Here’s the next title in my list of favorite fantasy novels: The False Prince (and sequels) by Jennifer A. Nielsen. A runaway boy pretends to be a prince—or does he? Great story and characters. Lots of surprises.
Karen Cushman
Rags found in the sea …
… belonged to a member of Charles I’s household
Divers off the coast of the Netherlands found the treasure, which came from a shipwreck, after it was exposed by a storm which washed away the silt covering it for four centuries.
The full story of the shipwreck and photos of the other items found are in the full story.
This gown was found by divers off the coast of the Dutch island of Texel in August 2014. It is now on display, along with the other recovered treasures, “in the Kaap Skil mueum on Texel, where they will stay for a month before being examined fully by archaeologists.” (from the report in The Daily Mail, April 19, 2016)
Favorite Museums Series #4
The Cloisters, New York: A branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that displays medieval art and objects in remnants of actual European abbeys disassembled and shipped to New York City, Wow!
Favorite museums, site three
Another one of my favorite museums, The Field Museum of Science in Chicago. It’s the mother-lode for science lovers. I first went when I was nine.
A list of fantasy books, part three
Here’s the next title in my list of favorite fantasy novels: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison. After a tragedy strikes, the half-goblin youngest son of an emperor has to learn whom to trust, how to rule, and how to survive, in a hurry. I loved the world building and Maia, the goblin emperor, who is much smarter and more lovable than he thinks he is.
Dear Karen Cushman
This young woman not only read Catherine, Called Birdy, she thought about it and then put her thoughts into action.
Good for Kendra and the other TAG (Talented and Gifted) Girls from Central Decatur!
Favorite museums, site two
Here’s another one of my favorite museums: Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts: Realistic recreation of a village in the 18th century. I did an internship here one summer.
A list of fantasy books, part two
As part of my list of favorite fantasy novels, I offer Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. A gifted musician, Seraphina is also part dragon. Intriguing story with great characters and the wonderful image of her silver scales. Beautifully written.
Here’s Rachel Hartman’s website, where you can learn more about this book and her newest, Shadow Scale.
Favorite museums, part one
In that same interview that asked me about favorite fantasy novels, I was also asked to share my favorite museums. I chose ten of them. Here’s the first, although these aren’t in any set order.
The Story Museum, Oxford: A museum with exhibitions, activities, and programs dedicated to stories and storytelling. I am actually cheating here. I’ve never been but after following them on Facebook, I long to go.
For instance, here’s an article about this wonderful exhibit “Animal: a safari through stories” currently featured at the Story Museum. “It’s time we gave wolves their bite back, says author Geraldine McCaughrean, and a new exhibition does just that. Bring your axe, Little Red Riding Hood…”
A list of fantasy books, part one
You may have heard. I have a fantasy novel coming out in June, Grayling’s Song. An interviewer recently asked me to recommend my ten favorite fantasy novels. Here they are, in no particular order. I’ll post them over the next few weeks. You might notice that all these novels are funny or have substantial humor in them. I don’t like a book that takes itself too seriously.
The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien. I read the trilogy also but this seemed more—a funny word to use for a book about hobbits and elves and such—human.
See: The Tolkien Library