Sleepy Bear's Book Club - KNEEKNOCK RISE

Hi Book Buddies!

This weekend I sat down with a bunch of books and finally chose one for my next book club. I chose KNEEKNOCK RISE by Natalie Babbitt. It's a fable which means it's a short story with a lesson. And another thing, this book won the Newberry Honor Award in 1971. That means it won second place as a very good book in children's literature. That sounds very important and means the book is extra special.

I'll tell you a little bit about the story. It's about a boy named Egan who tries to find out why a creature raises its voice from a mountain on stormy nights. Egan climbs the mountain to find out.

Already I can't wait to find out what is causing the voices from the mountain. Will Egan find out? Isn't he scared? Well, let's read chapters 1 and 2 this week. Oh, remember to write down your refrigerator words.

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear's Book Club - THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT

Hi Book Buddies,
I finished reading THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT! It was a really wonderful story. I really liked the ending because it gave me an allover good feeling. I was very happy that Peter and Adele are back together. And, I'm very happy that the elephant is back home, too. And, Vilna Lutz is maybe not so lonely because he has a bunch of people living downstairs to keep him company.

One of my book buddies asked me if I learned a lot of new words from this book. Yes, I did! I like trying them out on Moosey-Moose. Sometimes he looks at me funny but I think he likes learning them, too.

Another reason why I liked THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT is because it makes you believe in the impossible and to have hope and to never give up. I want to remember to do that all the time.

Well, I hope you liked this book as much as I did. Now, we get to choose a new book! Do you have any suggestions? Let me know.

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear's Book Club - THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT

Hi Book Buddies,

I spent the entire weekend reading THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT so I could get caught up with Mrs. Hunter's class. I had to make a large cup of hot cocoa and whippy cream to last me all afternoon. But I did it!

I feel very sad for the elephant. I think Peter is right about her needing to go home because her heart is broken. It is the same for Adele, too. But will Peter be able to help both of them?

Peter is very lucky to have Leo Matienne and his wife for friends. They all believe in Peter and want to help him rescue the elephant and Adele. I have a prediction. I predict that Leo and his wife will adopt Peter and Adele.

Do you think the magician will be able to "undo" his magic? Have you ever had to undo something because you made a mistake the first time? Write to me and let me know.

I hope you are enjoying the story as much as I am!

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear's Book Club - THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT

Hi Book Buddies,

I'm still in sunny San Diego. This is me with my good friends Bear and Scaredy Pup. Oh, and Moosey-Moose, but you knew that. I'm about to go for a swim after I read two chapters in THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT. This week we are reading chapters 7, 8, and 9. I couldn't put the book down so I already read these chapters. I'll wait for you to catch up.

I’m really happy you are enjoying the book I chose for my book club. I’m learning lots of new words. Are you? These are my two latest words – portentous and agape.

I don’t like Vilna Lutz. He should not have lied to Peter about Peter’s sister. Poor Peter. For many years he thought his sister was dead. I think the beggar and his dog will help get a message to Peter about the elephant. What do you think?

I wonder if Adele’s dream will come true. I think dreams can come true. Do you?

Write back, soon.

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear Answers His Mail From Sunny San Diego

Hi Friends,

If you've been reading Moosey-Moose's blog, then you already know that we are in sunny San Diego! We left on a plane last week. Check-out Moosey-Moose's blog to see us on the airplane eating a fancy meal.

I wasn't going to go at first, but then I told myself that I can read and write from anywhere!

Jason, I want to say, "Hi," back. I hope you are doing well in Mrs. Hunter's class.

Grace, can you tell me more about your venus fly trap plant? I don't think mine is doing so good. I'm a little worried about it.

Crystal, thanks for the very long comment. It was fun to read, but it's OK if you don't write really long messages. I like shorter ones but lots of them!

Oh, someone asked about the cat. Angelo is doing fine and thanks for asking.

Well, I'm going to go read some more of THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT.

Bye for now,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear's Book Club - THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT

Hi Book Buddies,

Do you like to the book, THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT? I like it a lot. I like it because it's a mystery. I like it also because it has make-believe, like elephants falling through the roof of an opera house! Who ever heard of that happening? And, I like it because I'm learning new words.

I wonder why Madame LaVaughn visits the magician in jail and tells him the same thing every time. What do you think?

Crystal wrote to tell me that she feels very sad for Peter that he doesn't have his family anymore. I feel sad for Peter, too. But, I have my bear paws crossed for him that he finds his sister. I'm glad you like the story!

I'll write more later today.

Write to me soon.

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear

Sleepy Bear's Book Club - THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT

Hi Book Buddies,

Do you like THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT? I like it because it’s a mystery story. I want to know what happened to Peter’s family. And I hope he finds his sister. It must be very lonely to have all your family members gone. Especially if you have to live with someone who is not very nice like Peter who has to live with Vilna Lutz. Even his name sounds mean.

Well, I looked up the word audacity. It means daring and bold.

I hope you write to me to tell me your favorite parts so far.

Let’s read chapters 4, 5, and 6 this week. I’ll check in with you later with some more new words.

Your Book Buddy,

Sleepy Bear