BOOKS
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
This one continues the series begun by the late Stieg Larsson, and Lagercrantz does a great job staying true to the feel of the original books and characters - though I often wonder how much credit should go to the translator.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A work of fiction that had me assessing my parenting practices - and how my every action and word can be interpreted by my daughters. There were several times I felt physical pain reading this book, and the tears flowed.
Let Me Die In His Footsteps by Lori Roy
Once I got the rhythm of the back-and-forth-in-time style (1936 and 1952), this one about secrets in Kentucky family had me hooked.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
I'm recommending this one for kids. My 2/3 class is loving it as a read-aloud, and children always love DiCamillo's relatable characters (usually with an animal involved, like the four-legged Winn-Dixie). Funny, but with lots of teachable moments about relationships along the way. (I also told the kids that before I had an internet presence, every time I tried to Google myself I just got information about this book!)
MOVIES
No Escape (Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan)
This was my only trip to the theater last month, and it was worth it for this action-packed thriller about a family overseas caught in the middle of a political uprising. I have to say though - I'm not a judgy parent (I swear, I'm really not) but if your child needs a booster seat, she is too young for this movie (rated 14A in Canada, R in the US). It is violent and disturbing, with child characters involved. Just no.
Also, random note: Pierce Brosnan is only three years younger than my dad. That's all.
CONTESTS FOR KIDS
Do your kids love to write or cook? A couple of amazing contests have come through my Inbox lately:
Kids Write 4 Kids
- Open to Canadian students in Grades 4-8
- No entry fee
- Winning entries are made into ebooks (printed books available too)
- Revenues from winners' ebook sales get donated to the children's schools
Little Chef Casting Call (from The Marilyn Denis Show and The Little Potato Company)
- Open to Canadian children ages 8-13 (so my 7 year old souschef can't apply!)
- Create a video of your child sharing an original recipe using little potatoes
- Visit Marilyn's website to submit video
- Grand prize is a family adventure in Paris, France!
Have a fantastic October, everyone!