Elizabeth, Kathryn Lasky

While the target audience for this book is 12-14, I found it a highly enjoyable read, despite the fact that my own age was well above the fore-mentioned audience. Elizabeth is a part of the 'My Royal Story' series, commissioned by Scholastic. Elizabeth is the fictional diary of the real tutor princess, daughter of King Henry the V111, and later Queen of England. The remarkable thing about this book is that (while you are absorbing facts and dates) the simple language makes the whole story far more enjoyable. If you possess an interest in Tutor History, then these books make for a cute read, and serve to brush up your history while providing historical information about the Tutor Period. 

If you, however, possess no interest in history, then these books are the perfect way to begin! They are simple to digest, and make for good, light, summer reading. As these books are quiet cheap (about seven pounds, ten dollars Australian or eleven dollars US), they are perfect books for toting around during a school or work day. These books are particularly fantastic for teenagers, and can cultivate an interest for Tutor history.

Kathryn Lasky

Elizabeth begins in 1544, and Princess Elizabeth is the daughter of the ill-fated queen, Anne Boleyn. Her father, Henry V111, has just banished her to yet another country house. Her step sister (Queen Mary, otherwise known as Bloody Mary) hates her, and her father indulges her and ignores her by turns. In and out of favour as her father's unfortunate wives come and go, what does the future hold for an inconvenient, invisible princess?

The author of the My Royal Story series is Kathryn Lasky. This series was published from 1999 to 2005, as The Royal Diaries. It has just been re-released under My Royal Story. The unique thing about this series is that they do not just cover one country or period of time. Instead, they focus on royal women from all over the globe, and from different periods of time. The series even includes less-known royal women, such as The Lady  of Ch'aio Kuo of the Hsien. All in all, they make for good light reading material.

Statistics 

Original Language: English
Title: Elizabeth, My Royal Story (also The Royal Diaries: Elizabeth 1- Red Rose of the House of Tutor)
Author: Kathryn Lasky (see links section for a full list of series authors)
Publication Date: 2010, first edition 2002
Illustrator: NA
Publisher: Scholastic Children's Books
Country/ Languages: available only in English
Pages: 232 (2010 edition)
Series: My Royal Story, also The Royal Diaries
Followed By: Mary, Queen of Scots
Film Adaptation: In 2000, HBO created three made for TV movies based on three books from the Royal Story series: Elizabeth, Isabel and Cleopatra
Book Tip: Although they have just been re-released, these books can sometimes be hard to procure, unless you visit the right book store. I would recommend ordering several online, as you can generally read one book in a few days. These books only come in paper backs, so they are easy to carry with you.

Author's Other Works

1. Camp Princess Series (two books)
2. The Royal Diaries (five books)
3. Dear America Series (four books)
4. My Name is America (one book)
5. My America (three books)
6. Daughters of the Sea (two books)
7. Guardians of Ga'Hoole: now a motion picture (seventeen books
8. Starbuck Family Adventures (three books)
9. Wolves of the Beyond (five books)
10. Stand-Alone Titles (seventeen books)
11. Young Adults Non-Fiction (thirteen)
12. Picture Books (thirty one books)
13. Adult (six books, one under the pseudonym of E.L.Swan)
14. Portraits (one book)

You May Buy Elizabeth At:


1. Amazon.com:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Royal-Story-Kathryn-Lasky/dp/1407116215
2. Fishpond.com:http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Elizabeth-My-Royal-Story-Kathryn-Lasky/9781407116211
3. Scholastic Store: https://www.scool.scholastic.com.au/store/Jadehttp.dll?Store&PrdId=7984621&H04=3
4. Borders:http://www.borders.com.au/book/elizabeth/8499656/

Other Links:

1. Through the Looking Glass, Kathryn Lasky:http://lookingglassreview.com/html/kathryn_lasky.html 
2. The Owl Fantasy Forum, Interveiw with Kathryn Lasky:http://www.owlpages.info/fantasy/viewtopic.php?t=910
3. Wikipedia, My Royal Story (list of authors) :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Royal_Story
4. Wikipedia, Kathryn Lasky: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathryn_Lasky

Enjoy and thank you for reading! Hahaha, I'm so excited, my blog has received some visitors! Please, if you read my blog, or find any of the information useful (or have any sort of request/ comment), feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line! Thank you again to anyone who supports The Inkspell Project!  

