For more pointers/in-depth study I do recommend this great 80 page resource!

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Why does Taming of the Shrew (TOTS) have an Induction? What is the purpose of it? I did a bit of reading on this and here are some of the main thoughts: 1. Shakespeare introduces some of the class distinctions of the day. Can you imagine the following in today's world? A drunk man passes out in your favorite restaurant. As you watch him lying there a wealthy man and his friends pull up in their Lambos. They notice the passed out man and decide to play a trick on him. They're staying at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas in the Empathy Suite ($100,000 a night), and they think it would be a hoot to take this man, set him up there, and when he wakes up rejoice over his awakening from a coma they thought he would never recover from. (I know he would technically be in the hospital in today's world, but stay with me!) They convince him of his wealth, his lifestyle, his beautiful wife, his money, etc, etc. What happens to that man after he lives that way for awhile, and then finds out he's actually a drunk street bum that they used? Shakespeare shows us class roles and the power they can wield over others. 2. Shakespeare also introduces us to the idea of switching roles. Sly has been switched to an upper class lord and we're going to see some other characters switch roles within this play. 3. Shakespeare shows us that TOTS is actually a play within a play. The Induction is the "real" situation and what happens between Katherine, Bianca, Lucentio, Hortensio, Petruchio, and all the others is a play being performed for the supposed wealthy Sly and his wife. It's not real. Even though this play is a comedy, I feel as if an element of cruelty has been introduced. We'll see where it goes! Next week Act 1, Scene 1.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Our reading opens up with an exchange between Lucentio and his servant Tranio. Lucentio is thrilled at arriving in Padua to study philosophy. Tranio entreats him not to be a bore - to not only concentrate on his studies and give up the fun things in life. I have to chuckle as I write this, because we all know what happens next. Baptista enters with his two daughters, sharp-tongued Katherine and beautiful, sweet tempered Bianca. Bianca has Gremio and Hortensio trailing behind her all googly-eyed, while a man won't get within 10 feet of Katherine. Lucentio sees Bianca and all thoughts of furthering his education go flying out the window. (Obviously he took Tranio's suggestion!) Baptista makes a decision. No one can marry Bianca until Katherine is married. (Did anyone feel a Leah/Rachel vibe?) Did you hear the audible gasp and see the looks that passed between the suitors? Katherine married? Who in the world would take her on? Meanwhile Baptista does allow the furthering of his daughters' education. The light bulb pops up over Lucentio's head. He and Tranio can switch spots, and he will tutor the fair Bianca. There is only one person that could ruin it for him at this stage and that is Biondello, his other servant. But how does he ensure that Biondello will keep the secret? He spins a deceitful tale and Biondello agrees to keep his secret. The scene ends with Sly (from the induction) looking at his (fake) wife and commenting on the play. Couple of extra notes- note the role changing we are experiencing again already. Anybody else want to start addressing everyone in the house as "sirrah?" I know it is hailing a social inferior, but I just like calling it out!

