When In Rome

If you've got the travel itch, it's high time to join Dodsworth on some of his adventures. With escapades in hot spots New York City, Paris, and London, Dodsworth and the duck - certainly an unusual companion to jaunt around Europe with - take Italia by storm in Tim Egan's latest, Dodsworth in Rome.

As Dodsworth marvels over the Roman aesthetics, the duck indulges his taste buds - proving that Rome has something spectacular to offer everyone. It wouldn't be a true Roman Holiday without sightseeing on a vespa, licking gelato by the Trevi Fountain, and feasting the eyes on the Sistine Chapel (even if the duck has some minor critiques to offer Michelangelo). And the way that duck throws pizzas has one wondering if he's of Italian descent...

As with most grand adventures, trouble isn't too far behind. Egan keeps readers on their toes with surprises on every page, reminding us that travel abroad is a mixed bag of splendid experiences and unforeseen setbacks. The way Egan depicts his characters in both words and illustrations, you can tell he is quite fond of conscientious Dodsworth and the mischievous duck. After reading Dodsworth in Rome, I am too.

Incorrigible...And Proud Of It!

This book should come with a warning. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling claims it's for children ages 8-12. What it should say is, "intended for children ages 8-12 but equally as captivating for readers older by, say, 10 years."  

Maryrose Wood resurrects Dickensian England as the setting for her story starring Miss Penelope Lumley, a 15-year-old graduate from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females who sets out into the secluded countryside to begin her new position as governess for the children of Ashton Place. With dreams of teaching Latin and geography, it is much to Miss Lumley's surprise to discover three unkempt, tangle-haired children in the stables, howling like wolves and rolling about in the hay. It will take all of her knowledge, resourcefulness, and patience to domesticate the three Incorrigibles, especially in time for Lady Constance's extravagant, all-frills Christmas Party. Will Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia learn to stop chasing squirrels and start declining verbs?  

If you enjoy Jane Eyre, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, and other such charming stories about governesses in the remote English countryside, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place is right up your alley. The lovable wolf-children, fast-paced adventures in governessing, and sharp, smart-as-a-whip narration à la Lemony Snickett will bind you to your seat, eyes wide and fingers flipping. 

I can't wait to read the sequel, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Hidden Gallery!

Angelina Tumbelrina? Wait A Sec...

On this gorgeous afternoon in April, I was really craving a little Angelina Ballerina action. Finally - the sun is out, birds are chirping, and tulips are gracing us with their presence. My favorite bit is how colorful everything looks, such a welcome change from the flat, gray tones that unfortunately accompany New England winters. This is exactly how it feels reading the Angelina Ballerina series (written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig). The stories are lovely, the characters are charming, and the illustrations are detailed and bursting with color. It's a quintessential spring day in a book. Just as beautiful and light as can be.

If you can't already tell, Angelina is an avid dancer. She is delicate, graceful, and always seems to be twirling from place to place. Just as adorable as Angelina is her sweet friend Alice, whom we meet for the first time in Angelina and Alice. Angelina and Alice enjoy the same pursuits - dancing and gymnastics - and become fast friends in the schoolyard. These two mice get along famously as they hang from trapeze bars and swing sky-high in the air. When it comes to handstands, however, things get a bit, well, shaky. Alice's is perfect and "Angelina Ballerina" becomes "Angelina Tumbelrina". So not fair.

How Angelina and Alice regain their friendship is a truly special part of the story, culminating in a spectacle of a happy ending. It's amazing what can be achieved with a little bit of teamwork and a lot of heart. You won't know what to love more - the precious story or the enchanting illustrations. They are simply made for each other and I can't imagine one piece without the other - the mark of an outstanding children's book.