      

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights, published in 1847 by Emily Bronte (under the name of Elis Bell) can best be described as a drama ahead of it's time. When it was first published, the book received much criticism for it's dark story line and cynical plot. To be sure, Wuthering Heights was a much different book than what was commonly read in that era. Most books written by young ladies were generally instructions on how to be a model wife and citizen (a prime example of this would be Susannah Rowson's Charlotte Temple), whilst Wuthering Heights seduces it's readers with dark passion and misguided characters. 

Gramercy Classics Edition of Wuthering Heights
The plot of Wuthering Heights is too great to be condensed into a single blog, but I can tell you that Wuthering Heights is essentially a love story, staring the disturbed 'Heathcliff ' (who is never given any other name) and Catherine Earnshaw. The story is told by a Mr. Lockwood, who (in turn) is told the story of Heathcliff and Cathy by Ellen Dean, a housekeeper for Heathcliff. The book is generally split into four sections: the opening (in which Mr. Lockwood meets Heathcliff and Ellen Dean), the childhood of Heathcliff (where he falls in love with Catherine Earnshaw, only to have her marry a rich man named Edgar Linton. He runs away with Edgar's sister, who gives birth to a child. She leaves him soon after). The third part is the maturity of Heathcliff (in which Heathcliff enacts his revenge on the Linton family) and finally concludes with the ending (where we return to Mr. Lockwood, and ends with the death of Heathcliff). 

Despite it's cold reception, Wuthering Heights has become one of the greatest classic novels in English history. Although Charlotte Bronte's work (Jane Eyre) is considered the greatest work of the Bronte sisters, many subsequent critics of Wuthering Heights argue that the depth of the novel makes it considerably greater. Emily's depiction of physical and mental abuse in the character of Heathcliff make for a very interesting read, and I am sure that the ending of the book will both surprise and shock you.

Statistics

Original Language: English
Title: Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte (also Elis Bell)
Publication Date: December 1847
Illustrator: NA
Publisher: Thomas Cautley Newby, Gramercy Books
Country/Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Catalan, Czech, Slovak, Romanian, Russian, Polish, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, Greek, Macedonian, Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian
Pages: 380 (Gramercy Classics 2005 Edition)
Series: NA
Followed By: NA
Film Adaptation: The most famous adaptation is the 1939 film directed by William Wyler, with other notable adaptations including the 1970's film staring Timothy Dalton and the 1992 film staring Ralph Fiennes (I would recommend watching this version of the film, as it includes the entire story, nearly unaltered)  
Book Tip: Wuthering Heights has been printed many times, but Gramercy Classics has a cute, easy to carry version. Otherwise, Penguin Books offer a small, cheap paper back version as well!

Author's Other Works

Wuthering Heights was Emily Bronte's only work, but her sister Charlotte Bronte has two works, Jane Eyre and Villette. 

You May Buy Wuthering Heights at:

1. The Book Depository:http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781853260018?redirected=true&gclid=CMLKq43tsKwCFaiJ4godOnL9Gw
2. Amazon (Gramercy Classics):http://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Miniature-Gramercy-Classics/dp/0517227827
3. Dymocks:http://www.dymocks.com.au/ProductDetails/ProductDetail.aspx?R=9781593080440&gclid=CJ3Tt5_6sKwCFckF4godBA4nFw
4. Alweb Store (Gramercy Classics): http://www.a1webstores.com/wuthering-heights-mini-gramercy-classics/itemdetail/0517227827/
5. Kobo Books (ebooks): http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Wuthering-Heights/book-lQrBF1HxPkmF8cKibjF8DQ/page1.html

