Happy Holidays, Rattlers!

Here's an area where we can talk about what we're reading or seeing in the movie theater (love my movies!)-- or whatever-- over break! Anyone doing anything fun? I'll be road tripping to Texas the 22nd-26th to see my siblings; it will be the first time we've all been together since 1998. Should be interesting. :)

Take care, everyone, be safe and have a fun and relaxing break!
:)
Mrs. P

Change of Plans!

We're doing a pizza party instead tomorrow! Those you signed up for desserts, drinks and chips (Divya), carry on. Those of you not signed up yet, please consider bringing in some sort of dessert or drink for everyone to share. And don't forget your book for your book exchange person!

So who's bringing what?
:)
Mrs. P

Next Week + More!

Hey bookies!
So next week is our last Thursday meeting before break, and we have a couple different traditions from years past that we like to keep. First, we do a book exchange--

Winter Break Book Exchange:

1. Everyone brings a book to LEND for reading over break (it will be well taken care of), holiday wrapped and ready for the person you chose (if you haven't drawn yet, see me ASAP-- I have names for you!).

2. The book can be either one from your own collection or you may select a library book for your person to check out (meaning YOU check it out, gift wrap it, bring it in and when he/she chooses it, they will in turn check it out to get it off your account).

3. Please try to select something of a manageable size for all-- no War and Peace, no entire Lord of the Rings... you know what I mean! You may, however, select two books if they are very short.

4. Select a book that has meaning to you. Maybe it's a childhood favorite, maybe you read it recently and it's your IT book right now... something that separates it from all the other books you've read!

5. We will meet Thursday the 15th and do our exchange then, along with setting a reasonable reading goal for Phantom Tollbooth.

The second (newest) tradition is that we make this a potluck party! We did this last year, and it was a lot of fun. You guys interested? Here's the sort of things I was thinking that people should bring in, and then we'll have lunch and exchange "presents" (book exchange) and chat and eat and drink:

1. Deli meats (for sandwiches)or other "main dish" items
2. Bread (3 loaves)
3. Veggies (for sandwiches)
4. Chips (assorted)
5. Desserts (")
6. Drinks (")

If we're going to do this, you guys HAVE TO REPLY HERE AND LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING FOR THE PARTY. ASAP!

Questions? Comments?
:)
Mrs. P

1st round of discussion questions for PT

Let's talk about these here on the blog and this Thursday in Mr. Custis' room!

1. In chapter one, what is Milo’s dilemma? Discuss the possible causes of the "crisis" he is having.

2. Once he unwraps the tollbooth, where does Milo decide to go? How does he choose his destination?

3. Where does Milo find himself after he passes the tollbooth? Name and describe this new land!

4. Define these words, and discuss how they are used in the story: doldrums, lethargic, and "weather" vs. "whether".

5. Describe the King’s ministers. Why did they say the same thing in different ways? What was their job in the marketplace?

Let's talk!
:)
Mrs. P

The Phantom Tollbooth begins!

Hey Bookies! (silly Blogger won't let me add an image right now!)
So let's give this one a try. :) The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic fantasy story by Norton Juster that is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year. Copies should start arriving Monday, so swing by and pick yours up. And click HERE to check out the Backseat Book Club; NPR is doing Tollbooth as its book club book as well, so there's all kinds of cool stuff to be found on their website, including interviews with the author and http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifreader comments/questions. It'll be fun to see what everyone gets out of this very clever book!

FIRST READING GOAL FOR OUR MEETING ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8TH: I don't know if I'll have books for everyone on Monday (remember, if you can get your hands on your own copy, excellent! Post a comment here letting me know I don't have to find one for you), so let's make the goal pretty easy for week 1; I think everyone should be able to make it to Chapter 4-- Confusion in the Market Place. This is page 45, but keep in mind that there are tons of illustrations taking up space and the font is pretty big. I think it's very doable.

THINGS TO COMMENT ON HERE: 1. Let me know if you're participating in the club for this book, or if you're planning on sitting this one out. 2. Let me know if you have access to your own copy of this book.

Happy weekend!
:)
Mrs. P