On the Owl’s Calendar: Mary Elizabeth Nelson’s Catla and the Vikings

When: Thursday, 19 April 2012 at 7:00 pm
Where: Owl’s Nest Books, 815A 49th Avenue SW
Who: Mary Elizabeth Nelson, with her new young-adult historical Catla and the Vikings.

About the Book
In the fall of 1066, a thirteen-year-old Anglo-Saxon girl named Catla watches from afar as Viking raiders burn her village and imprison her family and the other villagers. No one sees her as she flees toward Aigber, the closest village, praying the people there will help. Catla must ignore her terror as she makes her way to the standing stones, a place of refuge, where she meets Sven, an older boy from her village. Together, they continue toward Aigber and are able to alert the village of the coming peril. Catla and Sven rally the villagers of Aigber, and with Catla’s help, a plan is put in place that will save both villages from the Nord-devils.

About the Author
Mary Elizabeth Nelson was born in Calgary, Alberta and spent most of her life there, some of it as a teacher and teacher-librarian at Springbank Junior high and for the Calgary Board of Education. She also has lived in Montreal and Winnipeg. Some years ago, she moved to Duncan, Vancouver Island. She has previously published bits of poetry and a textbook, Medieval Times, used by the Ontario school system. Catla and the Vikings, a novel for juvenile readers, was published by Orca Books, in March 2012. She has four grown children and three grandchildren. She enjoys the natural world, golf, quilting, calligraphy, and writing.

Published in: on April 2, 2012 at 9:35 am  Leave a Comment  

Junior Owlets: Where the Moutain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

For January, the Junior Owlets read Where the Moutain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

MinLi and her parents live in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain, a bare mountain where nothing seems to flourish.  They work hard, but have barely enough to eat.  Every night, MinLi listens eagerly to the stories her father tells about the Jade Dragon, the evil Magistrate Tiger, and the Old Man in the Moon.  MinLi’s mother hates the stories.  She says they are useless, and only make MinLi a dreamer.  MinLi decides she will find the Old Man in the Moon to try and change her family’s fortune.

- Really liked how the legends tied into the story.
- Liked the characters, particularly Minli.
- Really kept your interest.
- Liked mystical creatures & magic.
- Liked how the characters evolved and came to udnerstand the true meaning of happiness.
- Very thought provoking.
- Lots of adventure.
- Ended way too soon.
- Good book for all ages.
- Loved the illustrations.
- Liked the multiple storylines and how they tied up. Stories within stories.
- Loved the language.
- Feel good book
- Some parts were slower.
- Liked everything tied up together.

Final score: 9.166661 out of 10.

The next meeting of Junior Owlets will be on Saturday the 4th of Feburary 2012 at 9:00am.   The book up for discussion is Feather Brain and we we have a special guest, the book’s author, Maureen Bush!

From the book’s description:

Lucas has dinosaurs on the brain, but he’s a little short on friends. When he gets a new book on how to make model dinosaurs, he’s inspired to make one immediately. He’s not so inspired by his new dinosaur-making kit: all the box contains is a test tube of clear liquid and a few instructions. But when he mixes the liquid into his papier-maché goop, he gets much more than he bargained for, including the most unlikely friend.

If you’re a kid in grades 3 to 6 and are interested in joining Junior Owlet’s, we’d love to have you.  Membership is free and open all year.  Just give us a call at 403-287-9557, email us at owlsnestbooks@shaw.ca or just drop in to one of the meetings.

Published in: on January 14, 2012 at 5:15 pm  Leave a Comment  

Junior Owlets: The Boggart by Susan Cooper

This month, the Junior Owlets (grades 3 to 6) read The Boggart by Susan Cooper.

When the Volnick family inherits a castle in Scotland, they have no idea tht is had been the home for centuries of a mischievious, pratcal joke loving shapeshifter known and the Boggart. Accidentally transported to Toronto, the Boggart finds many opportunities for mischeif making and trickery.  It’s up to the Volnick children to get him back home.

