The Castle in the Attic

Introduction

The Castle in the Attic, by Elizabeth Winthrop encouraged me to try to find some more of this author’s books. Before I read this unfamiliar book, I thought that it wouldn’t appeal to me, so I decided not to read it for a while. Then, I finally didn’t have anything to read I started to read this book. Suddenly, it appealed to me and I kept reading. This is basically what happened in this book; One day William, a ten year old boy receives a large stone castle, given to him by his beloved caretaker with a small lead knight called Silver Knight or Sir Simon. One miraculous night, right before William went to bed, he took out the Silver Knight and as soon as he touched him it came alive! Then, Sir Simon showed him a token that could shrink things. The day that William’s caretaker or Ms. Phillips was to leave, William hid the chivalrous knight in a puny case with the coin and then shoots the shrink-beam to stop the caretaker from leaving. Then William puts the caretaker in the castle and she lives there. One day Sir Simon wants to reclaim his kingdom and William, who had already shrunk himself decided to go with him. One day they come to a forest where there are many apparitions and Sir Simon gets tricked by an apparition and William goes to town by himself. Many unfamiliar people tell William that he shouldn’t go to the evil wizard - or Alastor but he does anyway. When he goes to Alastor he signs up to be a fool and one day when Alastor has an audience, William decides to destroy Alastor by taking the other coin and facing the mirror. William does that and then goes back to Ms. Phillips and they grow tall again.

I recommend this book for children in grades 3-5.

Jake's Review of Five Children and It

Five Children and It written by E. Nesbit
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

IT all started when Cyril, Anthea, Robert, and Jane all dug in the sand pit (gravel pit) and met a Psammead, and IT granted wishes one time every day. So the children wished for a lot of things and they all come true. The wishes are things like, "we want to be pretty." The Psammead puffs up and grants wishes that way.

I like this book because of all of the special wishes.

Jake's Review of The Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 1, The Capture

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Book 1, The Capture written by Kathryn Lasky
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Soren lives with his family in the forest of Tyto. In Tyto, Soren falls out of his nest and is snatched off the ground and into the dangers of St. Aggie's Orphanage for Orphaned Owls. In St. Aggie's, Gylfie (Soren's friend) meets Soren, and during sleepmarches, Soren and Gylfie stay in the sleep position but talk to each other so they don't get moon-blinked. Then when their flight feathers come in, they fly away to seek their parents.

I like this book because of all the adventures Soren and Gylfie have.

Jake's Review of The Great Ghost Rescue

The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Humphrey and his family are ghosts who live at Craggyford Castle until it was rebuilt into a holiday camp. Luckily, Aunt Hortensia had a phantom carriage, and they looked for a new home. They came across the dormitory and they meet a boy called Rick who makes them a ghost sanctuary...BUT WHAT HAPPENS? You'll find out.

I like this book because it is funny, for example, that Rick helps the ghosts haunt his member of Parliament and makes him believe that ghosts are real.

I recommend this book for ages 5 to 10.

Jake's Review of If You Were at the First Thanksgiving by Anne Kamma

If You Were at the First Thanksgivingby Anne Kamma, Illustrated by Bert Dodson
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

In the year of 1620, a little sailing ship set off on a journey to America. When the pilgrims arrive, they build their houses very quickly because winter would come soon. After the winter, only fifty two people survived, but one day, an Indian, Squanto, walked into their village and asid, "Welcome, Englishmen!" The pilgrims were surprised. Squanto helped them and taught them to grow corn.

Then the pilgrims made a peace treaty with the Indians. Subsequently, the pilgrims invited the Indians over to a feast. Then and there, Thanksgiving began.

I like this book because of all the interesting facts.

I recommend this book for 5 to 9 year olds.

Jake's Review of The Lost Years of Merlin

The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Merlin is a boy who sails away from his homeland and lands in a magical land of Fincayra. When his friend Rhia is captured by warrior goblins, Merlin starts out on a quest to the Shrouded Castle where the evil king, Stangmar, lies.

I liked this book because of the seven powers that Stangmar has. I also enjoyed this book because of all the friendly and adventurous people that Merlin encounters.

I recommend this book for ages 9 to 12.

Jake's Review of Martin the Warrior

Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Martin is one of the rodent slaves at Marshank. Marshank is a fort for slaves ruled by a villain called Badrang. Martin is stuck in a prison cell with Felldoh and Brome. Then they escape and set off on a journey to Noonvale.

I like this book because of Martin and Felldoh's bravery.

I recommend this book for 8 to 12 year olds.

Jake's Review of The Twits

The Twits by Roald Dahl
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

The Twits are two repugnant people who have monkeys they treat like slaves. The sad monkeys have to do tricks on their heads for six hours per day.

The oldest monkey decides to play a trick on the twits using the stickiest glue in the world with the help of his bird friends. They paint the ceiling brown and the floor white while the Twits are out. When the Twits return, the birds drop glue on their heads. The Twits think they are upside down, so they stand on their hands and they are stuck forever.

