Mother Daughter Book Club #23

Summary: It isn′t easy being a pioneer in the state of Washington in 1899, but it′s particularly hard when you are the only girl ever born in the new settlement. With seven older brothers and a love of adventure, May Amelia Jackson just can′t seem to abide her family′s insistence that she behave like a Proper Young Lady. She′s sure she could do better if only there were at least one other girl living along the banks of the Nasel River. And now that Mama′s going to have a baby, maybe there′s hope.

Inspired by the diaries of her great-aunt, the real May Amelia, first-time novelist Jennifer Holm has given us a beautifully crafted tale of one young girl whose unique spirit captures the courage, humour, passion and depth of the American pioneer experience. -- Harper Collins

This month, we read OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA by Jennifer L. Holm. Unfortunately, Booking Daughter and I couldn't attend the meeting because we had other commitments. I was extremely disappointed because I absolutely loved this book -- my review will be posted shortly! OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA is exactly the type of book I had in mind when we started our book group. I'm sure everyone had a great discussion!

Next month we will be having a pool party! We will also be reading THE LAST OF THE REALLY GREAT WHANGDOODLES by Julie Andrews Edwards. I absolutely adore Julie Andrews, but I admit that I'm not at all familiar with this book. What's ironic is that it was around when I was a kid!

THE LAST OF THE REALLY GREAT WHANGDOODLES sounds like a cute story and one that the girls will enjoy. Publishers Weekly said, "“Readers will be irresistibly reminded of Oz. It’s a book many children are going to love."

Are any of you familiar with it? What do you think?

Summary: The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals -- the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun" -- apart from and forgotten by people.

But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.

With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.

Julie Andrews Edwards, star of stage and screen, has written a unique and beloved story that has become a modern classic. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is sure to continue to delight readers everywhere. This edition includes a new foreword by the author.-- Harper Collins