Leni Zumas's writing crackles. Her books are sharp, bleak, funny, and possibly dangerous. When her collection of short stories, Farewell Navigator,...
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Mimi is a precocious girl, full of life and eager to explore all around her. She lives with her parents and siblings in a Portland neighborhood that is full of interesting residents. Mimi is a dreamer and envisions a world upside down in her neighborhood. Soon she is pulling on her stockings and shoes and heading off to “work”. Joining her is the scruffy dog, Ziggy the Roamer, Zig for short, as they run down an overgrown corridor to enter a wall of laurel to one of the many entrances to the “Main Chamber”. With many others in attendance, this begins the “War Council”. Yes, war has come to the neighborhood and Mimi senses evil. None is aware that an old crone is watching Mimi from her upper story window; the crone has plans for Mimi and is moving forward at a steady pace. Risking all to save her immediate world from ruin, Mimi is soon putting herself in danger. Her parents are concerned about where she goes; there is more violence in the neighborhood as days pass by with shootings and the like happening right under their noses.
Franz has penned an entertaining and exciting book with beautiful illustrations done by Sophie Franz. He has a gift for painting a picture with words as I viewed this Portland neighborhood through Mimi’s eyes. The characterization is outstanding; the story peppered with a wide range of individuals like Waylon, “Lon”, and the man in the Blue Cadillac, Sissy and her boyfriend as well as Mimi’s family. I felt a part of the story from the opening pages, like an audience member watching the story acted out in front of me. The dialogue flows along smoothly with quirky dialogue added here and there. Franz has a sense of time and place that keeps continuity as the story progresses.
Mimi and the Magic Pea is a book I am certain all ages groups will enjoy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a grand adventure. One wonders if there will be another book to follow.
The Summer of Two Wishes is a powerful drama that pulls the reader right into the story. True to life characters in realistic situations leave a lasting impact on the reader. Julia London has entered the contemporary genre with style.
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Customer Comments
Lettetia has commented on (2) products.
Mimi and the Magic Pea by Leo Franz
Lettetia, September 12, 2011
Mimi is a precocious girl, full of life and eager to explore all around her. She lives with her parents and siblings in a Portland neighborhood that is full of interesting residents. Mimi is a dreamer and envisions a world upside down in her neighborhood. Soon she is pulling on her stockings and shoes and heading off to “work”. Joining her is the scruffy dog, Ziggy the Roamer, Zig for short, as they run down an overgrown corridor to enter a wall of laurel to one of the many entrances to the “Main Chamber”. With many others in attendance, this begins the “War Council”. Yes, war has come to the neighborhood and Mimi senses evil. None is aware that an old crone is watching Mimi from her upper story window; the crone has plans for Mimi and is moving forward at a steady pace. Risking all to save her immediate world from ruin, Mimi is soon putting herself in danger. Her parents are concerned about where she goes; there is more violence in the neighborhood as days pass by with shootings and the like happening right under their noses.Franz has penned an entertaining and exciting book with beautiful illustrations done by Sophie Franz. He has a gift for painting a picture with words as I viewed this Portland neighborhood through Mimi’s eyes. The characterization is outstanding; the story peppered with a wide range of individuals like Waylon, “Lon”, and the man in the Blue Cadillac, Sissy and her boyfriend as well as Mimi’s family. I felt a part of the story from the opening pages, like an audience member watching the story acted out in front of me. The dialogue flows along smoothly with quirky dialogue added here and there. Franz has a sense of time and place that keeps continuity as the story progresses.
Mimi and the Magic Pea is a book I am certain all ages groups will enjoy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a grand adventure. One wonders if there will be another book to follow.
Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
Lettetia, January 1, 2011
The Summer of Two Wishes is a powerful drama that pulls the reader right into the story. True to life characters in realistic situations leave a lasting impact on the reader. Julia London has entered the contemporary genre with style.