I like this book because it is so silly.

I recommend this book for ages 6 to 10.

Jake's Review of The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island

The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

This book is about four exciting characters: Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny. They are living with their Grandfather and he has an island.

The children go to stay on the island. When they get there, they meet Joe. They find Indian things, like an ax head and they start a museum. The children discover that Joe is their cousin. Jessie tells their Grandfather and he is overjoyed.

I like this book because of the things the children find.

I recommend this book for 5 to 10 year olds.

Jake's Review of Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Harry's parents died when Valdomort attacked one night, but somehow he didn't kill Harry. Then Harry had to go live with a muggle family, the only family he had. They all treated him really badly.

Harry does not know he is a wizard until he meets a giant named Hagrid. Harry gets a letter when he meets Hagrid that says he can go to Hogwarts, a school for magicians.

I like this book because of what Harry and his friends figure out: the sorceror's stone.

This is a series of books that are the best children's books you can get. Don't miss buying them.

I recommend this book for 7 to 11 year olds.

Jake's Review of The Valley of Adventure and The Sea of Adventure by Enid Blyton

The Valley of Adventure and The Sea of Adventure written by Enid Blyton
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

In The Valley of Adventure, the plan is to go on a night flight on Bill's plane, but Jack, Lucy-Ann, Dinah and Phillip get on the wrong plane and they have a great adventure.

In The Sea of Adventure, Jack, Lucy-Ann, Dinah and Phillip think they are giong to the loneliest part of teh sea, but they are incorrect. When Bill is kidnapped, the children know that Bill's enemies are near.

I like these books because of all the exiciting adventure, for example, hunting for treasure in the heart of a mountain and driving on a motorcycle in the dead of night searching for Bill.

I recommend these books for kids between 7 and 10.

Jake's Review of Knight's Castle

Knight's Castle by Edward Eager
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

It all starts when Roger and his sister Ann go to Maryland to stay with their Aunt Katherine while their father is in the hospital. Aunt Katherine gets Roger a toy castle, and when he wakes up, the toy soldiers are real and so is the castle.

I like this book because of all the special magic and the way modern people mix with old-time people.

I recommend this book for 5 to 10 year olds and for kids who like magic.

Jake's Review of The BFG

The BFG by Roadl Dahl
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Sophie is awake at the witching hour and she sees a big shadow on the street. The BFG kidnaps Sophie because he doesn't want to be put in the zoo. The BFG is the Big Friendly Giant.

Sophie is lucky that she isn't kidnapped by the Bonecruncher, the Butcher Boy, the Bloodbottler, the Fleshlumpeater, the Childchewer, or the Gizzardgulper. Sophie is very happy with the BFG.

I like this book because of all the funny words that the BFG says; for example, Snozzcumber.

I recommend this book for ages 6 to 10.

Jake's Review of The Ship of Adventure

The Ship of Adventure Written by Enid Blyton
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Philip, Jack, Dinah and Lucy-Ann think they are going on a peaceful cruise but actually it is an adventure. It all starts when Lucy-Ann buys Philip a ship in a bottle. Kiki and Micky, the two pets, get in a fight and Micky throws the bottle on the ground and it breaks. Philip is angry and he takes the ship from Micky. Then Philip finds a drawer in the ship. Lucian, their friend on the cruise, had told them about a treasure map. Philip discovers that the ship drawer contains the map.

When their friend Bill Smugs comes on the cruise, they tell him about the map. Bill and the children go to the island on the map to look for treasure.

I really liked this book because of all the exciting danger they get into. My two favorite characters are Philip and Kiki. Philip is grand because he stands up for things. When Kiki the parrot mixes her words, it is really funny. For example, when she says, "Pop goes the doctor."

I recommend this book for ages 6 to 11.

Jake's Review of the Max and Ruby Series

--Note from Jim: Jake has gotten several requests for books appropriate for slightly younger children, so we will occasionally provide reviews of some of his favorites, starting today.--

The Max and Ruby Series by Rosemary Wells
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

Max and Ruby are the stars of a series of books that I think are very good for kids 1 to 4 years old. Kids will love these books because Max and Ruby are really, really funny. They are bunnies who do lots of silly things. Max always gets Ruby into trouble by all the crazy things he does. Ruby, on the other hand, is nicer and isn't as demanding as Max. Ruby is Max's big sister.

A couple of my favorite parts of these books are when Max buys glow in the dark vampire teeth in Bunny Money and in Dragon Shirt when Max takes the shirt off the shelf, puts it on and has ice cream with some policemen.

Below are several links to some of the Max and Ruby books.

Jake's Review of The Mystery of Pony Hollow

The Mystery of Pony Hollow written by Lynn Hall
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

This book is about Sarah figuring out the mystery of Pony Hollow.  Sarah rides her pony until she finds a stone house in the woods and hears whinnying in the house.

