Crenshaw

Title: Crenshaw

Rating: 5/5

Author: Katherine Applegate

Pages: 245

Genre: Children’s

Synopsis:

Jackson is all about the facts. There’s always a logical explanation for everything. He’s been told that he has an old soul, whatever that means, but of one thing he is absolutely sure—he’s much too old to have an imaginary friend.

Crenshaw is a cat, a rather large one at that, who loves doing cartwheels and handstands and taking bubble baths. He’s also Jackson’s imaginary friend. But why would an imaginary friend that has been gone for years suddenly show up now? Jackson doesn’t have time for that, especially not when his family has fallen on hard times and they might have to live in their minivan…again.

My Reaction:

You may remember that the last book I read by Katherine Applegate was The One and Only Ivan, a brilliant book that should be on your list of books to read before you die if it isn’t already. This book is another winner! If I absolutely had to choose a favorite between the two, I’d probably go with Ivan, but this was a sweet story that gave a little perspective of both the parent and the child in a situation where money is tight and homelessness is a very real possibility. I don’t think I’ve read another book quite like this one.

I enjoyed Crenshaw himself. I wish I would have come up with such a cool imaginary friend at some point in my life. Besides his coolness factor, the real thing that makes Crenshaw resonate with readers is that he represents that need for a friend and he fulfills that in a wise and unique way, being that he’s a cat and all. I was particularly touched by the idea that Crenshaw’s purpose was to fill that friend role as long as he was needed. Like Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee, he would stay until his work was done. And then, he would be available should a need arise again. It causes me to reflect on the people in my life who have been a strength to me when I’ve needed it. Some are still there. Some are not just because we tend to lose connections as life goes on, but they are no less meaningful to me. Crenshaw may be imaginary, but he represents the very real advice, love, and comfort I’ve received from various sources throughout my life. Not only that, but he teaches the importance of being honest with yourself. Even Jackson finds that some facts are very hard to face.

Reader’s Guidance:

Nothing as far as I’m concerned.

Similar Books:

If you like this, I reckon anything by Kate DiCamillo will suit your fancy.

Next Book:

 I have a confession to make. First of all, I studied English in college (That's not the confession. I'm leading up to it.) As such an educated person, you would think that there would be some books I must have read. I must know and love all the classics, right? (FYI, I don't think it's necessary to love all classics... I think some are lame. Shh, don't tell anyone.) While I've had a fair dosing of the classics and other books that frequent the lists of must read books, some of them I've somehow managed to not read even after all this time. Heck, there are some books that pretty much every person in my generation had to read in elementary school but I didn't. What's up with that? (Here's looking at you Hatchet and/or Brian's Winter which I still have never read.) 

So here's the confession: I haven't read a single book by one of the Bronte sisters. 

For awhile now I've thought that was a crime and I need to fix that. I mean, I've actually been to their home, walked on the moors, maybe wandered through a graveyard, and yet, I haven't read a single word they wrote. It's time I change that.

Next up is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I was told that this was the one I absolutely had to read, so it seems like a good place to start. 

The One and Only Ivan

Rating: 5/5

Author: Katherine Applegate

Pages: 304

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Synopsis:

First, I must say how completely wonderful this book is. Because of that, I’m afraid I’m going to give away too much. This is a book that you need to experience for yourself. I’m serious! Go out and get a copy and read! It’s a quick read despite its 304 pages. There are big gaps between paragraphs and the chapters are short and there are even a few pictures! Please do yourself a favor and read this book!

Now then, time for a brief synopsis in which I try not to give too much away.

Ivan is a silverback gorilla and has spent the majority of his life in a small domain inside the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Mostly, he’s content with life. He has some great friends—Stella, the elephant next door, and Bob, a stray dog who spends each night curled up on Ivan’s rather large stomach. He has his TV, plenty of his favorite treat (yogurt raisins), and his art (Ivan loves to draw and paint).

But the animals and their daily shows are losing popularity. In an attempt to save the show and his income, their owner, Mack, brings a new friend to their domain—a baby elephant named Ruby, and suddenly everything is different. It’s like Ivan’s eyes are being opened for the first time. Change is coming—there’s no doubt about that—and Ivan realizes he has the power to make it become a change for the better.

My Reaction:

There. That will do. No spoilers there.

Now, how can I convey to you just how truly magnificent this book was?

By showering it with compliments obviously.

This book is the reason that I enjoy children’s fiction. Every once in a while you get a gem of a book that is so completely golden! The sort of story with life and depth that sucks you right in from start to finish and finds a special place in your heart to curl up in and remain forever. It makes you think. It makes you smile. It makes you tear up a bit. It’s brilliant.

Yes, it really is that good. It is well deserving of the Newbery honor it received.

This book actually made me gasp and tear up multiple times. It’s such a beautiful, at times heartbreaking, story. I was so immersed in it, and I love the characters!

You truly just need to experience this book for yourself. This is one of the best books I’ve read for a long time. It’s definitely going on the “Danielle’s Most Favorite Books Ever” list.

Interesting note: Ivan is based off a real gorilla! He passed away in 2012, and the Seattle Times wrote an article about him. Read it here.

Reader Guidance:

This book has a few heart wrenching moments. Nothing overly graphic. The story deals with animals that were taken from their parents at a young age, their parents were killed, some weren’t treated super well in a circus environment.

I really don’t want to give any of the story away, but know there is mention of what is called a “claw stick” being used on animals, animals being killed or dying, and a mention of limbs of animals being cut off to be used for other things and sold.

Similar Books:

The way I felt about this book reminded me of a few other children’s books I love:

Winne the Pooh by A.A. Milne

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Next Book:

Do you guys remember that movie Rise of Guardians that came out in like 2012? Did you know it's based off a book series? There are four books total starting with Nicholas St. North and the Nightmare King. 

I'm really curious about this series, so let's give it a go!

Please go out and read The One and Only Ivan and tell me what you think! And don't forget to send along your recommendations!