Media Matters

 Book by Edith Pattau. This book is set in 16th century Norway and is based on the Norwegian fairy tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” It was a quick read, told from the point of view of multiple characters, and I really enjoyed it! This would be a good family read-aloud, as there is no objectionable content and the story would appeal to a wide age range. A few quotes: “Magic lets you skip over the steps of things. That is what makes it so appealing. But … the steps of things are where life is truly found, in doing the day-to-day tasks.” “…. Going on one of my long exploring walks, having a blister come up on my heel but at the same time stumbling upon a fox den and catching a brief glimpse of a mother fox nursing a brand-new litter of kits. And though I might have wished away the blister, slowing down to favor the pain in my heel was part of how I came to see the kits.”

 Book by James Herriot. I listened to the audiobook, so I don’t know anything about the illustrations, but the stories themselves would be appealing to animal lovers ages 6-10.

 Book by Laura Martin. Middle grade science fiction is pretty rare, but this one knocked it out of the park! It really could be enjoyed by ages 10-adult, with nothing objectionable other than the horrors of some of the historical moments to which the characters time travel.

Book by Jean Webster. This was a delightful audiobook (read by Julia Whelan)! The epistolary format works surprisingly well and Judy’s spunky personality comes shining through. Of course I knew from the start how it would end, but it was still a fun journey.  Ages 13-adult could enjoy this together, and younger kids could be listening too as there is nothing objectionable.