Other Links:

1. Wuthering Heights Wikipedia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuthering_Heights#Adaptations
2. Emily Bronte Wikipedia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Bront%C3%AB
3. Charlotte Bronte Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bront%C3%AB
4. The Reader's Guide to Wuthering Heights (A Fantastic Site): http://www.wuthering-heights.co.uk/faq.htm
5. Senses of Cinema, Wuthering Heights: http://www.sensesofcinema.com/2003/feature-articles/hurlevent/

Ralph Fiennes

        
Enjoy and thank you for reading! I had some trouble with pictures in this blog, so I apologize for the layout! 

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo

Edward Tulane Hardcover

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, for he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with utmost care and adored him completely.
And then, one day, he was lost...

Illustration by Bagram Ibatouline

Kate DiCamillo, author of the award winning book The Tale of Desperaux and The Magician's Elephant, brings us a new book that will delight young and old. Edward Tulane, although he starts out as a remarkably stuffy and rude little rabbit, will capture your heart as you journey with him to the edge of the sea, through life as a hoboe, on top of a garbage bin, from the depths of the ocean to a fisherman's net, from the bedside of an ailing child in Memphis to the very street where his story began. The true joy of this book could be, perhaps, something that all an relate to. As Edward's china heart is broken, we learn along with him to love, to loose, and to love again. This book was destined to be read aloud by parents to sobbing children, to be shared with even the hardest of hearts. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is one that will be re-read over and over again, until you can quote passages of Edward's story of by heart. I believe this book is best summed up by Katherine Patersone (Publisher's Weekly) who says of Edward: "Why should I care what happens to an arrogant, overdressed china rabbit? But I did care, desperately, and I think I can safely predict you will, too."
Edward Tulane was published in 2006, authored by Kate DiCamillio and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. The idea for the novel happened upon Kate when "one Christmans, I received an elegantly dressed toy rabbit as a gift. A few days later, I dreamed that rabbit was facedown on the ocean floor- lost and waiting to be found. In telling the story, I was lost for a good long while, too. And then, finally, like Edward, I was found."

Statistics 


Original Language: English
Titile: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane 
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Publication Date: March 30, 2006
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline (The Nightingale, Crossing)
Publisher: Candlewick Press (www.candlewick.com)
Country/ Languages: USA (only available in English)
Pages: 210
Series: NA
Followed By: NA
Film Adaptation: In the early stages of production by New Line Cinema
Book Tip: Both the paper back and hardcover editions are beautiful, but I am in the possession of a paper back and love it! Save a few dollars and purchase the paper back (unless you simply must have the beautiful hardcover!)

Author's Other Works

1. Because of Winn-Dixi (2000)

Kate DiCamillio

2. The Tiger Rising (2001)
3. The Tale of Despereaux (2003)
4. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006)
5. The Magician's Elephant (2009)
6. The Mary Watson Series (2005- 2009)
7. Bink and Gollie (2010)
8. The Third Floor Bedroom (2011)
9. Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken (2008)
10. Great Joy (2007)

You May Buy The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at: 

1. Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Miraculous-Journey-Edward-Tulane/dp/0763625892
2. Booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-miraculous-journey-of-edward-tulane/prod9780763643676.html
3. Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miraculous-journey-of-edward-tulane-kate-dicamillo/1100305946
4. Candlewick Press: http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?mode=book&isbn=0763625892&browse=Title
5. Kobo (ebooks): http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Miraculous-Journey-Edward-Tulane/mix-47_W6ppxJEaMlOIiZ7nvTw/page1.html 

Other Links:


1. Candlewick Press: http://www.candlewick.com/
2. Edward Tullane Official Website: http://www.edwardtulane.com/Overview/tabid/52/Default.aspx
3. Kate DiCamillo Official Website: http://www.katedicamillo.com/ 

Enjoy and thank you for reading!

