I'm a fan of Russian folklore and thought I had the measure of Baba Yaga.
I was wrong. Baba Yaga, in Gregory Maguire’s Egg and Spoon, has sass and wit! You’ve got to meet her!
Here’s the pith of the plot: Spoiled rich girl, honorable peasant girl, and a misunderstood Russian royal join forces to save the world. 
Why is the world in trouble? Eggs! The accidental switch of two eggs (a priceless, if tasteless Faberge, and the priceless, immortal Firebird)
It’s funny, mysterious and archetypal. 
Ages 8 and up. Both boys and girls and grownups (that’s me) will gobble it up.

New PB for Facebook and Skype

One of the best things about the holidays is getting cards. Paper. Envelopes. Stamps. Real Mail. That’s why a Letter for Leo by Sergio Ruzzier caught my eye. The story revolves around Leo, a mailman who never gets any of his own. By rescuing a baby bird left behind after Fall migration, Leo makes himself a friend. When Spring comes, baby bird Cheep’s ready to rejoin his flock and leaves. You know what happens next. Baby Bird Cheep sends Leo a letter. Hurrah! Maybe it is a simple plot, but the story is not. The artwork takes you to far away place, where cats play bocce and fish get mail. I don’t know how he does it, but Ruzzier can move an eyebrow a millimeter and change the emotion shown from “sincere, heartfelt” to “bewilderment.” There’s a lot to discover in Ruzzier’s world and it’s fun to take the journey. PS This would a great read aloud over Facebook or Skype. 

karenhokansonmiller.com: Just in time for Thanksgiving...a new scary book f...

karenhokansonmiller.com: Just in time for Thanksgiving...a new scary book f...: The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier   The perfect elements for an old-fashioned scare. Two orphans, Molly and her lame brother, find ...

Just in time for Thanksgiving...a new scary book for reluctant MG readers

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier 

The perfect elements for an old-fashioned scare. Two orphans, Molly and her lame brother, find work at an isolated mansion with a strange family. It’s apparent that the family was once healthy and happy. Now the house and the family are falling to ruin. The gigantic tree, that grows both inside and outside the house, may be to blame. Or, is it the phantom that roams the house and grounds at night? Does he come to tend the tree or torment the family? This can be scary, so I’d recommend ages 10 and up. (Unless your reader is brave hearted!)

Who is this Peter Brown and why haven’t I read his books before?
I have four words to say about this book: hilarious artwork and text!” It’s no wonder Mr. Tiger is stone-faced. His life is constrained, confining and calm, or should I say, very proper. Propriety is no way for a tiger to live his life. So, when he finally drops to all four feet, I cheered. Tiger gets wilder, happier and free.
Since happiness is infectious, all the other jungle animals turn to their wild side, too. (This book is worth a read if only for Mr. Tiger’s face, but you’ll love it for everything else.)

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

A flawed hero, there’s nothing better. Ophelia’s limited by her asthma and a mind that won’t accept anything non scientific. The marvelous boy, hero number 2,  is not only missing a name but also a finger. They are unlikely foes for the evil Snow Queen, who’s scheming to stop time and make the world frozen, in both gloom and ice! A great pick for monster lovers: there are Misery bird, magical swords and ghosts. Ages 8-12- boys and girls.

Happy Halloween at Burnsville Elementary School

Thank you to Priscilla Dunn, 5th grade teacher at Burnsville Elementary School in Yancey County, NC for inviting me to share my bogeyman stories. All I can say is, I didn't scare anyone! I hope to return to have the 5th graders become my Beta Readers for my next book, HIlde and the Troll Queen (MG for boys and girls)