Doggie Day Today! Grammie Bee's Dog, Clara...

Granpop and Clara

Where?  Key West, FL

As you can see, Clara's pretty much a "Daddy's Dog."  She and Granpop have a close relationship.  She tells him what to do and he's good about minding her.  In fact, he's pretty much attentive to her every need.  Every night she lets him know when it's 9:30PM, and it's time for her walk around the neighborhood to look for rabbits.  She's pretty much unrelenting until he gets up from his easy chair, puts down his tv control, hooks her harness up and follows her outside.

Clara has several tags and signs and "words" to let us know what she wants.  If we don't get her messages right the first time we question her, she'll just sit quietly.  If we hit the right word, she'll jump down, twirl around and look at us expectantly.  As I said, she's good at getting what she wants from us.

We've had Clara running our household for about 9 years now.  And, we love her so much! 

Recommendations if you're thinking of getting a Yorkie:

1)  They rule the roost, even if you have other dogs...and no matter how large those dogs are.

2)  They like treats, all day long!

3)  They're loyal and they're protective.

4)  They are hunters by genetics, so they will take after rabbits, squirrels, frogs, lizards, iguanas, and anything else small that moves relatively fast!  So, better be prepared with a harness and a good grip on it.

5)  Always use a harness-type leash.  The neck-type will crush their esophagus and will damage them.

6)  They demand attention at some part of the day, but will sleep quietly next to you if you're reading, blog writing or watching tv...or any other activity.

7)  They're social.  Love everyone who comes in the house, and want to be picked up, or at least recognized and petted...a little.

8)  Yorkies are great with children.

What's your dog?

Happy National Dog Day!!

Hugs,

Grammie Bee



Tween's Book Series~"The Magnificent 12" by Michael Grant



The Skinny :

Catch up on The Magnificent 12, best-selling author Michael Grant’s new series for middle grade readers, with a bundle including the first two books in this laugh-out-loud funny, action-packed fantasy series.
Sometimes one hero isn’t enough—sometimes you need a full dozen. Mack, armed with only his phobias and quick wit, sets out to gather a team of twelve children to defeat the Pale Queen and save the world.
Explore the wonderful world of The Magnificent 12 at the series’ rich interactive website at www.themag12.com.

Reviews :

“Grant’s brand of action and humor should satisfy both those readers who get down with fantasy and those who prefer to send it up.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A terrific start, with an elaborate website festooned with games and contests to ease the wait for sequels.”
— Booklist (starred review)

“The author keeps the story moving at a brisk pace with suspenseful action and laugh-out-loud humor. The juxtaposition of chapters that recount Grimluk’s ancient adventures in times when math wasn’t even invented against those when the young protagonist is equipped with an iPhone and receives text messages from his golem produces a lighter-than-usual fantasy action-adventure that is sure to win many fans and fly off the shelves.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Gram's Recommendation:


Tweens and teens love series books, especially those that are well written with engaging stories and characters.  This series just fits the bill.  In hard cover, these books with their exciting, beautiful covers are sure to cause your best loved boy or girl to be escaping you to their favorite book reading hideout.


Highly recommended!


Grammie Bee

"Junonia" ~ A Book for Keeps

Author:  Kevin Henkes

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books

Pages:  192

Ages:  Children 9-12  (Girls)

Purchase:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Other

See: http://www.amazon.com/ for a video of the author



Summary :

Returning to the beach cottage—a cottage named Scallop—where she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.
Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a junonia shell?
Alice's friends are all returning, too. And she's certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can't wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?

Grammie's Review :

Every once in a while a book comes along that grown ups want in their library, 'though it's meant for children.  "Junonia" is just such a book.  It's meant for children ages 9-12, but while they may appreciate it...parents will, too.

This special little book is inviting from the cover.  A small girl's back calls us back to days when we were a child; watching the summer water, looking for adventure, finding special shells, spying birds and studying what they're doing, discovering sea creatures, and burning in the sun...  Like Alice of "Junonia" we were expecting adventure and magical things to happen, weren't we?

"Junonia" is a beautifully illustrated book inside and out.  This small volume reminds me of a book I've treasured all my adult life, and have given as a gift to many friends, "A Gift From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  While Mrs. Lindbergh's book is written from the perspective of a woman who's seeking solitude, peace of heart and wisdom that comes in the journey, Mr. Henkes brings us the same such journey from a child's heart.  His addition of Alice's birthday symbolizes this journey, too.

The secrets of a child's heart is one of the rare beauties of Mr. Henkes's book.  He shines in his ability to understand the longings and joys of a little girl's feelings.  His ability to tranlate those intimate emotions is a mark of his depth of sensitivity and talent.  This is an unusually sweet and heartfelt book.

I recommend "Junonia" to those who would like to give a special gift to grandchildren, family and friends.  I recommend it as a gift for yourself.  It would be a beautiful gift for a friend in need of comfort. 

It's a wonderful little book to keep close in the wintery days when we forget how warm and joyful sun and summer can be...how the search for a special shell can bring a sort of joy to our hearts no matter what age we are.

5 stars

Deborah/Grammie Bee !