The First Review: Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke

Cornelia at 2008 Madrid Book Fair

If you have seen the 2008 movie Inkheart, but have not yet read the book, then I feel obliged to tell you that the two are nothing alike. Inkheart was written by the critically-acclaimed German author, Cornelia Funke. Her first book translated to English, The Thief Lord, was published in 2002 by Chicken House. However, Inkheart was her first book to win worldwide popularity, making Cornelia the second most popular children's author, beaten only by J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Cornelia has more than 40 books to her name, and she now lives in Los Angeles, USA with her family.

Inkheart, paper back

Inkheart is the story of a book binder (Moe) and his daughter (Meggie). Meggie loves books, and so does her father, although he has never read aloud to her since her mother mysteriously disappeared. They live quietly, moving around often, until the night a stranger knocks at their door. He has come with a warning that forces Moe to reveal an extraordinary secret- a storytelling secret that will change their lives forever.

The book is beautifully written, very descriptive and makes you recall the joys of holding a book in your hands. Inkheart also incorporates characters from other books, such as Peter Pan and The Arabian Knights, and makes one very excited when you recognise the name of a book or character.  While Inkheart is fantasy book, it is not a 'modern' type of fantasy. Popular 'modern' fantasy being Harry Potter or Twilight, Inkheart makes you reminisce about fairies, elves and magic!

I would recommend  Inkheart for ages 10 and up. However, the other books in the series (Inkspell and Inkdeath) are probably not as appropriate for a child under 13. Adults will also enjoy this series: that is, if you can take pleasure in a fairy story.

Inkheart Theatrical Poster

Statistics


Original Language: German
Title: Inkheart, originally Tintenherz
Author: Cornelia Funke
Publication Date: September 23, 2003
Illustrator: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Ceclie Dressler (Germany) and Chicken House (USA)
Country/ Languages: Germany and USA (German and English)
Pages: 534
Series: The Inkworld Trilogy
Followed By: Inkspell
Film Adaptation: Inkheart, by New Line Cinema (2008), rated 38% on Rotten Tomatoes
Book Tip: The paper back of Inkheart tends to fall apart after you read it a few times, so I would suggest shelling out a few more dollars and purchasing a hard back


Author's Other Works

1. The Inkworld Trilogy: Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath (2003, 2006, 2008)
2. The Thief Lord (2000)
3. Dragon Rider (2004)
4. When Santa Fell to Earth (2006)
5. Igraine the Brave (2007)
6. Reckless (2010)
7. Saving Mississippi (2010)
8. Ghost Hunters Series (2006-2007)
9. Die Wilden Hühner/ Wild Chicks (Only available in German, 1993-2007)
10. The Princess Knight (2003)
11. Pirate Girl (2005)
12. The Wildest Brother (2006)
13. Princess Pigsty (2007)  


You May Buy Inkheart at:


1. Dymocks Online: http://www.dymocks.com.au/ProductDetails/ProductDetail.aspx?R=9780439709101&gclid=CPSz5v7DsKwCFYSI4god3jsAGw
2. Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Inkheart-Cornelia-Funke/dp/0439531640
3. Barnes and Nobel Online: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inkheart-cornelia-funke/1100580276
4. Angus and Robertson: http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/inkheart/1318347/

Or your closest book store! Thank you for reading!

Introduction

I'm not really too sure about how to start this off, but I guess I'll start by saying hello and thank you for visiting the Inkspell Project! The Inkspell Project is an idea I had whilst watching the movie Julie and Julia, and I became inspired to blog about something I love: and what I really love is books.

I know that, as a voracious reader myself, it can be difficult to pick a good read from among the ever-growing pile of titles and authors, so I hope the Inkspell Project can supply readers accurate reviews and recommendations for books.

Please enjoy your stay here, and continue to read!