Robert Munsch is a Canadian author and a favourite of our family so the chance to get to read a copy of one of his beautiful books that focuses on Canada’s most northern peoples through Netgalley was not something we wanted to miss out on! A Promise is a Promise is an amazing combination of beautiful imagery and stroytelling that is not to be missed. Based on an Inuit legend meant to keep the children away from dangerous ice conditions the Quallupilluit is a beautifully scary creature that comes to take children who come near the ice cracks in the sea along away. Promising never to take one who is with their parents children are taught to never venture out alone. That is until Allashua misbehaves and makes a promise as… A Promise is a Promise! 

I have to admit we are biased… we have not read a Robert Munsch book that I we haven’t loved. A Promise is a Promise did not disappoint. The illustrations are amazing and the story beautiful. The lesson is learned but at the same time the legend it brought to kids who have no background in Inuit culture without loosing all of the context. The next time we cover the Inuit people we are going to have to read this one again. 

Sadly my Kindle app version did not have the illustrations but when I loaded it up on my Kindle Fire it was fine, but with small print. I would suggest purchasing a paper copy of this book. But enough from the adult point of view… here is what my kids have to say, and as usual beware of spoilers! 

Trinity: I learned you should always do what my mommy and daddy say. The book was pretty nice. I liked the dancing best. 

Emanuel: You always should listen to your mom and dad. My favourite part was the singing of Quallupilluit. 

Gavin: I liked the characters because I liked their pointy blue hair – it looks like feathers (the Qallupilluit). I thought the cracks were cool. I would love to read this again. 

Zander: It was a pretty good book. I want to know why the kid didn’t listen. My favourite part was when they tricked the Qallupilluit with candy, dancing and bread. I would read this again, probably. 

Be sure to check Robert Munsch’s page for a list of all his amazing books HERE. 

A Promise is a Promise

January 16-17

At home for 2 days but definitely not completely idle! There is still much to learn and time to spend with Aunty Karyn during her visit. So of course I must share! We are a little constrained with the need to be home with the kids and Ken working long into the evening but I think we made do. I do have to admit, the bulk of our time was spent sitting around just hanging out together… much like we used to up in Alberta… I really needed that… quiet, productive crafting (on my side – slippers) time with a good FEMALE friend…

I managed to snag a great dinosaur related app on a day when it was free thanks to Facebook. With over 120 dinosaurs Emanuel was in dinosaur picture HEAVEN. Some of them can even be moved 360 degrees!

Enjoying the dinosaurs

We had a new Art for Kids illustration to create – a rose… something to practice before Valentine’s day!

Zander’s rose

Gavin and his flower

Of course Ken finally found some time the next morning to help the boys with some beautiful snowflakes. Still rather square but I am so impressed by their cutting skills. And I do love a pretty snowflake!

Working with Daddy

So pretty

Trinity spent BOTH days working with Karyn to start AND complete a workbook! She wore out Aunty before she was done the day before and pushed through to finish the next… a serious learning machine.

Proud completion

With an evening with Ken at home and our being home for the day… well we had fun, we learned and we simply spent time together. And honestly, that was more than enough for me!

Rocking Sheep!

With the “Esther frog”

This novella is a bit out of my comfort zone. It is NOT based in the height of Regency time… AND it has a definite sex scene (though only one). But even with those personal drawbacks I found this a good afternoon read. The sex scene was handled well though with more details than I personally enjoy or WANT to read. 

Unlocked is written by Courtney Milan. I would say there are two main characters really – the Earl of Westfeld (Evan Carlton) recently back from mountaineering and the Lady Edith a wallflower. This story is based on their shared history which is further exasperated by the Earl’s cousin the Lady Diana. Apparently in their youth Evan spent his time making Lady Edith’s life horrible through nasty words and actions aided by Diana. Now returned he wishes to right that wrong and make Lady Edith aware of his personal truth –  that he has actually been in love with her all along. 

What redeemed this story for me was the length of the conflict and resolution… Edith does not just BELIEVE Evan that he was a changed man and Diana herself is not instantly a nicer person. Add to the story a VERY intelligent mother (Edith’s) in a time when women were NOT to be so openly learned and it really was an enjoyable afternoon read. My biggest beef was the lack of time spent on the growth of the friendship. 

At 99 cents on Amazon (Kindle app) it is worth a read, or a borrow! But if you do NOT like sexual scenes give this one a miss, or as soon as you come upon that portion skip it on by. BUT if you were ever teased and taunted in your life… the wonder of healing from that is brilliant in this first novel. I myself have put my copy up to be borrowed on booklending.com.

Unlocked