I liked this book because of what happens in the story.  The whinnying is the fun because there is nothing in the house except the bones of a pony.

I recommend this for ages 5 to 9.

Jake's Review of Danny, The Champion of the World

Danny, The Champion of the World written by Roald Dahl
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

This book is about Danny and his father who live in a caravan.  They go on a poaching trip and Danny devises a new way of poaching pheasants.  They poach in horrible Mr. Victor Hazel's woods.

I liked this book because of the poaching in the story.  For example, I liked the creeping and crawling around in the woods when they were looking for pheasants.

I recommend this book for ages 7 to 10.

Jake's Review of Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie

Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy

These two books are in a series of books.  Most of them are about Laura (b. 1867), a girl from Wisconsin.  At first, she lived in the woods and then she moved to the prairie.  The prairie and the woods were hard places to live.

I liked these books because of what people had to do to survive.  For example, when there was a fire on the prairie, they had to plow a furrow and slap the fire with wet sacks.

I recommend this book for ages 7 to 11.

Jake's Review of Freckle Juice

Freckle Juice written by Judy Blume
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This book is about a kid who really wants freckles.  A girl gives him a recipe for freckle juice and instead of giving him freckles, it makes him sick.
 
I liked this book because the kid wants freckles when he looks better without freckles.  And when he spends fifty cents, which is five weeks of allowance, instead he gets sick.
 
I recommend it for ages 6 to 8.

Jake's Review of George's Marvelous Medicine

George's Marvelous Medicine written by Roald Dahl
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
George is in the house with the worst ugly grunion of a grandma that there could ever be.  George thinks he has the worst grandma so he decides to make a marvelous whopping medicine that will help her to get less grouchy.
 
George makes four different medicines, but he only uses one on his grunion (his grandma).  
 
I liked this book because the results of George's medicines were funny.
 
I recommend it for ages 5 to 10. 

Jake's Review of The Boxcar Children: The Mystery of the Spider's Clue

The Boxcar Children:  The Mystery of the Spider's Clue written by Gertrude Chandler
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This is a book from the series called The Boxcar Children.  Jesse, Violet, Henry and Benny.  In this story, the four kids figure out a mystery.
 
Sam Snow has a hunch when he gets a message that says he is supposed to figure out a mystery, so he invites the kids to unravel the mystery. 
 
This is a special book because of what the hollow tree is.
 
I recommend it for ages 5 to 10.

Jake's Review of The Famous Five: Five on a Hike Together

The Famous Five:  Five on a Hike Together written by Enid Blyton
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This book is part of the popular British series The Famous Five.  It has four great characters:  Anne, George, Julian and Dick.  They have a dog, Timmy, who always helps them out of trouble.
 
They go on a hike that turns into a mystery because Dick gets a special map.  When a man, who they think is an escaped prisoner, gives Dick the map, the children go on an adventure to find the treasure on the map.
 
It was so exciting, I couldn't put it down!
 
I recommend it for 7 to 11 year olds.

Jake's Review of Boat Ride with Lillian Two Blossom

Boat Ride with Lillian Two Blossom written by Patricia Polacco
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
The story was mainly about a brother and sister named Will and Sparky going on a trip to the spirits in outer space with their goat Banana Joe and a mysterious woman named Lillian Two Blossom.
 
I liked the magic boat ride that they had.  This was a very magical story.
 
I recommend it for 3 to 7 year olds.

Jake's Review of The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit written by Margery Davidson
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This book is about a boy who got a toy rabbit for Christmas.  The boy loved him so much that he turned real.
 
It is special because of the magic of the boy's love.
 
I really recommend it for ages 4 to 7.

Jake's Review of The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor

The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor written by Margaret Davidson
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This is about the life of Thomas Alva Edison.  Edison was born in the USA.  He invented the light bulb, the phonograph, and the first moving pictures.
 
I liked it because his inventions made our homes better places to live.
 
Recommended for ages 7 to 11.

Jake's Review of The Unwilling Umpire

The Unwilling Umpire written by Ron Roy
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
The book is a fun mystery.  It is from the series called the A to Z Mysteries which is about Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solving the mystery of the missing baseball.
 
I liked it because they met a new kid in the story called Buddy.  Buddy was the umpire's brother whose advice helped solve the mystery.
 
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Jake's Review of The Bears' Famous Invasion of Sicily

The Bears' Famous Invasion of Sicily written by Dino Buzzati
Reviewed by Jake McCarthy
 
This book is about King Leander, a good bear.  The bears come down from the mountains to find food.  The bears fight humans, led by the evil Duke in many conflicts.  Eventually, the bears win after five wars.
 
The bears stay and live with the people and change from good to bad because they adopt bad human ways.
 
I liked it because the author has many funny and strange characters, including one that doesn't even appear!
 
Recommended for Ages 7 to 11.