Throwback Thursday: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

How can a fairy's blessing be such a curse?

At her birth, Ella of Frell was given a foolish fairy's gift - the "gift" of obedience. Ella must obey an order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day or chopping off her own head!

But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. She goes on a quest, encountering ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, fairy godmothers, and handsome princes, determined to break the curse - and live happily ever after.

Buy this book here:Ella Enchanted  

Title: Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Pages: 240

Publisher: HarperCollins 

This was another one of my favorites from childhood, although I guess that makes sense since I probably won't post many Throwback Thursdays about books I hated. I also think as a kid, its easier to love everything you read. I read so much, and there are very few books I can remember disliking from those days.

Ella Enchanted is a fun book about a girl who must do anything that anyone asks of her. This gets her in some very sticky situations, especially when the evil bad-guy uses this to hurt the people Ella loves most! Its similar to Cinderella in the fact that she has two obnoxious step-sisters and a step-mom who is quite the piece of work.

It is a funny, quick read, and is recommend for kids age 8 - 12. And once your kids have read the book, you can sit down with them and watch the movie with Anne Hathaway! Both are fun and energetic!! They are sure to be hits all around!

Throwback Thursday: Matilda by Roald Dahl

"The Trunchbull" is no match for Matilda!

Who put superglue in Dad's hat? Was it really a ghost that made Mom tear out of the house? Matilda is a genius with idiot parents - and she's having a great time driving them crazy. But at school things are different. At school there's Miss Trunchbull, two hundred menacing pounds of kid-hating headmistress. Get rid of the Trunchbull and Matilda would be a hero. But that would take a superhuman genius, wouldn't it?

Buy this book here: Matilda

Title: Matilda

Author: Roald Dahl

Pages: 240

Publisher: Puffin Books

I thought I would try something new this Thursday, and take a look at one of my favorite childhood books. Matilda is my favorite chapter book from childhood, and even today ranks quite high in the most loved books I own. 

The story is witty and funny. I always felt a close relationship with Matilda growing up. I liked to read, I loved school, and what kid doesn't like to play pranks on her parents? Even the Trunchbull is perfectly terrifying in this book! 

The book is pretty different from the movie, so even if your kids have seen the movie you should still get them the book! If they are anything like I was, they will love it! The pictures throughout the book make it a good chapter book for school-aged kids. Quentin Blake did a fantastic job illustrating the novel. And they are frequent enough throughout the book to keep even younger kids entertained if you choose to read this aloud. (Which I highly recommend! It was one of my favorite things as a kid to read chapter books aloud.)

This book is fun, carefree, and perfect for kids! Even as an adult I still enjoying sitting down and reading it, mainly for the nostalgia of it all. It really is a masterpiece!