Book Review: Percy Jackson #2

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2

Sea of Monsters

by Rick Riordan

Have you seen the movie? We have! Have you decided you don't need to read the book because you have seen the movie? We haven't! We can assure you that these books and their movies do not match! The screenwriters, producers, and directors created a lovely visual companion of the book, but NOT an actual representation of the book. So don't be afraid to check it out. Also don't be afraid of saying, "But it didn't happen that way..." :-D

Haley

It's very interesting how Mr. Riordan depicted bullying, prejudice, and jealousy in this story. I also liked how these parts of the story resolved themselves.

Kirsten

This is action packed from page one to the end. Wow! Very interesting challenges for Percy, his friends, and the camp in general.

Kaya

A very interesting read! I liked Tyson a lot and the way he was able to use his skills to help Percy and the others. he also found a place...that would be a spoiler so I'm not going there. Definitely a good read.

Lanie

Poor Tyson! He is so nice and gets so picked on! He has a great story line despite that feature. A great friend in Percy (and Percy has some issues of his own). Book 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is really good. 

Melody

Man, when the bad guys are in charge everything just goes downhill so very fast. I remember the same type of thing happening in the Harry Potter series. This is a great quest story - lots of action and adventure and challenges. Not to mention character growth. I couldn't put this one down; everything flowed so well. Might be a while until we get to book 3. So many great books to read.

Xyra's Review

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes, I think this was more amazing than the fist book. Why? Well, from the very first chapter it was go, go, go. It's hard to keep that kind of pace. Of course, this is an adventure or action series so it should keep you moving along the quest, but some get distracted with extraneous information. This one did not. We were as focused as Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson on the challenge at hand.

Percy is definitely growing up and I hope his discussion with Hermes about the gods' parenting abilities will help him appreciate what he has. I think there was a glimpse of this and it made me proud.

The other area where we can see Percy growing as a hero and person is in his relationship with Tyson. As well as his interactions with his friends and frenemies. Percy is generous with Clarisse and beyond heroic with Tyson and Grover.

The oracle's prophecies and the conclusion of this book really have me curious as to what will happen next.

Note: To those who have seen the movie and want to read the book...do! If you have read the book, but haven't seen the movie...do! But do not expect them to be the same. There are some big differences - however, the differences didn't bother me one bit.

Happy reading!

Kid Lit Blog Hop

We were late in getting this post ready, so are not listed on the latest linky party, Kid Lit Blog Hop #62. 

Please feel free to check it out anyway. There are lots of great titles, reviews, authors, and giveaways to read about.

Happy reading!

#KidLitBlogHop

Coolspring Power Museum June 2015 Part 5

Home Sweet Home

Kirsten, Haley, Kaya, Lanie, Melody, 2 or more

Hi, everyone! (barking) We're home!

(panting, tail wagging, yipping)

Hey! Yay! Missed you! Hiya!

How was the trip?
Great!
How was the weather?
Rainy, but also good too.

So you didn't spend the entire time in the truck?
Nope.
How was the tent?
Didn't get to use that at all. The nights were too damp; those I spent in the truck.
What's in the bag?
Really cool stuff! Let me show you. (rummages in bag)

You know I met Flo and Shivan from Say Hello to My Little Friends, right.
Yeah.
They brought us this awesome binder; isn't it great?

You bet!
Look at all this awesome paper.

Thank you, Flo and Shivan!

Then I found a great lady in the flea market who set up a nice doll boutique. Picked out two cool outfits. First, is a dark green and ivory high low dress.

Oooo. Ahhh. Cool! Love it!
I can't wait to wear this one.

Then I picked out this cute zebra outfit. It has a dress and pants.

Nice! Super cute! Too cute! 

Finally, we read a great book called Shakespeare's Secret. I can't wait for you to read it.

We read something while you were away too. Nancy Drew and The Secret of the Forgotten City. We're interested to see what you think of it.

So glad you're home.

It's good to be home again.

Stop again soon. Have a great day!

Giveaway Alert: Fun with AG Fan

Fabulous Pajama Giveaway

Fun with AG Fan and Sheeky Violets have teamed up for a great giveaway! Check out the details and enter before July 1, 2015.

Photo by Fun with AG Fan

We couldn't pick a favorite item from Sheeky Violets. But we favorited quite a few of the pajamas, bean bags, dresses, skirts, outfits, etc. If you are on Etsy, check out our favorites through melodyqsilverleaf.


Best wishes to all who enter!

Coolspring Power Museum June 2015 Part 4

Trip Odds and Ends

Our last full day at Coolspring was another sunny and hot one with no rain in the forecast. Yay!

Testing Paint

The first thing we did was head down to Sudlow Station. The trim needs a new coat of paint and we weren't sure the color we got was the right one. So we found a small spot to test it. Someplace where it wouldn't matter if it didn't match. The edge of the door was perfect for this.

Yeah, that's not the right shade of red. Back to the drawing board.

Gift Shop

We walked up to the Gift Shop. There had been a long line most of the week, but now it was pretty empty. We headed right in.
First, I spotted the new book Flame Ignition. It's huge! 

Really cool looking too. 

There is a good description and synopsis on the main Coolspring page. You have to scroll down, but you can't miss it.

Then I moved over to the bandanas, suspenders, cups, and animals.

The store has a little bit of everything. Xyra bought a new tee shirt, she thinks she might get another in the fall.

The Jeep

Found it! The jeep doesn't sit still long. I grabbed a photo while I could.

Stop again soon! Have a great day!

Coolspring Power Museum June 2015 Part 3

Couture at an Engine Show?

The next morning opened sunny and hot. Too hot for me to hang out in the truck and the tent was still a bit damp, so Xyra and I went walking. 

We revisited the buildings. The flame ignition focus of the expo drew a lot more people than usual, and a lot more international visitors. It was really neat hearing German and other languages being spoken on the grounds. Of course, we stopped by the Hornsby-Akroyd in the Power Tech Building.

And took a few things down to Sudlow Station.

Then we went into the flea market. There were a lot more people set up with their wares today. As we were walking we found Pete and Sharon's Wood and Fabric Creations. Guess what Sharon creates! Let's just say...I went shopping!

She had lots of great dresses...with ZIPPERS! Cool! Pant sets, short sets, legging sets, pajamas...

I really like this one. Hmmm, the colors should work on all of us.

A marching band uniform! Really neat!

This blue one is really pretty too.

Sharon was really nice! She even showed us outfits and costumes that weren't out on display. She had a really nice witch costume and a few clown costumes. She also had legging outfits with tunics. Some outfits featured machine embroidery. Her prices were reasonable too.

After looking over the racks a few times we decided on these two outfits. 

I hope my sisters like them. What do you think? Which is your favorite?

Pete and Sharon's is located in Punxsutawney, PA. They don't have a website. She can be reached at 814-938-3928.

Look for fashion reviews next week.

Stop again soon! Have a great day!