Coraline

I enjoyed Coraline. It reminded me of several different stories and versions of stories from my childhood. It was dark and mysterious and I especially liked the other worlds’ creatures. I remember being afraid of the “snype” or something like that as a child, it also scurried away before you could see it, and would hurt you. The creature under the cellar door was like that. The other mother and father were somewhat like Tim Burtons, “Nightmare before Christmas” with the cloth doll that was alive and kept falling apart. The other mothers hand was like the creepy hands cut off and trying to strangle you in different movies. All in all I enjoyed the book and the aspect of it being real, or a dream, or really real. I liked the black cat, and yes they are not always bad. My grandparents were a lot like the little old ladies. I enjoyed the other mystery included of finding the children and the winged girl that liked honeysuckle blossoms and her parents in the snow globe. It added more of a real "now" type aspect to the story.
As a child I was pretty brave, but only some things scared me. I was never really afraid of the dark as I can remember but both my sisters were.
The last part where the hand actually got the key is still creepy, because maybe it could escape!

Coraline

I started reading Coraline right before I went to sleep and I have to admit, it really creeped me out! But at the same time, I really couldn't put it down. Her adventure into the world where her other mother and other father lived was fascinating! I don't ever remember being that brave as a little girl, though. I think it's funny that in her life her neighbors are two old wacky ladies, and a crazy old man. It seems like everyone can relate and has met or has had these people as neighbors at one point or another. I don't exactly understand the button eyes on the other mother and the other father. When he was describing them in the book, I immediately thought of a huge insect and that was taking over the world or something. It seemed like a sci-fi movie. I especially liked the effect the black cat had in the story. He was so ambigious, having no name and just appearing once in a while. And it's ironic that the typical superstition of being a black cat wasn't present at all in the story and he was actually a "good guy." I really liked that he Gaiman didn't play up that superstition.

But nevertheless, this has definately been my favorite book so far. Everything from Gaiman's writing style to the little pictures that are in every chapter caught my interest. What did everyone else think of the book? Was anyone else that brave when they were little, or was I just a little coward?

Blog #6

I'm not a lead but need to post today. I really enjoyed Skellig. It had a mysterious “ora, or intuitive feeling” to the entire schema. The sick baby sister that no-one knew if she would get better, the friend Mira next door with her strange ways and her mother that enjoyed art and poetry more than school and told stories to them. Michael finding Skellig and we do not know what he is, and Michael is not afraid of him.
The story gave an impression to me that maybe he was Death, after Ernie had died, and because Dr. Death (Dr. Dan) was always there to see the baby, but that could not be, since Michael was not afraid. Then it went on to let us know he had wings, so I felt he must be an angle, but with Artur Itis, why would he be wasting away and eating bugs and small rodents like a bird? Soon after finding Skellig, the teacher Miss Clarts lectured about Icarus and his father Daedalus. That gave a sense of maybe this was another Icarus. It had me wondering just who was he and what would happen to the baby.
I liked Skellig when he and the kids (and when he and the baby), were dancing and they could see each other’s wings. Was it to be the future of man with evolution going on?
I liked Mira and her directness (at the teacher was rude but needed said), and in her way to listen to the sounds most people do not hear. She seemed to be very intuitive to others' feelings. The boys at school were typical kids, jealous of their friendship, and a bit missing Michael.
I think Michael was lonely and depressed and Skellig was just what he needed to keep him focused on helping him to survive, instead of the way he was feeling. Maybe that was why he was there?
It was the beginning of Winter, and went on to the Spring in a quick way, but it was easy to see Michael changing. I can see the reason he wanted the baby called Persophone, can you? How did everyone else like it? Why do you think Skellig was there? What do you think Skellig was?

wizard of OZ, joanne

Well, I'm late but guess that will have to do. I was never afraid of anything in the wizard of OZ. Maybe because I was older, I don’t know. I had a hard time just to get through the book. It really did not hold my attention. It was too obvious what would happen next, and I got real tired of Dorothy crying, then the tin man crying etc. I liked the addition of the china people, how silly. Overall, I guess it would be fine for any child around seven to read. I’m just not too thrilled over it but I guess it would be a good adventure for the young.
I think our next blog is due on a Thursday too.
Joanne