Family Book Club Year in Review: "Mimus" by Lilli Thal
by Tess
On Monday, Dec. 28 at 5p.m., Family Book Club will be meeting to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Each Monday of December I will be posting a short book recommendation for four of my favorite novels that I read in 2020.
"Mimus" by Lilli Thal
Originally written in German and translated to English by John Brownjohn, this a fantasy novel set in a fictional country with a medieval time period setting. King Philip and King Theodo have been at war for years yet peace looks within reach. King Philip agrees to a meeting with King Theodo to sign a peace treaty. King Philip's son, Prince Florin, follows a few days behind his father. Yet, they are betrayed. Upon reaching King Theodo's court, Prince Florin sees his father in chains and he himself is forced to become the jester's apprentice.
Mimus, the jester, must entertain King Theodo with witty jokes, songs, and acrobatics. Reluctantly he takes Prince Florin in and, just as reluctantly, Florin learns the jester's tricks. Throughout the story, Prince Florin, who is now reduced to a slave, must try to find a way to escape with his father and seek revenge on the evil King Theodo. He also forms an interesting relationship with Mimus, his jester master.
This is one of my favorite children's books of all time and I re-read it this year. I know I will read it again in the future! It is well-written, dark, humorous, and readers will eagerly read to find out what happens to Prince Florin, his father, and Mimus.
Parts of the story are unpleasant as Prince Florin and King Philip are not treated well. It is also suspenseful in places. I recommend for ages 9+.
Order a copy of "Mimus" by Lilli Thal through Prospector with your Aurora Public Library card.
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
Out of My Shell: Chapters 12-23
1. Olivia helped the sea turtle by smashing the pool's emergency light. Was this the right thing to do?
2. Now the turtle has made a nest, Olivia realizes the eggs are not safe. What does she try to do to protect them?
3. Since her barrier didn't work, what do you think she'll try next?
4. If you were in Olivia's shoes, what would YOU do?
5. She left the nest alone and the eggs hatched but some of the babies went the wrong way! Do you think calling the aquarium was a good idea?
6. Everything resolves itself well in the end and Lanie teaches Olivia to see a bit of hope in their situation. How did you like the book?
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a
live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via
Zoom! Register here.
Read It! "The Little Shop of Found Things" by Paula Brackston
by Nicole
Hello there! Like I said before, I am giving my reviews on the books that have been chosen to read in my virtual Wisconsin book club group! Once a month, we all get together on videochat and discuss the book we picked for that month. It’s been great to catch up with them since we moved out here, and even better being able to discuss books! Our next book we picked to read was “The Little Shop of Found Things” by Paula Brackston.
This was actually the book I recommended to the group because I had read other novels by Paula Brackston such as “The Witch’s Daughter” and “The Winter Witch”. She mostly writes historical fantasy novels which is why I was excited to read another book by her. “The LIttle Shop of Found Things” was published in 2018 and categorized as a historical fiction, romance and fantasy novel. All good genres rolled into one! This book is about a young woman named Xanthe (pronounced Z-an-thee) and her mother Flora who move from London to a tiny town named Marlborough for a fresh start. Xanthe has a unique gift, when she touches an antique they “sing” to her. Meaning she senses the stories they hold and where they might have come from. Xanthe and her mother open up an antiques shop, with the hopes of Xanthe’s gift will help them flourish. As they are preparing to open the shop, Xanthe finds an intense connection to a silver chatelaine. As she tries to examine it more, Xanthe is transported back to the chatelaine’s origins, the 17th Century. An unkown spirit also appears seeking Xanthe’s help by saving her daughter, who was wrongly accused. As Xanthe tries to save this girl in 1605, she also meets an architect named Samuel Appleby. Can he help her succeed in her quest or will he become the reason she can’t bear to leave?
I loved this concept of having a gift like that where you can touch objects and learn their past and stories, and some be able to visit the time of their origins. Xanthe is an admirable and loveable character who wants to help her mom succeed with their antique shop, while also wanting to help pure strangers such as the spirit and her daughter. Not only is there time-travel but also a budding romance. Xanthe finds herself desperately attempting to fit into the seventeeth century but also keeping to her true personality in the presence of Samuel. While we did enjoy the story, there were times we did feel that is a slower developing story than most. It takes some time for us to learn the chatelaine’s importance and why it’s so imperative that the spirit’s daughter must be saved. However if you enjoy a slower paced storytelling with a hint of romance, you will enjoy this book. And bonus: it’s part of a series! The sequel, “Secrets of the Chocolate House”, was published in 2019. And expected sometime this year will be the third installment of the series, “The Garden of Promises and Lies”.