Comments from the Junior Owlets:

Loved all the characters.
Really enjoyed the humour.
Some parts slowed down, but if continued picked up again.
Computer part went on a bit long.
Some extremely funny parts.
Kept wondering what the Boggart would do next.
Glad that the Boggart got homesick at first rather than continuing to do tricks.
Liked the descriptions of the characters.
Liked how the Boggart’s description was elusive.
Would have liked more details.
Loved the theatre scene.  Good nex of funny & pathos.
Believeable characters.
Good build to climax.
Although an older book, it stands up well today.
Laugh out loud funny.

Final score: 9.1571428

The next Junior Owlets meeting will be on Saturday the 3rd of December at 9:00am.  The book under discussion will be When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

If you’re a kid in grades 3 to 6 and are interested in joining Junior Owlet’s, we’d love to have you.  Membership is free and open all year.  Just give us a call at 403-287-9557, email us at owlsnestbooks@shaw.ca or just drop in to one of the meetings.

Published in: on November 5, 2011 at 3:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
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June Events at the Nest

Upcoming events in June! 

Tuesday, 1 June 2010 @ 4:30pm - Senior Owlets Book Club Meeting, discussing Skin Hunger by Kathleen Dufy. 

Saturday, 5 June 2010 @ 9:00am – Junior Owlets Book Club Meeting, discussing The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Paving It Forward by Elizabet Fayt

Wednesday, 9 June 2010 @ 7:00pm – Presentation and signing with Elizabeth Fayt, author of Paving it Forward.  She is the founder and owner of RnR Wellness salon and spa. 

The Lucky Elephant Restaurant by Garry Ryan

Tuesday, 15 June 2010 @ 4:30pm – Fledlings Book Club Meeting, discussing Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. 

Wednesday, 16 June 2010 @ 7:30pm – Hootdunnit Mystery Book Club Meeting, discussing The Lucky Elephant Restaurant by Garry Ryan (Mr. Ryan will be joining us for the discussion)

Hope to see you there!

Published in: on May 31, 2010 at 12:37 pm  Leave a Comment  

Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. ~Voltaire

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling: a perrenial favourite of book-banners everywhere.

As part of Canada’s Freedom to Read Week, the Owl’s Nest was honoured to be the host venue of the presentation of the Calgary Freedom of Expression Award. 

From the Calgary Freedom to Read Week website:

The Calgary Freedom of Expression Award was instituted by Sandpiper Books following an attempt in the Alberta Legislature to ban John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. The award is now sponsored by Fast Forward (FFWD). Past winners have included the late educator Lorne McRae, author and journalist Ken McGoogan, former Producing Director of Alberta Theatre Projects Michael Dobbin, former owner of Sandpiper Books and founder of the award Kerry Longpré, puppeteer Ronnie Burkett, Calgary Alderman Suzanne Higgins, former Calgary Member of the Legislative Assembly Gary Dickson, writers Bob Stallworthy and Tony King, Group of Six Billion (G6B) organizer Lynn Foster and Pages on Kensington owner, the late Catherine McKay.

The award was presented last night to the staff and volunteers of the Calgary Public Library, from the board that sets policies to those on the front lines with the patrons, helping them choose books that would be suitable for their family. 

The award was accepted by Gerry Meek, the Director of the CPL, on behalf of the library. 

And Tango Makes Three by Richardson & Parnell

And Tango Makes Three by Richardson & Parell: based on the true story of a same-sex pair of penguins who successfully hatched an egg that would otherwise have died.

The evening also included a reading of the children’s picture book And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, which was the book presented this year to Calgary Council to help bring awareness to the subject of the continued banning and challenging of  books.  

We also heard essays from the three winners of the Freedom to Read Essay contest sponsored by the Calgary Public Library for junior high students.  These essays will form part of the 2011 Freedom to Read kit.  Congratulations to the winners. 

The Owl’s Nest owners and staff would like the thank the Freedom to Read Committee for their ongoing hard work and for the opportunity to participate in such a great event.

Published in: on February 26, 2010 at 7:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Wine and Literary Pairings with the members of CalgaryAuthors.com

A good glass of wine and a great book, what could be better? 

