A House for Hermit Crab

Title: A House for Hermit Crab
Author: Eric Carle
Genre: Children's

I know this blog has been primarily directed towards adult fiction. I've thrown in a few non-fiction here and there and plan on reviewing more non-fiction in the future. However, yesterday, my daughter brought home a book from school by one of my favorite children's writers: Eric Carle. When she asked me to cozy up with her on the sofa to read the book, I was not at all intimidated by the "wordiness" of this longer picture book and as it turned out, it was a very timely story. So timely, I wanted to include it here on my blog.

The story is about Hermit Crab and how one day he realizes he has outgrown his shell. He is very brave as he moves about the ocean floor looking for a new home. Sure enough, he finds a new shell for his home, but decides it is rather plain. As Hermit Crab ventures around the ocean floor, each month, he meets a new friend that will come be a part of his new home. After the sea anemone, the star fish, coral, snails, sea urchin, lantern fish, and pebbles all become a part of his "home", he realizes that he has once again out grown his shell and must find a new place to live. Sure enough, another, smaller, hermit crab comes along and promises to be kind to Hermit Crabs friends if he can have his old shell. Hermit Crab once again ventures out of his old shell, and crawls along the bottom of the ocean and spies a new home. It's a little plain but he is excited about the possibilities!

Becuase our own family has just moved to another state, I really enjoyed this Eric Carle classic. Mr. Carle has over 40 books currently in print (and dozens more that are no longer in print)and I have found many of them at my local library. I also own a handful of my own (I just let my pre-schooler borrow them!) If I have babysat for you...(you know who you are!!), know that you have most likely heard a handful of Eric Carl's stories. I've included his website on the side bar and hope you get a chance to check it out.

One more thing... my next children's review will be The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (I want to re-read this classic before the movie comes out in December)

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down

Title: The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down
Author: Neta Jackson
Genre: Women's Fiction

This is the second in the series of Yada Yada groups and I must admit, the book is a little different from anything I've read before. The story is about Jodi Baxter and her 12 prayer partner friends that make up the Yada Yada prayer group. All 12 ladies come from different backgrounds and nationalities. You must read the first book in the series to understand what is going on in this second book.

The Yada Yada...Get's Down book has a great story about forgiveness. Especially forgiveness that transcends generational differences. I was really touched at the end to watch Denny (watch out...plot buster here) ask MaDear forgiveness for a crime he didn't even commit. Jodi also learns a lesson on forgiveness as she still wrestles with her own thoughts and nightmares concerning the manslaughter of Jamal Wilkins. My favorite thing about the book was watching all American girl, Jodi Baxter, really grow in her Christian faith. Jodi and I have a lot of similarities and it was certainly an eye opener.

Like I said, the book affords a great story about forgiveness. The only downside is that this great story is buried in 400 pages. Just like the previous book, it takes a while to trudge through the story and once you get near the end, the plot really picks up. This could be because there are 13 other sub-characters and more still being introduced. The book trods a little slow, but is very easy reading none the less. Of course, there are still a few strings left hanging and we'll all want want to get the third in the series, The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real (still followed by a 4th book, "Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough). Although I'm curious as to who the handsome man sitting next to Avis Johnson in church on Sunday really was, and what is going to happen between Florida and her daughter Carla, and will Noney really come back from South Africa with her boys? I just might wait for the movie.