Tuesday Book Club: Fantasy

Here's the list of fantasy choices for the Tuesday Workshop. The links are to more reviews at Amazon. Your child may have to get a copy at the library, but you DON'T have to buy any. I believe the library has all these UNABRIDGED on audio, as well!

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread (5th grade reading level): Chivalry, heroism, true love, self-sacrifice. How many mice do you really admire this much?

Charlotte's Web, (5th grade)
Classic, favorite! Laugh and cry. Do you think Mr. EB White would be proud of the new movie version? I don't think he would have liked the way Fern talked to her parents. Read the original and see for yourself!

The Hobbit, 7th grade level
A must for Lord Of The Rings fans; this is where it all began! Read Bilbo's story, involving trolls, wizards, dwarves, elves and of course hobbits. Are you more of an elf or a hobbit? My Elvish Name is Nessa Calafalas, and my Hobbit Name is Ruby Boffin of Needlehole. Hmm, think I'll go with Nessa. How about you?

Five Children and It (grade level?):
"It" is a Psammead - a sand fairy who grants wishes. And you'll meet the family of kids who continue on in 2 more fun books. Very British, with lots of early 20th c. expressions, this is NOT an easy read-aloud, and you might struggle a bit in the beginning. But DEFINITELY worth it, in my opinion.

The Phantom Tollbooth, (5th grade level)
So many puns, it gives me a headache. Perfect for students playing with words and learning double meanings. Expect to crack up a lot. A favorite of many adults I know!

Redwall (7th grade)
More sword-carrying, heroic animals. Medieval flavor. You'll either love it or hate it.