With the members of calgaryauthors.com and the staff of Britannia Wine Merchants, Owl’s Nest is pleased to present a series of evenings featuring wine and literary pairings.

On Thursday, 18 February 2010 we will host:

Helena Kalivoda, author of Awaken
Expressive, eye opening, compelling, balanced, powerful, victorious.

Fred Elford, author of Sometimes, I Fly
Contemplative, thoughtful, warm, questioning.

S. Roger Joyeux, author of The Story of Light
Full-Bodied, divine, light.

Beth Castle, author of Oxygen Mask
Deep and bold with a sweet finish.

On Tuesday, 23 February, we will host:

Jeane Waiter, author of Life’s Song and A Song of the Heart
Light/refreshing, rich undertones, charming/sweet, nuances of flavour, sparkling, pleasing aftertaste.

Suzanne Alexander-Heaton, author of The ABC Field Guide to Faeries
Earthy, enchanting, humorous, mystical, playful.

Heather Good, author of Conscious Mindful Leadership
Refreshing, brilliant powerful clarity.

Tina Thrussel, author of Believe in Yourself, You Are Awesome: Journaling With Intention
Clean, balanced, brilliant and charming.

Please join us on the 18th, the 23rd or on both nights for some great wines and to meet these authors and hear their inspiring stories.

Published in: on February 5, 2010 at 1:28 pm  Leave a Comment  

Local Authors to Visit Junior and Senior Owlets!

In February, both Junior and Senior Owlets Book Clubs will be host to local authors.  Kids, this is your chance to have a visit with a real published author and discuss their books.  Bring your questions about their books, their jobs or anything to do with becoming an author yourself.  The authors will also be happy to sign copies of their book after the visit!

Senior Owlets (Grades 6 to 9)
Tuesday, 2 February 2010 @ 4:30pm
Rebecca Tingle, author of The Edge on the Sword.

Junior Owlets (Grades 3 to 6)
Saturday, 6 February 2010 @ 9:00am
Jan Markley, author of Dead Frog on the Porch.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

Published in: on January 25, 2010 at 5:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Review from Judith: The Lacemaker and the Princess by Karen Brubaker Bradley

The Lacemaker and the Princess by Karen Brubaker Bradley
Mid-grade novel, paperback $8.99

What’s the next best thing to being a princess? 

Being a princess’s best friend, of course. 

In The Lacemaker and the Princess, Karen Brubaker Bradley creates a child’s-eye view of the glamourous & wasteful world of the Palace of Versailles in the months leading up to the French Revolution. 

Eleven-year-old Isabelle lives in the small town of Versailles and works with her mother and grandmother to make lace for the lords and ladies who live in the Palace. When making a delivery one day, Isabelle is, by a fateful encounter with Marie Antoinette, plucked from her poverty-stricken family and made a companion to the Princess Marie-Therese, known to history as Madame Royale. Isabelle suddenly finds herself wearing pretty dresses and having her hair combed daily.

But without Isabelle’s help, her family cannot make enough lace to pay their bills. As the price of bread rises, unrest grows not only in the little town surrounding the Palace, but also in nearby Paris, even Isabelle’s brother starts to use a dangerous new word “Revolution”…

Based on true events and full of historical personages, The Lacemaker and the Princess shows both the glamour and the poverty that led to one of the history’s greatest political upheavels.

Judith

Published in: on October 14, 2009 at 2:50 pm  Leave a Comment  

Review from Kelsey: The Balloon Tree, by Phoebe Gilman

The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman, ppk $7.99

The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman, ppk $7.99

This story first captivated me when I was six years old.  It tells the story of the young Princess Leora whose father goes away on a trip.  He tells her that if she is in any danger she is to let a balloon fly and he will come back home.  As soon as her father leaves, her uncle the Archduke seizes the chance he’s been waiting for to take over the kingdom.  His first order is to pop all the balloons in the kingdom.  This tells the story of her search for a balloon to bring her father back to the kingdom so that all will be better again.  The illustrations are expressive and it’s great to read to children that are between five and eight. 

Published in: on November 25, 2008 at 12:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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