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW - by William Shakespeare Scene 2 begins with Petruchio and his servant Grumio. In my mind, Grumio is a little bit like Amelia Bedelia. He is always getting things twisted around and can't give a straight answer to save his life. For example, Petruchio tells Grumio to "knock me here soundly" which means to knock on the gate. Grumio takes his words literally which results in having his ears twisted! Whose gate are they knocking at? Bianca's suitor Hortensio who is Petruchio's good friend. Tuck that away in your mind. We'll revisit that in a few weeks! So what brings Petruchio to Pudua? Petruchio's father is dead, he is searching for a wife, and to expand his fortune. Hortensio jumps at this. Remember his problem? Bianca cannot be married until Katherine is! He tells Petruchio about Katherine, her sharp tongue and her money. Petruchio is game for the challenge. After all money is involved! I love his answer to the suitors where he tells them he's heard a lion roar, the sea puffed up with winds, heaven's thunder, and on . He ends with his assurance that Katherine's tongue is nothing compared to these things. The suitors marvel at him and agree to pay his courting expenses for what he is about to do. As a last note, Lucentio and Tranio seem to be settling into their new roles well.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Any of us that have girls have to appreciate how this scene opens. I happen to have 4. We open with a squabble. Now, Katherine does take it too far. She has her sister's hands tied and she ends up slapping her across the face. What are they arguing about? The suitors. Baptista happens upon this skirmish and consoles Bianca. Katherine gives him a good tongue lashing before she exits. Baptista shakes his head unsure of how to handle this latest outburst. BUT then the sky clears and a light beam shines down as Petruchio enters. He asks if Baptista is the father of Katherine "the fair and virtuous. We just have to chuckle a moment after that wench's performance just a few minutes earlier. Baptista admits that he has a daughter named Katherine. His silence on acknowledging her character (or lack there of) is telling. Baptista has to be dumbfounded that someone has shown up to woo Katherine. In the middle of this exchange we have 2 tutors introduced for Katherine and Bianca. Hortensio is Litio and Lucentio is Cambio. Baptista and Petruchio take a stroll together. Baptista shares what Katherine's dowry will be, but warns him of Katherine's sharp tongue. He also says Petruchio must win Katherine's love. Petruchio is up for the challenge. The best part of this scene in my opinion is the exchange between Katherine and Petruchio. She lets him have it, and he takes everything and shoots it back. He tells her that what he heard about her was a lie. She is actually "pleasant" and as "sweet as springtime flowers." He tells her the dowry has been agreed on and whether she likes it or not, he will marry her. When her father enters Petruchio tells her not to deny it. She mutters a bit, but she never outright tells him no. The play doesn't tell us why, but I have to stop and wonder what she's thinking. Is she amazed at the verbal banter he was able to keep up with her on or is she just so happy to have a suitor? Not sure. We are getting a glimpse of his personality, though. He is used to getting what he wants. He won't take no for an answer. Is he a savior or a monster? I know I've already talked a lot about this act, but we have one more thing to cover. This is what I am going to call the auction of Bianca. Katherine is out of the way, so the bidding begins between Tranio as Lucentio and Gremio. (Poor Hortensio isn't even here to be a part.) Tranio wins the bidding as to what he will bring, but it all hinges on Vincentio, Lucentio's father, agreeing to it. Now this deception takes a whole new turn. They need to find someone who will be willing to play the part of Vincentio.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Scene 1 takes us to Bianca's lessons with Lucentio (as Cambio) and Hortensio ( as Litio). It's all on for these guys now that Katherine is set to marry Petruchio. Lucentio is happily teaching Bianca Latin. As he "translates" the passage to her, he actually is attempting to woo her. Bianca responds back with her uncertainties. Meanwhile, Hortensio wants in on the action. He tunes his instrument and breaks into their discussion ready to have his turn. They shoo him away and tell him to keep tuning. When his time finally does come, he has crafted a scale of sorts but imbedded it with his feelings. Bianca in no uncertain terms tells him she is not interested. From there we go to Petruchio and Katherine's wedding scene. Only our groom has not shown up. Katherine exits weeping, wondering if she's been stood up. Then our groom arrives, and he is a mess. His clothing is not fit for a wedding. His horse is a diseased nag. Baptista tells him he's an "eyesore" and Tranio insists that he change. Petruchio denies him. After all, Katherine is marrying him not his clothing and off he goes. (We go from bad to worse.) Standing before the priest, Petruchio swears and strikes him knocking the poor man over. He grabs his wife and plants the biggest kiss ever. Can you imagine how horrific and embarrassing this entire wedding is? Then, to top it all off, Petruchio refuses to stay for the reception. Acting as if he is protecting her from jealous men, he insists they leave. He announces that Kate is his property now. Gotta love that little speech! Oh, Kate. What have you gotten yourself into?

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare We are getting more of an understanding of Petruchio and who he really is. Grumio tells Curtis (another servant) about the horrible trip home. (Remember Petruchio insisted they all leave right after the wedding.) We learn that Katherine's horse fell with her on it, and she ends up underneath it. Petruchio, instead of helping her, begins beating Grumio. Katherine works her way out and comes to Grumio's aid. Petruchio and Katherine's horses run away. It's a nonstop disaster and we're not done yet. When they arrive home Petruchio rails at his servants about everything. Nothing is done to his liking. He calls them names and hits them. They bring him meat. He claims it is burnt. Katherine tries to intercede on their behalf, but Petruchio won't have it. (Who is the Shrew now?) They don't eat. He tells her there will be more meat tomorrow. Scene 1 ends with Petruchio sharing with us his plan on the treatment of Katherine. She is no more to him than his falcon. He will starve her and not let her sleep, and through this he will break her "to make her come and know her keeper's call." He calls this behavior "killing with kindness." In our day and age it would be abuse. Scene 2- Tranio (as Lucentio) and Hortensio are watching Bianca and Cambio (the real Lucentio) as they kiss and talk. Tranio is thrilled because this is what he and Lucentio hoped for. Hortensio throws in the towel and decides to marry a wealthy widow who has declared her love for him. We close the scene out with a merchant that Biondello has spotted that can play Vincentio (Lucentio's father- remember they need someone to agree to the dowry). Tranio approaches him. When he finds out he is from Mantua Tranio invents a story. He tells the merchant that the Duke from Mantua and the one from Padua are warring with each other. It is death to citizens from one to cross into the other, BUT Tranio can help him. The merchant, freaked out at this point, is ready to agree to anything. He can become Vincentio while he is there. After all they even resemble each other ( to which Biondello side remarks, "about as much as an apple resembles an oyster"). Tranio, as Lucentio, tells him that they are expecting his father to come and to agree to the dowry for the upcoming wedding. He'll instruct him what to say when the time is right. The merchant is in. We have our Vincentio.