For books similar to the "Little Shop of Found Things", check out “The Book Charmer” (Dove Pond, #1) by Karen Hawkins, “Midnight at the Blackbird Café” by Heather Webber and “The Witch's Kind” by Louisa Morgan.
Check back for my review of our next book club pick - “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
Out of My Shell: Chapters 6-11
- If you could get a personalized donut, what would you put on it?
- After meeting Mr. Shaw, do you think Olivia will have much luck when she gets to speak to him about the turtle?
- Lanie and Olivia have fun creating "cross animals" like the squidopus. Come up with your own combination animal!
- Did you think Olivia's dad would visit for her birthday?
- Have you ever had such a disappointing birthday? Do you think things will turn around for Olivia?
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a
live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via
Zoom! Register here.
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
Chapters 1 - 5 Discussion Questions
- Olivia feels sad about her parent's divorce but doesn't want to bring the rest of her family down. Have you ever felt something that you wanted to hide?
- Have you ever been on a vacation to the beach? What is your favorite activity to do at the beach?
- What is your favorite sea animal?
- I love aquariums! Do you? Kayaking, not so much. Have you been kayaking?
- Talking with Aiden's grandpa did not work. What do you think Olivia will do next to help the sea turtle?
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a
live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via
Zoom! Register here.
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
"Out of My Shell" Suggested Reading Schedule:
- Monday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 8: Chapters 1 - 5
- Monday, Nov. 9 - Sunday, Nov. 15: Chapters 6 - 11
- Monday, Nov. 16 - Sunday, Nov. 22: Chapters 12 - 17
- Monday, Nov. 23 - Monday, Nov. 30: Chapters 18 - 23
Check our blog every Monday for discussion questions as you read!
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.
APL Reader's Corner
with Tessy & Elizabeth
Welcome to Reader's Corner! This month we're exploring fantasy/science fiction with the book "Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir.Available with your library card from our OverDrive & Hoopla collections here.
GIDEON THE NINTH: The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines and no more time for undead nonsense.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won't set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die. Of course, some things are better left dead.
Discussion Questions
- What did you love about this book?
- Who is your favorite minor character?
- Which of Gideon the Ninth's nine houses would you be assigned to?
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October!
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Chapters 26-38 Questions
· Do you think Iris and her grandma should lie to Iris's mother in order to go to Alaska?
· Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go?
· Would you have told Andi that you were coming or surprise her?
· Have you ever seen a whale swimming in the ocean, jumping into the air?
· Do you think the waterproof speak Iris made will work?
Register here to meet the author of "Song for a Whale", Lynne Kelly, on Monday, Oct. 26 @ 5pm!
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October!
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Chapters 13 - 25 Questions:
- How do you think Blue 55 feels?
- What did you think of Iris working with the band to create a song for Blue 55? I was really impressed that she added even more to it using the app!
- Do you think Iris wants to help the whale because she relates with him or because she wants to fix him?
- How did you feel when Iris's parents and Andi said she couldn't go to Alaska?
- Would you be brave enough to fly somewhere alone? I'm so glad Iris's grandmother agreed to go along!
Leave your thoughts on the book so far in the comments.
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October! Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD, and as an e-audiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Song For a Whale Suggested Reading Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 4: Chapters 1-12
Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 11: Chapters 13-25
Monday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 18: Chapters 26-38
Monday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 25: Chapters 39-48
Monday, Oct. 26 - Book Talk With Award-Winning Author Lynne Kelly!
Chapters 1-12 (Leave your thoughts in the comments below)
- Have you ever had a teacher that was prejudiced toward you or someone in your class for being different?
- Why do you think Iris reacted so strongly when she learned about Blue 55?
- Has anything ever meant so much to you that you thought about it all the time?
- Do you like to build or fix things? What do you like to build or fix?
- Iris is passionate about fixing radios. She worked hard to become good at it. What is something you are passionate about?
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